Looking for advice on whether to chase builder through legal system or suck up the cost to get another roofer to do repairs.
Facts:
Got extension on house along with gutting original house, remodelling and insulating/rewire - moved into in June 2016. It’s a lean-to for want of a better description.
Architect employed to design and see project to sign off.
Roof leaked in several places - on snag list. Fixed but leaked again x 3. Builder came back and “fixed” each time. Didn’t leak for 6 months or so and final payment made to builder less 1k as other minor snags outstanding.
Builder never seen or heard from again, despite attempts to make contact by phone, email, text.
Builder is still in business.
Roof leaked again. To be clear - it doesn’t always leak when it rains as it is dependent on wind conditions and directions.
Architect proposed another builder. He tried his best but finally said the lead, tiles and velux roof lights do not have adequate weather coverage for the low pitch of the roof. Velux incorrectly installed - sitting on top of felt and not below it, did not use a sealed velux flashing kit. Lead flashing not correctly installed where new roof meets existing building.
I engaged another roofer; same report.
Estimated repair costs from one roofer is currently circa 6.5K to 10K to fix.
This issue is one of many I was left with but this is by far the most costly one (at least that I know about so far).
As per top of post: is there REALLY any point in chasing the builder down the legal avenue or is it throwing good money after bad? Would it be worth one letter sent off to see what happens? Or should I cut and run now and just proceed with another roofer?
Have I other options? As far as I understand it, insurance won’t cover it so I haven’t engaged with insurance company at all.
FYI: I have evidence of emails, texts when trying to get builder to engage. I have the signed contract with builder. I have the final detailed costings breakdown.
Facts:
Got extension on house along with gutting original house, remodelling and insulating/rewire - moved into in June 2016. It’s a lean-to for want of a better description.
Architect employed to design and see project to sign off.
Roof leaked in several places - on snag list. Fixed but leaked again x 3. Builder came back and “fixed” each time. Didn’t leak for 6 months or so and final payment made to builder less 1k as other minor snags outstanding.
Builder never seen or heard from again, despite attempts to make contact by phone, email, text.
Builder is still in business.
Roof leaked again. To be clear - it doesn’t always leak when it rains as it is dependent on wind conditions and directions.
Architect proposed another builder. He tried his best but finally said the lead, tiles and velux roof lights do not have adequate weather coverage for the low pitch of the roof. Velux incorrectly installed - sitting on top of felt and not below it, did not use a sealed velux flashing kit. Lead flashing not correctly installed where new roof meets existing building.
I engaged another roofer; same report.
Estimated repair costs from one roofer is currently circa 6.5K to 10K to fix.
This issue is one of many I was left with but this is by far the most costly one (at least that I know about so far).
As per top of post: is there REALLY any point in chasing the builder down the legal avenue or is it throwing good money after bad? Would it be worth one letter sent off to see what happens? Or should I cut and run now and just proceed with another roofer?
Have I other options? As far as I understand it, insurance won’t cover it so I haven’t engaged with insurance company at all.
FYI: I have evidence of emails, texts when trying to get builder to engage. I have the signed contract with builder. I have the final detailed costings breakdown.