Builder cause damage - options?

[hereAndNow]

Should be a no-brainer and covered under the Goods and Services Act; citing reasonable due care, attention and skill (paraphrasing slightly).

 

Builder performing work has caused damage to house alarm system and now not working. They deny responsibility and yet we would have to cover the cost of repairing it by calling out an engineer/electrician to fix it.

 

Fully intend to claim the cost back from the builders for this extra and unexpected work or reduce the project payment. There is no question about that.

 

The question is from a contractual point of view can I get the builder to stop work as they only just started and not confident in them continuing.

 

In terms of paying for work done so far - does it work out hourly or proportionally?

 

Please note not naming builder at this point.

 

---------- Post added 11-09-2015 at 11:05 ----------

 

Oh and thanks for any thoughts or viewpoint in advance.

[Timeh]

This is something CAB may be able to help with or failing that most solicitors offer a free 1st consultation. In your shoes id be going one of those two routes just to make sure.

[Jim Hardie]

This is something CAB may be able to help with or failing that most solicitors offer a free 1st consultation. In your shoes id be going one of those two routes just to make sure.

 

Good advice, there are too many barrack-room lawyers on this forum as it is.

[geared]

Surely the builder has some kind of insurance policy covering him while he works??

[hereAndNow]

Thanks both for your advice, will follow up.

 

Just for info - the builder has not denied causing the damage (they can't - especially as there is clear evidence and witnesses) but they are saying they won't accept responsibility for fixing it as it's not their area of expertise.

[muckymurphy]

if they are denying damaging the alarm when they are clearly at fault, call a halt to the work immediately and withhold payment till it is sorted...before they deny responsibility for your house falling down.

[spider1]

if they are denying damaging the alarm when they are clearly at fault, call a halt to the work immediately and withhold payment till it is sorted...before they deny responsibility for your house falle ing down.

 

Yes dont let them in the house again. They should have sorted this immediately and apologized . Called Cowboys what a load of scrubers A decent firm will always have some one to call in a situation like this . Accidents happen / cut through a wire or damage something you sort it straight away end of.

Edited September 11, 2015 by spider1

[carosio]

Thanks both for your advice, will follow up.

 

Just for info - the builder has not denied causing the damage (they can't - especially as there is clear evidence and witnesses) but they are saying they won't accept responsibility for fixing it as it's not their area of expertise.

They can't deny liability on the grounds that they can't fix it themselves!

 

I would ask them if they have public liability insurance and if so the name of the company and policy number.

 

As for suspending or cancelling the contract it is best to seek advice.

[spider1]

They can't deny liability on the grounds that they can't fix it themselves!

 

I would ask them if they have public liability insurance and if so the name of the company and policy number.

 

As for suspending or cancelling the contract it is best to seek advice.

 

As for suspending or cancelling the contract it is best to seek advice. NOT on my watch . To late when a gang of cowboys have been let loose for a few days. Be firm and dont give them any money or have they had some already

[alarmingmark]

How have they caused damage to alarm ? Do you have the alarm serviced ? Been to loads of systems where the power has been turned off by the builders and due to the battery back up not been replaced the panel has locked out , so not really the builders fault !