Cowboy builder removes load bearing wall

[Jdv13]

Hi,

I am after some advise. I have had a builder doing a single story extension for me. We have had nothing but problems with him from the start. Him turning up for a couple hours a day and sometimes only twice a week. (This we could deal with) the real problem started when he took out the load bearing wall and placed the steels on. Our house has sub sided and we have 1 1/2” cracks going up the existing walls. He seems to think it will be okay to strap it and screw it together. I was wondering what I could do about this ie claim on his insurance etc as I’m really at a loose end on what to do. I will attach pictures

 

[mattylad]

OH Fluck!

 

[Notch7]

OH Fluck!

Yeah, thats was my immediate reaction.

 

[JP_]

Are you living in the house at the moment? I am not a builder, just a DIYer, but I'd probably stop the build and seek professional legal advice and get a surveyor in the assess the damage.
Maybe call the home insurance company now? But see what the pros here say.

 

[John D v2.0]

I am sorry to see you've had such a result! My advice would be keep on as you are and make sure you take care of yourself with the stress and trouble of this damage to your house.
I'm not a professional either.
I think insurance might get involved if you have legal protection, but they may not cover the cost themselves if the building defects are a result of negligent work (they are!)
I think with the size of the cracks if you have concern about further movement you might want to call building control and get their dangerous structures person to take a look and recommend a propping regime, in case it hasn't stabilised. They have a statutory responsibility for building safety so they should be able to help advise with any immediate risk.

 

[tony1851]

If the cracking is entirely above the level of the beam, it's unlikely the house is subsiding - cracks above are caused either by negligent propping/installation of the beam, or a beam which is too small for the span. If there is cracking below the level of the beam as well, then the problem is more serious.
If the beam is too small, it's the responsibility of whoever chose or specified the beam; otherwise it's the builder for a shoddy installation job.

 

[bobasd]

as above,
but how do you actually know if he has the correct insurance or even any insurance?
your house has not subsided, by the way.

there's a couple of guys on here who know much more about the legal position for this kind of situation than i do - maybe they will chip in?
the forum next to this specialises in legal issues ref building work.

 

[^woody^]

"Cowboy builder" and "his insurance" in the same sentence? Yeah, right.

The wall seems to have spread sideways not just downwards, so could indicate a more extensive problem and repair.

You need to stop work and if building control are involved you need to get them out now (but not for advice just to record the incident). Then you need to instruct an experienced structural engineer (not one of the builder's friends) and follow their advice. Tell you home insurer too as this could be costly and involve action against the builder.

 

[ptarmigan]

I am Not a Builder but that crack at the upper window looks like it has been bodged/repaired before to me.

 

[Notch7]

I am Not a Builder but that crack at the upper window looks like it has been bodged/repaired before to me.

Well spotted - it looks like the paintwork has been touched up.

Odd place for a crack - has it got no lintel? It has an arched head, but would a brick arch crack like that, or is that a decorative arch

Anyway a crack nearly 40mm wide, to me needs a bit of re building

 

[conny]

And if you are still living there, or even visiting, then get out NOW and find somewhere else to stay!

Many years ago my brother had a house that needed renovating. Builder was going to do a knock through and the day before he was due to start the knock through bit my brother called in. He saw a girder on the floor and got talking about how they were going to prop it before knocking through. Builder said they remove one brick at a time and angle the girder in so no need for props. As my brother didn't know anything about building at the time he left them to it. 2 days later he calls in again to see cracks in the walls, builder says it's just settlement cracks. As he and the builder walked outside there was a sudden rumbling sound and shouts as the central internal wall collapsed. 2 workers were seriously injured, (1 guy had 2 broken legs and broken pelvis the other had head, neck and back injuries. Both eventually recovered but never went back to the building game), and the houses either side were structurally damaged. Builder ended up in court with a massive fine and also compensation to the two workers. His insurance also paid for the remedial work to be carried out with a builder of their choosing but the whole scenario bankrupted him. My brother decided to sell the house once it was rebuilt as he decided he would never feel at ease in there.

 

[johnny2007]

Yes, well spotted.
That crack was there already.

 

[Notch7]

And if you are still living there, or even visiting, then get out NOW and find somewhere else to stay!

Many years ago my brother had a house that needed renovating. Builder was going to do a knock through and the day before he was due to start the knock through bit my brother called in. He saw a girder on the floor and got talking about how they were going to prop it before knocking through. Builder said they remove one brick at a time and angle the girder in so no need for props. As my brother didn't know anything about building at the time he left them to it. 2 days later he calls in again to see cracks in the walls, builder says it's just settlement cracks. As he and the builder walked outside there was a sudden rumbling sound and shouts as the central internal wall collapsed. 2 workers were seriously injured, (1 guy had 2 broken legs and broken pelvis the other had head, neck and back injuries. Both eventually recovered but never went back to the building game), and the houses either side were structurally damaged. Builder ended up in court with a massive fine and also compensation to the two workers. His insurance also paid for the remedial work to be carried out with a builder of their choosing but the whole scenario bankrupted him. My brother decided to sell the house once it was rebuilt as he decided he would never feel at ease in there.

Gosh what a story

Im not sure its what the OP wants to hear though!

 

[bobasd]

ptarmigan,
well done mate - great forensic eye sight.

 

[Notch7]

Im surprised the OP hasnt come back.......