New Build Leak - Originally reported within 2 years

lixhul

Hi guys, lived in my new build for 3.5 years now.

Within the first 2 years of moving in, I reported a leak coming from the bathroom and showing through the wall of the downstairs kitchen. They came, did work, and that was that. 

However, soon after, the issue happened again. They came and did some painting.

It is now happening again in the same area. I am beyond the 2 year warranty period, but so I have a claim that having reported this very issue within the 2 years of which hasn't been resolved, that it should be resolved? Attached two screenshots of the original complaint.

Thank you.

user1977

Have they replied yet? What's actually leaking?

HampshireH

I doubt they will do the work. Unless you can prove it is related to works they have don

Have you found the source of the leak and confirmed it is the exact same problem?

Seems odd to happen 3 times in 3 years

rigolith

Best thing might be to get it fixed yourself with someone competent, who isn't going to bodge it to get beyond the warranty period. Then invoice the builder for the work.

eddddy

You can contact them to say that the leak you reported on 21/03/2021 still hasn't been correctly fixed.

• If they come out and have another go at fixing it, that's great.

• If they refuse, saying it's a new problem - you have to decide whether to fight the developer over it, or give up and pay for your own repairs.

If you decide to fight...

• Did the developer tell you what the original fault was?
• Did the developer tell you what they did to repair the problem?

If your warranty is with NHBC, I believe they offer a dispute resolution service, if you get into a dispute with your builder.

And/or you might have to do something like hire a building surveyor (or similar) to look at the problem area and the previous repair to help you prove that the developer is at fault. But the surveyor's fee might be the same as the cost of fixing the problem.

You could try negotiating with the developer about splitting the cost of the surveyor, or suggesting that the person 'at fault' should pay the surveyor's fee. 

TheJP

rigolith said:

Best thing might be to get it fixed yourself with someone competent, who isn't going to bodge it to get beyond the warranty period. Then invoice the builder for the work.

The builder would have to agree to this beforehand, you cant just randomly invoice someone without agreement.

ProDave

This is just sadly the building industry in particular are never keen to "help" anyone, they just want your money when you buy the house.

Tell us more about the leak, with pictures if you can, what is directly above the leak?  Is it rainwater leaking in?  or does the leak patch get bigger when someone uses the shower or has a bath?  What did they do last time to "fix" it?  was that taking up floor boards or taking the bath panel off to fix a plumbing leak?  or were they up ladders or in the loft fixing something to do with the roof?

I think from the original description is that it is a plumbing leak in the bathroom.  I would first just have a look myself, but then I am a very practical person. Have you tried taking the side panel off the bath for a look?  It might then be obvious where the leak is.

lixhul

Hi guys. I'm not sure exactly where it is coming from other than the bathroom. It has stained the kitchen roof directly beneath it. There is water around one of the taps and wondering if that is it. I have contacted the developer and they are talking to the site managers to see what's going to happen. The insurance was also with the NHBC.

Attached some screens of the issue.

MultiFuelBurner

If there is water around the taps you can with a flat head screwdriver normally turn the water off to the taps as a temporary stop the leak fix.

rigolith

TheJP said:

rigolith said:

Best thing might be to get it fixed yourself with someone competent, who isn't going to bodge it to get beyond the warranty period. Then invoice the builder for the work.

The builder would have to agree to this beforehand, you cant just randomly invoice someone without agreement.

You certainly can.

user1977

rigolith said:

TheJP said:

rigolith said:

Best thing might be to get it fixed yourself with someone competent, who isn't going to bodge it to get beyond the warranty period. Then invoice the builder for the work.

The builder would have to agree to this beforehand, you cant just randomly invoice someone without agreement.

You certainly can.

Yes, you can. It doesn't mean you necessarily have any entitlement to be paid.