Do the Builders Pay for Their Mistakes or Do I?
Posted by HumpsBuckers@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 10 comments
Let’s say my builder puts in a new bathroom upstairs and a pipe leaks in it while he’s still finishing it off which results in the downstairs ceiling needing cut, replaced, replastered and repainted - and maybe the same in the bathroom because part of the wall needs to be removed to find the leak. Who is responsible and who should be paying? (builder and plasterer are separate people so it’s two people’s time/day rate to fix)
No-Garbage9500@reddit
He does.
In reality, he'll do literally anything to get out of it. Ours lied and fabricated evidence from building control saying we needed over boarded ceilings for fire regs, that handily got him out of replacing the ones his lads put their feet through.
Don't trust them one bit. If they say anything, don't even just ask for evidence, make sure you get it yourself. When we actually spoke to building control ourselves they said they'd ordered nothing of the sort.
Expect them to do anything and everything up to liquidating their company to avoid fixing their own incompetence.
Jacktheforkie@reddit
A tradesman should have insurance for such situations, but if it’s a small amount of damage they may fix it out of pocket
YSOSEXI@reddit
Hi, I'm a builder, anything we cause we rectify.
pix1985@reddit
The builder if he’s decent, the builders insurance (via your own insurance) if not. Your insurer will pay you and get the money off there insurer. You’ll need good proof he’s liable though.
Intelligent_Prize_12@reddit
If it is faulty materials it's whoever supplied them, if it's faulty labour it's whoever installed it. If a faulty product has been installed correctly there may be a route through the suppliers for compensation.
cgknight1@reddit
The correct answer is to see their insurance before they start. If they don't have any or refuse to show it - move on to the next quote.
In the situation you describe the builder is paying.
MountainMuffin1980@reddit
Well it depends if it was an existing issue or caused by the builder. If the builder caused it he/his company pays and then he should be able to claim it back from his indemnity insurance (if he has any...).
jollygoodvelo@reddit
Your house insurance may cover it.
A reputable tradesman should have liability insurance.
An even better tradesman will recognise their mistake and fix it without insurance being involved, of the three this is hugely preferable.
knight-under-stars@reddit
The builder is responsible for resolving any issues they create.
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