ChatterBank1 min ago
POOR WORKMANSHIP -- COUNCIL
I moved into a local authority propery in 2008 (2 years). When I moved in the kitchen was defective due to the back of the base units off it's mainframe. The cooker (Hazard i?) was to the left of the back door. I believe it was agreed that a new kitchen, after requesting that they look to replace the units; wear and tear and not be able to fix the units. On the start of the project, the kitchen was thrown in and resulted in other disrepair issues such as walls unprepared for tiling, and a wall unit being placed in the corner by which the corner obscured the use of this unit. I subsequently pulled the council off the work due to the poor workmanship and the hazard that the wall unit created -- the council did not pick up on this hazard until recommencement of the build 3rd week of January 2010 -- I have a medical condition to boot!! The council came in recently to finish the build. Damage to my personal possessions has occurred - disrepair issues have arisen; holes either by removing pipes and cutting around electrically trunking. In fact the work has been done so appauling that there the kitchen has not been mentioned that the kitchen hasn't been put in straight, subsequently, the cupboards and drawers do not line up with the next unit, from one unit to the next there is a quarter of an inch difference in the height. Just to mention, the previous build in September 2008 had been left in -- no surveyor's report to check to see if it were okay to build on the last build in 2008?
Can anyone advise me what they see here with the my rights as a tenant, and the success likely in winning this case?
. I am not awaiting to see a solicitor for damages, including also, an expert to come in and diagnosis what problems will arise in the future.
Can anyone advise me what they see here with the my rights as a tenant, and the success likely in winning this case?
. I am not awaiting to see a solicitor for damages, including also, an expert to come in and diagnosis what problems will arise in the future.
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I moved into a local authority property in 2008 (2 years). When I moved in the kitchen was defective the back of the cupboard units were displaced from the mainframe. The cooker directly behind the back door. I believe it was agreed that a new kitchen, apparently on my strong opinion, would be replaced.
At the start of the project, the kitchen shoddily put in resulting in other issues: unprepared walls creating a smooth surface for tiling etc. And a wall unit whereby I had to lean over my cooker to get to the cupboard. Due to this I ask the council not to return until investigations had been made in respect the works carried out.
The council did not pick up on this hazard until recommencement of the build 3rd week of January 2010 -- I have a medical condition to boot!!
The council came in recently to finish the build. Damage to my personal possessions has occurred - disrepair issues have arisen; holes in work surfaces due to removing pipes and cutting around electrically trunking. In fact the work has been done so badly that I have since been informed that the kitchen isn’t in straight, subsequently, the cupboards and drawers do not line up with the next unit; there is a quarter of an inch difference in the height from one unit to the next.
Just to mention, the previous build in September 2008 had been left in -- no surveyor's report to check to see if it were okay to build on the last build in 2008?
Can anyone advise me what they see here with the my rights as a tenant, and the success likely in winning this case?
. I am not awaiting to see a solicitor for damages, including also, an expert to come in and diagnosis what problems will arise in the future.
At the start of the project, the kitchen shoddily put in resulting in other issues: unprepared walls creating a smooth surface for tiling etc. And a wall unit whereby I had to lean over my cooker to get to the cupboard. Due to this I ask the council not to return until investigations had been made in respect the works carried out.
The council did not pick up on this hazard until recommencement of the build 3rd week of January 2010 -- I have a medical condition to boot!!
The council came in recently to finish the build. Damage to my personal possessions has occurred - disrepair issues have arisen; holes in work surfaces due to removing pipes and cutting around electrically trunking. In fact the work has been done so badly that I have since been informed that the kitchen isn’t in straight, subsequently, the cupboards and drawers do not line up with the next unit; there is a quarter of an inch difference in the height from one unit to the next.
Just to mention, the previous build in September 2008 had been left in -- no surveyor's report to check to see if it were okay to build on the last build in 2008?
Can anyone advise me what they see here with the my rights as a tenant, and the success likely in winning this case?
. I am not awaiting to see a solicitor for damages, including also, an expert to come in and diagnosis what problems will arise in the future.
also when you say "Winning this case" does this mean you have a "case" as in court? if so what are you expecting the outcome will be? a new kitchen? A move to another property?
when you say about compensation do you mean because your stuff has been damaged or compensation for having to use a wonky kitchen?
when you say about compensation do you mean because your stuff has been damaged or compensation for having to use a wonky kitchen?
sorry to ask so many questions but i a failing to understand what you would be compensated for except for the damage to your personal posessions. Is the kitchen useable despite being wonky? there is a certain amount of inconvenience to be expected when you have a new kitchen put in anywayisn't there?
Sorry what would be your basis in what you say here; Bednobs? I moved into a property that was defective under the defective act, in law. It does say 'in law' that the workmanship does have to be reasonable- I have had countless amount of problems from the kitchen being a hazard for 17 months, than only for the kitchen to be found to be incorrectly put in. I'd be interested in where you are basing your information from - did you read my problem?
i did read it, yes. I suppose my answer is coming from a "common sense" point of view as all my legal knowledge comes from watching judge judy :)
When you say the kitchen has been a hazzard could you expand a bit more on what you mean? You have said about having to lean across the cooker to get to a cupboard, but, for example, so do i and i just use the common sense approach of not getting anything from the cupboard when the cooker is on. You also say about the oven being next to a door but i can't really see the problem with that either. ok from what you are saying the workmanship is shoddy but what are expected to be compensated for? You sound like you have at least had use of the kitchen, even if it was not straight. I'm sure that someone with more legal knowledge than me (not hard!) will come along and help you more. I still can't see if you are seeing a solcitor or not.
If you get compensation from the council have you considered that this will most likely come out of the money they set aside for council houses upkeep? I also dont really understand if it's so bad and caused you so much distress you didn't just move somewhere else. I know this is not answering your question and i'm sorry but i guess it will be the kind of thing a judge will take into account should you progress
When you say the kitchen has been a hazzard could you expand a bit more on what you mean? You have said about having to lean across the cooker to get to a cupboard, but, for example, so do i and i just use the common sense approach of not getting anything from the cupboard when the cooker is on. You also say about the oven being next to a door but i can't really see the problem with that either. ok from what you are saying the workmanship is shoddy but what are expected to be compensated for? You sound like you have at least had use of the kitchen, even if it was not straight. I'm sure that someone with more legal knowledge than me (not hard!) will come along and help you more. I still can't see if you are seeing a solcitor or not.
If you get compensation from the council have you considered that this will most likely come out of the money they set aside for council houses upkeep? I also dont really understand if it's so bad and caused you so much distress you didn't just move somewhere else. I know this is not answering your question and i'm sorry but i guess it will be the kind of thing a judge will take into account should you progress
I had a similar problem - moved into my house where the boiler was fit for being condemned, no oven at all, and the kitchen consisted of one work top, a sink and one wonky cupboard. However, I had to fix this myself as I don't have the privilege of living in a council house where I can expect everything to be done for nothing. Just be grateful its being done as far as I'm concerned.
I still don't understand what exactly you're planning on suing the Council for. Presumably as you don't pay Council Tax you don't care where other people's council tax money goes or would like it to be in your back pocket?
Sorry to sound harsh - but as a home owner who has to pay for everything herself (at a struggle), I see red when others winge and moan that things they get done for free are sub-standard. My neighbours have had new windows fitted twice since I moved into my house - and I'm still stuck with the drafty aluminium windows which were put in when the house was built.
Stop moaning and smell the roses.
I still don't understand what exactly you're planning on suing the Council for. Presumably as you don't pay Council Tax you don't care where other people's council tax money goes or would like it to be in your back pocket?
Sorry to sound harsh - but as a home owner who has to pay for everything herself (at a struggle), I see red when others winge and moan that things they get done for free are sub-standard. My neighbours have had new windows fitted twice since I moved into my house - and I'm still stuck with the drafty aluminium windows which were put in when the house was built.
Stop moaning and smell the roses.
Well said, BD, my sentiments entirely.
However I will comment briefly on the 'craftsmanship' issue.
Work of this type needs to be done to a reasonable standard. If the units truly have been installed so there is a quarter-inch difference between some units, then I agree that is probably below an acceptable standard. However if this may be just a door alignment issue which you can DIY using the adjustment on the hinges - getting the council workers back for that wouldn't be acceptable.
Leaning over a cooker to get to a cupboard? - well, maybe that's down to a poor layout - but I have cupboards above my cooker unit. Needs an onsite inspection which we can't provide.
Walls unprepared for tiling? Get real - provide the underlying surface is reasonably even, it actually makes a damn good 'key' for sticking tiles onto. Plastering to produce a flat surface only to cover it with tile adhesive is totally pointless.
If modifications have had to be made to the installation which have created some areas for repair, it depends on the scale - I don't think you can expect perfection. And I get the distinct impression that this is what you are looking for.
However I will comment briefly on the 'craftsmanship' issue.
Work of this type needs to be done to a reasonable standard. If the units truly have been installed so there is a quarter-inch difference between some units, then I agree that is probably below an acceptable standard. However if this may be just a door alignment issue which you can DIY using the adjustment on the hinges - getting the council workers back for that wouldn't be acceptable.
Leaning over a cooker to get to a cupboard? - well, maybe that's down to a poor layout - but I have cupboards above my cooker unit. Needs an onsite inspection which we can't provide.
Walls unprepared for tiling? Get real - provide the underlying surface is reasonably even, it actually makes a damn good 'key' for sticking tiles onto. Plastering to produce a flat surface only to cover it with tile adhesive is totally pointless.
If modifications have had to be made to the installation which have created some areas for repair, it depends on the scale - I don't think you can expect perfection. And I get the distinct impression that this is what you are looking for.
Hi teej09 - Are you sure it's a local authority property as opposed to a Housing Association, Housing Company or other 'RSL'.
I ask as a Director of a Housing Company, Member of a 'RSL' and Member of the Govt's TSA (formerly the Housing Corporation.
If you can tell me more specifics (inc. your LA area) I can certainly a). put more flesh on the bones for you & b). point you in other directions.
I ask as a Director of a Housing Company, Member of a 'RSL' and Member of the Govt's TSA (formerly the Housing Corporation.
If you can tell me more specifics (inc. your LA area) I can certainly a). put more flesh on the bones for you & b). point you in other directions.
"disrepair issues such as walls unprepared for tiling"
This is not a dis-repair issue.. Dis-repair means something has not been properly maintained and allowed to deteriorate....
Why was the cooker a hazard? You dont explain why.
"The kitchen was thrown in" - your choice of words is a little extreme. Seems you are trying to dramaticise the issue.
What hazard/danger did the corner unit create. You dont explain.
You pulled the Council off the work - yet then obviously asked them to come back some considerable time later.
Your medical condition is not applicable here and will not win you compensation.
What other disrepair issues have arisen - You dont explain.
What damage has occurred to your possessions. You dont explain.
Why would a surveyor do a report on the build? Did you request it? Its not normal for a kitchen replacement? They cover more structural work and building issues.
You then state you are NOT awaiting to see a solicitor.. do you mean that YOU ARE awaiting to see a solicitor.
Sorry but not much of this actually makes any sense!
Are you English?
This is not a dis-repair issue.. Dis-repair means something has not been properly maintained and allowed to deteriorate....
Why was the cooker a hazard? You dont explain why.
"The kitchen was thrown in" - your choice of words is a little extreme. Seems you are trying to dramaticise the issue.
What hazard/danger did the corner unit create. You dont explain.
You pulled the Council off the work - yet then obviously asked them to come back some considerable time later.
Your medical condition is not applicable here and will not win you compensation.
What other disrepair issues have arisen - You dont explain.
What damage has occurred to your possessions. You dont explain.
Why would a surveyor do a report on the build? Did you request it? Its not normal for a kitchen replacement? They cover more structural work and building issues.
You then state you are NOT awaiting to see a solicitor.. do you mean that YOU ARE awaiting to see a solicitor.
Sorry but not much of this actually makes any sense!
Are you English?
Everything done for nothing? Did I tell you anything about my life that deserves criticism and unwarranted words. If you have nothing better to say, go away and blog elsewhere. I pay my rent and expect my home to be at a reason standard -- the kitchen was replaced due to a renewal but the previous kitchen was replaced due to the kitchen's dilapidated condition; this is regarded as a renewal due to disrepair - it is not something for nothing but a duty of the landlord to keep the home in a reasonable standard. 'Beaverdiva,' so tell me ... if you rented a property and you had repeated poor workmanship, health problem, small child, and the still the repair hadn't been completed in line with the law; wouldn't you start being just a little peeved off. Being a local authority tenant or a private tenant makes no difference - both pay rent -- no difference. As a property owner, that's inivitable that you will be responsible for the home as it is yours. Simple really!!
'Dragon griffin,' I'd be happy to discuss this issue with you in depth. But I don't want to speak here as we have some judgmental, prejudice people here that would find any excuse to vent their anger at someone! My e-mail address is as follows:- [email protected]. (Any of you that choose to harass me, I will block you then report you subsequently!)
You could do the same as me, say nothing to the rentman and buy some bright yellow paint and some orange paint and a paint brush and a bottle of turps and paint the kitchen and cupoards and everthing is nice and bright and you will not need to put the lights on as much and you will save money on your electricity and then you will be happy and everyone will say what a nice house you have.
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