Independent Building Regs inspectors

[nervous123]

I've been informed that there may be a legal requirement to engage the same (cowboy) builder who messed up some structural work in my house, to put it right, rather than go to another builder of my choice.

I dont have enough faith in the LABC Inspector's supervision to ensure that the work will be done properly - I beleive LABC's remit is very limited, and i certainly wont get any sort of guarantee or comeback.

Someone suggested using an independent BR inspector, backed by an insurance-backed guarantee. Can anyone confirm if this exists, would it help in my scenario? And any recommendations for any such inpsectors in London?

Thanks.

 

[jeds]

Insurance backed warranties are normally for completed homes. I'm not aware of anybody who offers it for remedial works other than in the case of full structural remodelling as in repair of registered defective homes.

What you need is a structural engineer to design your works and then sign it off afterwards.

 

[joinerjohn]

I doubt very much if there's any legal requirement for you to have the same builder to rectify faulty work. You might be required to allow him reasonable opportunity to carry out rectification works, but many builders don't seem to want to do this. LABC are only interested to see that any work carried out meets building regs. Their not there to judge standard of workmanship etc.

 

[nervous123]

I doubt very much if there's any legal requirement for you to have the same builder to rectify faulty work. You might be required to allow him reasonable opportunity to carry out rectification works, but many builders don't seem to want to do this.

Interesting you say that - that was the impression I had. Anyone else?

LABC are only interested to see that any work carried out meets building regs. Their not there to judge standard of workmanship etc.

...Exactly my concern!!

 

[nervous123]

What you need is a structural engineer to design your works and then sign it off afterwards.

To save costs, I chose an SE who's not chartered yet and therefore hasn't got PII. From which I understand that unless he signs the completed works off, responsibilities will lie with the builders doing the job.

 

[Static]

What you need is a structural engineer to design your works and then sign it off afterwards.

To save costs, I chose an SE who's not chartered yet and therefore hasn't got PII. From which I understand that unless he signs the completed works off, responsibilities will lie with the builders doing the job.

Nope. SE is still responsible for his design just you deal with him in court and not his insurance company.. make sure he has a nice car and big house

 

[nervous123]

What you need is a structural engineer to design your works and then sign it off afterwards.

To save costs, I chose an SE who's not chartered yet and therefore hasn't got PII. From which I understand that unless he signs the completed works off, responsibilities will lie with the builders doing the job.

Nope. SE is still responsible for his design just you deal with him in court and not his insurance company.. make sure he has a nice car and big house

Sorry dont understand - why would any sane person offer his services if he is opening himself up to the prospect of potentially very expensive claims if something goes wrong??

 

[mointainwalker]

Because he has full confidence in himself....

.... or is a mad risk-taker, which shouldn't be the case with a SE given the nature of the job.

 

[noseall]

Sorry dont understand - why would any sane person offer his services if he is opening himself up to the prospect of potentially very expensive claims if something goes wrong??

IF. You seem to be an eternal pessimist.

From what i can gather your building works are hardly complex or large scale. A mediocre builder and S.E. will take it in their stride.

P.S. You get what you pay for in this world......

 

[nervous123]

Sorry dont understand - why would any sane person offer his services if he is opening himself up to the prospect of potentially very expensive claims if something goes wrong??

IF. You seem to be an eternal pessimist.

The point of insurance surely is in case something goes wrong! Nothing to do with being optimistic or pessimistic!

 

[mointainwalker]

The point of insurance surely is in case something goes wrong! Nothing to do with being optimistic or pessimistic

It's a question of degree. If someone insists on insuring against wildly improbable events i.e. a tsunami destroying their house in Birmingham, I think just about everyone would agree that they are being very pessimistic , to say the least.

 

[Heretohelp]

It sounds like you need to employ a project manager to oversee the project on your behalf. Building control officers (whether LABC or Approved Inspectors) are there to ensure the building regs are complied with. If you want a service over and above that then employ the appropriate professional.