Beware NHBC and Builders!

ecclesto

Not too sure if this is the correct place for this but I am caught in the middle between my house builder (not sure if I could name names) and the NHBC. Basically, my home was built in March 2003. Due to the wet weather, I have developed a leak in the garage. This is caused by the downspout being sited differently on my house to other houses of my design and spiliing directly onto the flashing and coming back into the roof. I now have another leak in the sofits. I approached both the builder and NHBC who both have said they are not responsible as the house is more than 2 years old. So much for NHBC 10 years guarantee. I have told the builder that I will be taking the matter to a small claims court but don't really know how much this will cost me! Help please

IveSeenTheLight

Sorry, got no advice as such but I immediately thought about the 10 year gaurantee when you said the house is older than 2 years.

Have you asked them about that?

lisyloo

Have you got documentation from the NHBC (or try their website).
This doesn't sound like you've been give the correct information.

I went to the NHBC twice after 2 years and got the matter resolved.

I would advise trying to use the NHBC first before the small claims court.

ecclesto

Yes, I have asked the NHBC but they say only certain types of repair are covered in the 10 years!!! I have got the NHBC to repair my old home but it took ages and a lot of hastle! I have all my documents but NHBC just wouldn' t play ball! The builders are being equally obnoxious and I did wonder if I should visit their showhome at another site and approach the salesperson when the office was full! Don't want to give into these people!

ethansmum

I totally agree, a neighbour of ours recently discovered that her chimney had no flashing when her bedroom ceiling turned into a waterfall after a rainstorm. Again NHBC said that house was too old- built in 2003. She eventually got the builder to pay as a goodwill gesture!

lisyloo

I have told the builder that I will be taking the matter to a small claims court but don't really know how much this will cost me!

The small claims court is meant to be a cheap wayof resolving relative small matters so in general solicitors are not used.
If the other side uses one then they can't hold you responsible for costs.

If you have a strong case then go for it.
Make sure you have everything you need when you go to court e.g. photos of all the other properties and photos of yours.
It's what you can show in court that counts.
The case will be decided by a judge who will take a decision themselves on whether you or the builder are telling the truth.
I would say that they are liekly to be biased to your rather than a big bad builder who are meant to be experts in house building.

Go for it.

Yes you could try to give them bad press in their sales office on a Saturday but it's a somewhat risky strategy.
What if they get an injunction against you?
It won't then look very good if you then decide to go to court.

I would pursue the small claims thingy.
It's a small risk and hassle to you but it means that things will get done.

Lorian

Downpipes onto flashing is quite common on some dormer style houses in these parts. Doesn't mean it should leak though. Can we see a photo of the downpipe and flashing?

How do the soffits (like in blue below) leak? There shouldn't be any water on them when it rains.

Jonbvn

Lorian,

I think that detail is from the US - the UK does not usually have hurricanes - therefore bldgs do not require hurricane clips.

clutton_2

and we usually have gutters rather than a drip edge

ecclesto

Thanks for the advice! I will be in touch with the CAB who, I hope, should be able to point me in the direction for small claims court! I really don't see why I should pay or claim on my insurance as it is not my fault. In the meantime, should I get the leak fixed as the water is finding its way through the lights! Would I then be able to claim the money back?

plane_boy2000

10 year NHBC warranty only covers MAJOR structural issues,

The NHBC are not normally very helpful - they are supposed to be independent but are a non profit organization funded by.........the developers.

As the saying goes - you dont bite the hand that feeds you......