Green Homes Grant - Issues with Quality of Work

scottpdn

In 2021, we had EWI installed using a Green Homes Grant, which we could access due to our daughter being registered disabled. Based on the choices on the government website, we chose a company called SPMS Wales to complete the work - which was completely funded by the grant.
The work was completed to a very poor standard and the topcoat is delaminating and falling off. The company who carried out the work are refusing to do anything about this. They initially gave up a fake warranty as well.
We've tried Trustmark, the BBA, Trading Standards, our local MP - just about everything(!), but every route comes back to relying on the original contractor agreeing to do the work. Even the warranty company acknowledge that it is the company's fault, but have voided the warranty due to the failure of the contractor to complete the work. Paying for another company to do the work would cost upwards of £20,000 and taking legal action would cost far more. What other options do we have?
Thanks,
Scott

Aylesbury_Duck

scottpdn said:

In 2021, we had EWI installed using a Green Homes Grant, which we could access due to our daughter being registered disabled. Based on the choices on the government website, we chose a company called SPMS Wales to complete the work - which was completely funded by the grant.
The work was completed to a very poor standard and the topcoat is delaminating and falling off. The company who carried out the work are refusing to do anything about this. They initially gave up a fake warranty as well.
We've tried Trustmark, the BBA, Trading Standards, our local MP - just about everything(!), but every route comes back to relying on the original contractor agreeing to do the work. Even the warranty company acknowledge that it is the company's fault, but have voided the warranty due to the failure of the contractor to complete the work. Paying for another company to do the work would cost upwards of £20,000 and taking legal action would cost far more. What other options do we have?
Thanks,
Scott

I don't think there are any.  Are you sure that legal action would cost more than £20k?  Do you have legal cover with your home insurance?  If so, I'd speak to them in the first instance.  Your buildings insurer has an interest in the integrity of the property so they may be willing to help.  Some solicitor firms will offer a free short consultation, so you can get an idea about process and likely cost.

The usual route would be that having given the original contractor the opportunity to fix it, you would get quotes from elsewhere, write to the original contractor telling them that unless they rectify the problem, you will proceed to get it fixed and then sue them for the cost.  I appreciate that cashflow will be a problem, though.

scottpdn

Yes - looked into the legal route, but the initial quotes were over 20k.
Tried house insurance route as well - they won’t cover it as they weren’t our insurer when we had the work done.
I can’t believe the lack of support available - system very much on the builder’s side!

Aylesbury_Duck

scottpdn said:

Yes - looked into the legal route, but the initial quotes were over 20k.
Tried house insurance route as well - they won’t cover it as they weren’t our insurer when we had the work done.
I can’t believe the lack of support available - system very much on the builder’s side!

 I didn't expect them to cover it, but as your current insurer I'd have thought they have a vested interest in the integrity of the property.  From what you describe, damp or water ingress is a possibility, and that would perhaps lead to an insurance claim that your insurer would have to settle.  I wondered if they'd help you navigate your way through this with legal advice, for example.

There's also no cost beyond that of a stamp for you to get some quotes for repair and then to send the contractor a letter before action setting out your intention to sue them.  You may not see it through but the threat might stir some action.  If it doesn't, then short of borrowing money to get it fixed and then suing them, you're out of options.