How long do I have to sue?

B

batmansDad

Guest
I want to sue the builder who ruined my house. He walked out last October 1st after refusing to fix any problems he caused.

We have a full itemized & detailed list of works to be carried out.
We also have 4 reports from engineers regarding the terrible workmanship, which outline all the issues.
We have several quotes from other builder to repair the works (€60k - €80k)
We also have a full photographic and video reference log from when he started to work on the house.

So how long do I have do I have to get him?
And what do I need to get him? (Obviously a good solicitor & money)
 
You need to think about whether you'll get anything back, even if you win your case. Does he have assets that can be siezed? Is he an established business? Is the business still up and running?
 
He's currently building another 2 houses, I've warned them to be careful.

Whether I get anything or not doesn't bother me, I fixed the house at great financial and personal costs but it's done now. He made my life a misery for 18 months and I want some form of justice.
 
batmansDad said:
Whether I get anything or not doesn't bother me, I fixed the house at great financial and personal costs but it's done now. He made my life a misery for 18 months and I want some form of justice.
Click to expand...

Does not compute. The only form of justice you will get is monetary and, if the builder does not have money, or you're in a long queue of people coming after him, you (probably) won't get it.

I'd say do a lot more thinking about suing, before jumping into proceedings. And if you are going to sue, do it now. Why would you wait? And talk to a solicitor in the first instance - more than likely, you will be paying their very substantial costs so factor that into your decision also.


mf
 
I had to prioritize the house first, it's taken me just under a year to get it to a livable condition. I suspect in the next week or two I should be able to go after him. I just wanted to be sure that there is not a time limit on me tackling him.

I understand that potentially the only one who will gain from this is a solicitor. If I were not able to get any money back from the builder I would be happy to know that the builder lost a case in court and it's there on public record that he's a dodgy builder. Effectively taking him out of the game entirely so no others would have to go through the same **** I did.

Principals can be expensive, but in this case I feel it's warranted.
 
"If I were not able to get any money back from the builder I would be happy to know that the builder lost a case in court and it's there on public record that he's a dodgy builder."

That may not happen. He may simply fold. He may concede - in which case, there will be no hearing and no opportunity to vent your frustration. He may force you to arbitration.

If you do decide to go ahead, in general, you should always take action as soon as possible - your time limit is 6 years for breach of contract. But that is way too long to wait.

mf
 
If you read my previous posts, we were sued by the cow boy builder who has never completed renovating our house. I suspected he is receiving free legal aid / service but can't prove it. I have already paid a big legal bill to my solicitor yet nothing has done. Just want to say be extremely thoughtful of your family and life if you want to proceed to take legal action; by all means if you have made up your mind, a good solicitor makes a lot different, and best luck!
 
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