** Advice on Rights ** New Static Caravan Bought - Oxidised Paint - Faulty Repairs

jenniferclarke1972

I bought a brand new caravan from a site in North Wales in 2020.  During early 2021, we noticed that the paint was oxidising.  The site agreed that all the panels should be replaced by the manufacturer and after 8 months of patiently chasing and waiting this has now been carried out but, as you can see below, the repairs were way below what was expected.  I have requested a formal response in writing from the site owners (twice giving them 1 week at first then 48 hours to respond), the manufacturer and the contractor who did the works for the manufacturer over the last 3 weeks and STILL have not had any response and am at a loss to know what my rights are.... can anyone help please?

To give you an idea of the problems we have had... see below!

* The repairs are below standard as the bottom panels are out of kilter and split.  The skirting cannot be shut due to it all being out of kilter.

 * The front of the caravan was not replaced.

* There is a HOLE in the kitchen wall where a screw has obviously come through from the outside. 

* There is a CHIP on the kitchen worktop. 

* The main bedroom window is BROKEN.  The top lock does not move which means we are unable to open it.

* Glue or some form of adhesive was left on the dining room table. 

* Our water supply was turned on by your contractors.  It was not turned off again when they left.

*  Anything that could have been moved was moved and not put back in place (or even near to where it was).  Everything was moved and not put back from from the lamps on the fireplace to the sink dispenser, chopping board, coffee/biscuits jars, clocks, candles - everything was moved and needed to be put back.  Felt like we had been robbed!

* There were marks on the coffee table - blankets and cushions had all been sat on.

* Dust was left all over the bed in the main bedroom meaning that I had to change all the bedding. See photo.

AND TO TOP ALL OF THE ABOVE….

* Excrement left in the toilet.

* Urine was left all over the toilet seat.

 If anyone can point me in the right direction as to what my rights are it would be greatly appreciated.#

Many thanks

Ergates

The issues you'll be able to claim for are those that relate to direct physical damage to the caravan and or work not being carried out to a suitable standard.  i.e. things that will have a financial implication on yourself to put right.
So: panels not being fitted properly, or being of poor quality; damage to the kitchen wall and kitchen counter; broken window.

The glue on the counter may or may not be claimable depending on if it's possible to remove without damaging the counter.

I don't know what the impact of leaving the water supply on would be.  Did it damage something?  Did it cost you extra?  Would it have been obvious it should have been turned off?

Things being moved about, dust/dirt resulting from the work, things being sat on, etc.  Unless the contract for the repairs specifically stated that everything would be tidied up and left exactly as it was before is not likely to be something you could claim for.  Likewise the toilet, whilst disgusting, is not something you're likely to be able to claim for (unless it's caused damage).

You claim is with the manufacturer as they are the ones who contracted the repairs (I assume, or did you arrange it and they're paying for it?).  Gather evidence of the poor work and damage and send it to them, saying that you expect them to rectify those issues.

You could also send them evidence of the other matters, but as an indication of poor service rather than matters you need them to sort out.