Window leaking - do i have to pay?

[sammybabes]

We have had a loft conversion, a 6-8 week project is now into its 6th month. We have had a variety of problems. The work is complete now, however the window still leaks when it rains, therefore we haven't paid the final payment, as we believe if we pay we will not see him again! Any advice? Also, will the building regs certificate come from the builder or the council?

[Tony]

Have you seen this?

Problems with Builders or Tradesmen | Consumer Information

You can't just withhold final payment as this would put you in breach of contract. You need to make it clear that the job is not complete and why? And you are not making the final payment until all the snagging items are complete.

Tony

[sammybabes]

We have informed him of the problem and he is aware that final payment will be made when we are satisfied that the window no longer leaks. Any idea where the building regs certificate will come from?

[Tony]

I am not sure about the building regs certificate, but would be interested to know. I know that are Approved Inspectors as well as the local council. I would give the local council a ring

Tony

[homara]

The Building Regs Cert should be issued by the Planning Dept or Building Control Dept of Council, depending upon what you've had done. The builder, again depending on the work carried out, can self certify some aspects of his work eg electrics. When the relevent depts of Council are satisfied that Building Regs have been adhered to, they will issue the Building Regs Cert. It should be noted, however, that these depts do not guarantee the standard of workmanship carried out. Unless they see something glaringly wrong, they will issue a cert. Their inspections, if any, are usually cursory.

I suggest you contact your local Council and discuss your problem with the Building Control Dept and/or Development (Planning) Control Dept. They should be able to inform you of any involvement they've had in your project and in the issuing of the Cert.

Should you remain disatisfied with the standard of work , I would recommend you commission an Expert Witness Report by a Chartered Building Surveyor. They charge approx £60-£80 per hr but are worth their weight in gold. They will inspect the work, report on defects, report on remedial work neccessary and will prepare detailed costings for any remedial works required. This Expert Witness Report is considered independent by the Courts and as such carries a lot of weight. Builders don't often argue with it!

Good luck.