Defective Work Claims - Expert Legal Help for Building Defects

When construction work falls below acceptable standards, it can cause significant financial loss, safety concerns, and ongoing problems. Defective work claims help property owners recover compensation for poor workmanship and ensure proper remedial work is completed.

What Our Defective Work Solicitors Can Help With

• Building Defect Claims: Compensation for structural and non-structural defects
• Poor Workmanship Claims: Pursuing contractors for substandard work
• Breach of Contract: Claims for failure to meet contractual standards
• Professional Negligence: Claims against architects, engineers, and surveyors
• Warranty Claims: Enforcing building warranties and guarantees
• NHBC Claims: National House Building Council warranty claims
• Remedial Work Recovery: Recovering costs of fixing defective work
• Diminution in Value: Compensation for reduced property value

Common Types of Defective Work

Structural Defects:

• Foundation Problems: Inadequate foundations causing settlement
• Structural Cracking: Walls, ceilings, and load-bearing elements
• Roof Structure Defects: Sagging, inadequate support, timber defects
• Floor Problems: Uneven floors, inadequate joists, movement
• Wall Construction: Cavity wall problems, inadequate insulation

Water Ingress and Weatherproofing:

• Roof Leaks: Faulty tiles, gutters, flashing, and membrane
• Window and Door Defects: Poor sealing, inadequate installation
• Damp Problems: Rising damp, condensation, penetrating damp
• External Wall Issues: Render failure, pointing problems

Services and Systems Defects:

• Electrical Defects: Non-compliant wiring, safety issues
• Plumbing Problems: Leaks, inadequate systems, poor installation
• Heating System Defects: Boiler problems, inadequate heating
• Ventilation Issues: Inadequate ventilation causing problems

Who Can Be Held Liable

Main Contractors:

• Responsible for overall project quality
• Liable for subcontractor defects
• Contractual obligations for workmanship standards
• Duty to supervise and manage subcontractors

Subcontractors and Specialists:

• Direct liability for their specific work
• Professional duties for specialist trades
• Collateral warranties to property owners

Design Professionals:

• Architects: Design defects and inadequate specifications
• Engineers: Structural and services design problems
• Surveyors: Inadequate surveys and project management

Building Defect Assessment

Expert Evidence Requirements:

• Building Surveyors: Overall building condition and defects
• Structural Engineers: Structural integrity and safety
• Specialist Experts: Services, waterproofing, materials
• Quantity Surveyors: Remedial work costs and valuation

Investigation Process:

• Detailed building inspection and photography
• Material testing and laboratory analysis
• Document review and specification analysis
• Cause and liability assessment
• Remedial work proposals and costing

Types of Compensation Available

Remedial Work Costs:

• Cost of fixing defective work
• Temporary accommodation during repairs
• Additional professional fees
• Investigations and testing costs

Consequential Losses:

• Damage to contents and furnishings
• Alternative accommodation costs
• Loss of use and enjoyment
• Business losses (commercial property)

Diminution in Value:

• Reduction in property market value
• Stigma and marketability issues
• Future maintenance and monitoring costs

Time Limits for Defective Work Claims

Contractual Claims:

• 6 years from completion (simple contracts)
• 12 years from completion (contracts under seal)
• Time runs from when defect becomes apparent

Professional Negligence:

• 6 years from date of negligent act
• 3 years from date of knowledge
• Maximum 15 years from negligent act

Building Warranties:

• NHBC: 2 years for workmanship, 10 years structural
• Premier Guarantee: Similar coverage periods
• Professional indemnity: Typically 6-12 years

Defective Work Claim Costs

Legal Costs:

• Solicitor fees: £200-£600 per hour
• Total legal costs: £10,000-£100,000+
• Success fees under CFAs: Up to 100%
• ATE insurance: 20-40% of cover amount

Expert and Investigation Costs:

• Building survey: £1,000-£5,000
• Structural engineer: £2,000-£10,000
• Specialist testing: £1,000-£10,000
• Quantity surveyor: £1,500-£5,000

Why Choose SolicitorConnect for Defective Work Claims

• Building Defect Specialists: Solicitors with extensive experience in construction defects
• Technical Expertise: Understanding of building standards and construction processes
• Expert Networks: Established relationships with building surveyors and engineers
• Funding Options: CFAs, ATE insurance, and other funding arrangements
• Settlement Focus: Achieving practical solutions without unnecessary litigation
• Multi-Party Experience: Managing complex claims against multiple defendants

Defective work claims require specialist knowledge of both construction law and building standards to achieve successful outcomes for property owners.

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified solicitor.