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Author Topic: Compensation - What would be an appropriate claim?  (Read 11123 times)

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romulus

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Compensation - What would be an appropriate claim?
« on: April 01, 2015, 07:33:58 pm »
From the point of purchasing a new build property we have had to endure many problems including stress and worry.

Despite being given a completion date, we were delayed entry for a week due to the property not being ready.  We had to find alternative accommodation at our cost.

Over a period of 6 months we have had to endure snagging visits for 50+ items.  
There were repeat visits for a number of these items.

We had no hot water for 2 weeks over Christmas.

The major items which have still to be fixed are draughty and leaking windows and sloping floor throughout.  The sloping floors are 4 times the NHBC guidelines, in places.

We are awaiting confirmation concerning the rectification of the sloping floors.  We anticipate that we will require to be re-housed by the builder for approximately 2 months in order for the work to be completed.  Our furniture will also require to be moved and stored for that period.

We paid for a private survey and structural engineers report.

Given that our lives have been continuously disrupted and will have been put on hold for about 10-11 months before everything is dealt with, what should we think of claiming by way of compensation for the foregoing?





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Re: Compensation - What would be an appropriate claim?
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2015, 06:44:43 am »
First of all, don't you think it would be beneficial to others to name and shame the house builder that has put you through this hell? 

"No hot water for two weeks over Christmas"
Why didn't you call the number of the emergency plumber the builder gave you?
Why didn't you organise a plumber yourself and get the builder to pay his bill?

What you have suffered is clearly unacceptable.
You could make a claim using the Consumer Code for Home Builders for the inaccurate completion date but the maximum allowed for  inconvenience is £250.

The level of compensation depends on many factors.
It is straight forward that you should be repaid all your expenses incurred due to the defective works and rectification.
If you are forced to move out you should be in a five star hotel with meals and laundry all paid for by the house builder. That would give them an incentive to get the work done as quickly as possible.
During this time you should not be expected to pay your mortgage or  Council tax and utilities either - again these should be covered by the house builder.

The level of compensation for suffering and inconvenience will be different for different people based on each perception of the degree of suffering.  If you have needed medical treatment or been to your doctor as a result of this, the payment would be higher than if you had not. The number of people in your household is also a factor.

My advice is to take legal action against the house builder.
I can suggest Geoff Peters at Wingrovelaw.co.uk   He specialises in action against house builders - give him a call.


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