Help please: whose fault?

6 years ago

I really need help please, I had a rear extension 3 years ago, in short within 18 months the new metal supporting beam which was put in has dropped and caused the bedroom floor above to drop and many cracks in the bedroom wall both internal and external.

My problem is that no one will except responsibility, the builder has said he followed the structural engineers' calculations and the council building inspector has said that yes he inspected the RSJ when it was put in and passed it but in the next breath that the builder may have changed something once the inspection was ticked off.

In short, it looks like the metal beam has not be packed enough in the middle so has dropped.

I asked the original structural engineer back but then he disappeared.

I am over a 1000 quid out of pocket as I got a very expensive structural engineer to do a report on the damage , he said the RSJ isn't long enough.

The original builder said he will repair the work but I am not sure I trust him, as he cut a lot of corners first time round, he said the council told him, he does not need to fix the work as it wasn't his fault.

So, whose fault is it?

Surely a builder with a lot of experience would realise a supporting beam isn't long enough!

Or, is the council at fault for passing it?

I can't get in contact with the original structural engineer who I think was recommended by the council.

What do I do next?

Everyone is passing the blame onto the next person.

As for insurance, I was naive and didn't realise at the time that I needed to declare the extension to my insurers before the work took place, I did add it on about 6 - 12 months after the extension was completed, can I ask them for help or am I on my own fighting a builder, the council and a vanishing structural engineer?

Any advise will be greatly appreciated.

The builder was supposed to come today and he did not show up!

HELP!!

Featured Answer

chief_brody

6 years ago

Great. If they operate as a business then treat them like one. Set out the problem and give them 14 days to respond in writing. If you get nothing back, follow up with another registered letter explaining what your next steps will be and 7 days to respond. They need to understand the issue will not go way and if they ignore you it's only going to get worse. Keep proof of delivery records which will come in use if you hit a brick wall and need to deal with a solicitor or a complaint to the engineering governing body and their code of conduct. If he stands by his work, he should have nothing to fear.

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Comments (8)

A B
6 years ago
Did the builder put in the wrong size? Or structural engineer recommend wrong size? Forget about the council you will get no where with them.
Jonathan
6 years ago
Put this in the hands of the insurance company to resolve
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chief_brody
6 years ago
That sounds like a nightmare, but to get through this you will have to stay calm and work methodically through the process. Gather all the original paperwork.

Start with the original engineer. Write a formal letter to them and send it registered post/signed for. Copy to them the report from the second engineer and explain the problem and provide photos. Invite them to meet you onsite to inspect the building. They should be a member of a recognised institute of engineers plus they should have liability insurance. If you can prove the fault is due to incorrect calculations then the problem lies with them. If he can prove that either the builder didn't order the correct beams, or their fitting is faulty then it passes to the builder. The building control inspector will not be a lot of help.

I am sure others may have better advice but reading your post that would be my approach. Good luck
Gemma
6 years ago
If you have legal expenses on your home insurance you may be able to use that for solicitors costs and advice but general house insurance won't cover poor workmanship unfortunately.
Chopchop Cherry
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Thank you everyone for your advice, I travel a lot with work so it's been very hard to keep on top of this, I'm home for a few months now as we are supposed to be getting other work on the house done, although I may have to put this on hold until the beam issue is resolved.

Chief-brody, I have tried contacting the original structural engineer many times, but a formal registered letter is a good idea.

Jen P, from the new structural engineer's report, it looks like the original one recommended the wrong size and yes, I am getting no where with the council, although they were very happy to take my money!

Jonathan, my plan is to contact my insurance company, as this has gone on too long and I really need someone on my side!

Gemma, I am hoping I don't have to go through the solicitors route but fingers crossed my insurance company can point me in the right direction even if I'm not fully covered.

Waiting to see if the original builder turns up today!
A B
6 years ago
In a way that is good news that it was the original structural engineer's mistake. They will have professional indemnity insurance so you will be covered :) May be worth speaking to the institute of structural engineers for advice
Chopchop Cherry thanked A B
Chopchop Cherry
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you Chief-brody and Jen P, for your all great advice, I am going to email the second (very expensive) structural engineer and double check with him about the beam size and if he has any additional advice for me on this matter.

I will also write a letter to the original structural engineer and seek advice from The Institute of `Structural engineers.

With all the great advice on here, I feel like I can move forward very quickly.

Help please: whose fault?

chief_brody

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