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The
BBC received complaints from homeowners on 26 Redrow estates.
They'd all lost ridge tiles during January's high winds.
In
some cases the tiles had damaged cars and conservatories.
In the majority of cases, homeowners had been left with the
repair bill.
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of your emails |
The
problem was blamed on the storms, but a chartered surveyor
showed that workmanship as well as weather conditions played
a part.
Redrow
has launched what it calls a ''full scale investigation.''
In a statement, Redrow said it has found nothing wrong with
the way in which the tiles have been fitted, but they promise
to continue their investigations. The company has made a pledge
to make safe any roofs found to be unsafe.
If
this appears to be a problem on your estate, what should you
do?
If
only your home is affected by the high winds this will more
than likely be be a matter for your home insurance policy.
But if a significant proportion of houses on your estate are
affected in the same way, or have been affected in this way
in previous years, it MAY indicate a defect.
In
that instance, these are some options open to you:
John
Sharples, Chartered Surveyor, ACS |
1.
Contact the developer. Especially in years 1 - 2 of a
new property. The developer has a duty in this period to repair
all defects. Stress the extent of the problem on your estate.
Make it clear your property's problem is not an isolated case.
2.
Contact the NHBC (National Housebuilders' Certificate)
The organisation provides a 10 year warranty to new homes.
After year 3, they are responsible for defects in your new
home. Again, stress the extent of the problem across the estate.
If you're worried this is a health and safety hazard, make
that clear. The NHBC has a minimum claim value which may exclude
them from picking up the tab, approx £700. If the problem
is a defect, you might want to ask them to make safe the whole
roof rather than simply replace missing tiles. You don't want
a problem stored for another year.
3.
Contact your local authority. They have responsibility
for your health and safety. Do tell your building regulations
department if you suspect a hazard. They have enforcement
powers. Salford, South Ribble and Vale Royal councils are
all in touch with Redrow since our report - ask yours to do
the same.
4.
Consider your own further action. You may want to hire
your own chartered surveyor to investigate roofs on your estate.
Was the mortar quality correct? Did the company follow the
manufacturers specifications when the roofs were built? If
you're able to prove the problem is a defect, you may be able
to force the developer or the NHBC to make safe your roof.
Be warned, a chartered surveyor will cost, upwards of £200.
Mortar samples may cost more. If you consider this, consider
clubbing together to meet the cost across the estate.
Ask
yourself these questions:
- Do
you have evidence that workmanship is at fault? If the
answer is 'yes' contact your developer and ask them to make
safe the whole roof. Redrow has pledged to make safe all
roofs found to be unsafe.
- Do
you have evidence that workmanship is at fault AND can you
prove you are out of pocket because of it? If the answer
is 'yes' approach the developer, present them with evidence
of the expense and ask for your money back. You'll need
hard evidence of the lost expense ie excess paid on insurance
claims; receipts for car repairs which tally up with an
initial complaint made to the developer and or NHBC in the
first instance.
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Is it worth going to the small claims court? Again,
you'll need hard fast evidence to prove both the defect
and the expense.
(More information on BBC
Watchdog/ choosing a court)
Of
course, there are no guarantees. Each case is different. You
might not get the response you want or expect. But we're told
the lifespan of a modern roof should be closer to 60 years
than six. Lose ridge tiles are a serious hazard to health
and home.
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