Crosswords0 min ago
Have I bought a white elephant?
5 Answers
Further to my earlier problem with lack of soundproofing (I have bought a flat in a small block - my posting 28/12) I now find that when I flush the loo water gurgles up through the bath. My boiler keeps showing a problem with airflow but the engineer who came out said it was not the boiler but that the pipes coming out of the boiler were too small. Last but not least when someone in the block does some cooking, the smells come into my flat via either the extractor fan in the bathroom (no window) or up through the bath or sink plughole. Does anyone have advice please. Thanks GD.
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Please could remind us how old since flat is (since being constructed). If under 2 years old you may have recourse to the builder or the NHBC warranty. The soundproofing (or lack of) is more able to be shown to meet / not meet Building Regs by testing.
These other faults are likley to be more marginal - in the sense that the way the pipework of the drainage and extraction systems have been poorly designed.
There are design requirements for the length, shape and maximum number of bends that the boiler flue system can undergo. One wonders if the engineer is actually saying it was not put together in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The engineer ought to have been able to tell you.
These other faults are likley to be more marginal - in the sense that the way the pipework of the drainage and extraction systems have been poorly designed.
There are design requirements for the length, shape and maximum number of bends that the boiler flue system can undergo. One wonders if the engineer is actually saying it was not put together in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The engineer ought to have been able to tell you.
Thank you buildersmate, flats only signed off in Aug last year. They come under the Zurich housebuilders so I guess I will end up going through them. Builders seem to have no interest in aftercare and there is no management company in place to look after the building. I'm hoping that these things can be put right. The engineer who came to look at the boiler said that it was more than likely the wrong size pipework coming out of the boiler which restricted the airflow but didn't say it wasn't in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Thanks for your reply.
BM is spot on as always..........just wanted to add that NHBC and Zurich are not at all good at helping purchasers (putting it mildly).
First recourse should be the builder, then Zurich. If the builder is at all concerned over his Zurich rating for insurance purposes, then it's down to him.
NHBC, Zurich etc are only interested in selling the insurance these days.
Make a full list of the problems, keep a copy, and send it to Zurich.
I don't like the sound of this flat with all its problems. I would seriously consider employing a surveyor (ask at your local friendly estate agents). He would be able to back you up with professional advice............because when Zurich have rattled the builders.........I promise you'll be seriously fobbed off..and you'll need someone on your side.
First recourse should be the builder, then Zurich. If the builder is at all concerned over his Zurich rating for insurance purposes, then it's down to him.
NHBC, Zurich etc are only interested in selling the insurance these days.
Make a full list of the problems, keep a copy, and send it to Zurich.
I don't like the sound of this flat with all its problems. I would seriously consider employing a surveyor (ask at your local friendly estate agents). He would be able to back you up with professional advice............because when Zurich have rattled the builders.........I promise you'll be seriously fobbed off..and you'll need someone on your side.
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