Hi TaylorWimpeyDidThis,
I had the NHBC meeting with the builder and conveniently enough they showed up at my door at the same time (read many of these stories before!) I found the NHBC rather friendly with the builder and one could easily mistake them to be friends or colleagues, they also addressed each other by first names (should I have been surprised?
). I felt that the NHBC investigator was on the developer's side for the most part and wasn't interested on what I had to say or I what wanted to show them (I wonder why???). They listened to the developer on what sections of the floor should be opened and I didn't get much of a say to be honest (I guess by this time you are not surprised either eh?
)
However, I had an expert witness from the industry at the meeting who questioned some areas of floor and commented on bad workmanship when sections of it was opened up.
In the end the NHBC ruled in my favour, that the builder must relay the floors in the bedrooms but I felt that the investigations which took place were not adequate and thorough enough to conclude the work which has been ordered. I also overheard the NHBC say to the builder something along the lines of "you can't be seen to not do anything," whilst they were discussing amongst themselves (I can only assume that this came about because my expert witness had pushed them and that had some valid points on the failure of the floor!)
There was no discussion with me and they had already decided among themselves on what is going to be done whilst they had a little whisper meeting outside. I didn't get to have a say on what was going to happen or any real opportunity to ask anything as they were leaving. It was decided that the builder is to arrange works with me even though I did not have clear information on exactly what needs to be done, I was just told they know what to do at first until I questioned but even the answer was very vague.
It may appear that I have beaten the builder in this instance but I truly believe that I only got a result as I had a professional on my side, if not for that I think the builder would have won and walked away with a smirk. I do not really have much faith in the work which has been ordered, not only because the way I felt I had won but because the investigations were not thorough, plus I have had sections of the floors opened in one of my other rooms in the past, where the builder glued the boards down and added quite a few screws to secure the floor but did not make any difference (I actually mentioned this in the meeting too, but it was ignored). I have also read that others with similar issues had new boards installed but didn't rectify the issue. Moreover, I have spoken to a few people who experienced these problems who got a result with either the developer or NHBC by installing independent ceiling systems e.g. resilient bars or additional joists being inserted between the existing one to decouple the ceiling. So I some how feel that my victory maybe short lived.
I hope you get your issues sorted out and I will keep you posted as the event unfold.
Good Luck!