Builder cause damage - options?

[GerryBooth]

He may have damaged your alarm system but how? It is so easy to say you damaged it so you pay for it but was it due to the builders negligence or the customers ignorance?

 

I get asked to re-point houses but when it comes to things like alarm boxes, security lights, outside lights I am expected to be an alarm engineer and electrician. I make it clear in my quote all electrical items should be removed prior to me starting.

 

I have had BT extension wires bedded into the existing pointing then when I come along with an angle grinder and cut through hidden wires I am somehow responsible? Am Zi expected to have X Ray eyes?

[Ducky1]

If you are having any work done you should always ask to see proof they have Liability Insurance. That's the reason they have it in case they cause damage to your property. Presumably the damage he caused was not deliberate so claiming on his Liability policy should not be a problem, then he can continue with the work.

[Fastfordman]

If you can prove the builder caused the damage and they don't deny it, then put it in writing to them requiring them to sort it or you will get an alarm specialist in and knock off the cost from their bill. If the builder accepts this no problems let them finish the job, if not then you could consider asking them to stop the works and withhold some monies to cover the repair.

 

In terms of insurance any reputable builder will carry public indemnity insurance, but the excess will probably not make it worth them claiming for the cost of the alarm repair.