Builder Blackmail

29december1952

My neighbour had building works done to his house.  His builders caused approx. £3000’s worth of damage to my property (which I can prove) and are denying any fault except for a wall re-rendering at £650 which I have had to pay for.  I got my problem published in the Times and their solicitors advised it was the responsibility of my neighbour and his builder to reimburse me.  My neighbour keeps telling me to speak with the builder not him; also if I go to court he will contest it.  He can afford court fees as he’s the owner of a company turning over £3.5 million.  I had to write a bad review about this builder to try and get him to recompense and sort out the damage; he came back with an offer of £650 but I had to agree to remove the bad review.  I agreed to this and now he’s saying he won’t pay until I have deleted the review and state in writing (email) that I will not pursue him any more for the rest of the damage costs plus whatever might go wrong with my house in the future due to his firm’s bad workmanship.  I tried to go through my own house insurance but they said I was not covered for damage done by someone else’s builder.  Asked builder why he hasn’t gone through his own public liability insurance and the blanket insurance I presume he had when he set on subcontractors.  No reply so assume there was no insurance on the two year site works.  Builder is not in a trade association.  I have been calm and polite with neighbour, neither of them want to face me.  I’m a 70 year old woman for what it’s worth.  Other than going to court, is there anything else anyone can suggest?  Comments much appreciated.

tacpot12

Going to court could be the right answer here. Do you have legal expenses cover as part of your home insurance. If you do, they should sue the neighbour and builder for you. if you didn't lage out this cover, you will need to consider whether the cost of a private solicitor is worth it. It might easily cost £3000 to get the £3000 back!

Most solicitors will give you a free consultation where they will consider the case, tell you how likely they think you are to win, and how much you will have to pay them. The last part is the most important. 

I wourl recommend deleting the bad review anyway, you don't want a counter-claim for defamation (libel). Don't sign anything saying what action you will or won't take in future. 

29december1952

Many thanks for that

29december1952

Forgot to say, no I don't have legal expenses cover but will do in future!

29december1952 said:

Many thanks for that