Builder blaming their subcontractor

[Dasher789]

I bought a new build last year and an issue with the build has just come to light recently. The housebuilder is saying they cannot do anything until their sub contractor has a look. Their subcontractor is on annual leave shut down for 2 weeks. Surely my contract is with the housebuilder and if the sub contractor cannot be reached then they need to contact another one?

Why do you have a problem with a 2 week delay?

All builders use sub contractors.

They need to give the original subcontractor the chance to put it right.

The contract with the subcontractor is likely to specify that they must put right any issues caused by their work. If the house builder does not abide by that then they could get sued.

Is it a risk to life/risk to building integrity issue or something that could be classed as snagging?

I would think it need to be the one they originally had the contract with. Unless your house is about to fall down you will just need to wait it out. What is the issue?

What's the issue? If it isn't causing further damage to the house, such as water damage or risk to health then 2 weeks isn't unreasonable. The original subcontractor will be faster if they know the work they have done.

This particular issue is redgarding the construction of the driveway. The driveway is currently unusable. I have issue with the 2 week wait as its been 3 weeks since I reported the problem originally and the housebuilder have said once the sub contractor re opens they can book an appt. I don't no how quickly the sub contractor will be able to come out for a look once they re open. It could be a day, it could be another week.

And that's only for a look, they will then need to schedule a time for repair.

Have you sent photographs to the builder? Is there any money outstanding?

What is the driveway covered with? Paving, resin etc. If it's moving then it's likely to be the sub-base.

You could set a deadline and tell the builder you will appoint your own surveyor to look at issue if the subcontractor does meet the agreed deadline and any costs will be passed on to him. The approach to take depends on whether you think the builder wants to help or if he now wants to move on.

@fireflygal yes I have sent photos over a week ago. The issue is definately the sub base. I have had some of the monoblock removed and there it is about 15cm deep of sand. There is nothing to pay, it was a bog standard new build housing scheme so everything was paid from my side when I bought the house. They are a large housebuilding company.

OP a driveway issue isn't an emergency so you are going to have to wait the 2 weeks. That's even if you have to park elsewhere that makes your life hell.

Only know because I have a sibling who was in that situation and it took a year to sort out.

Generally if they communicate with you and it isn't something like a risk to life/risk to building integrity issue then unfortunately you need to give them months to try to sort it out.

Being asked to wait 2 weeks isn't unreasonable. If this doesn't get fixed and you're looking at having to take any form of legal action, you will be waiting a lot longer than 2 weeks. I'd give the subcontractor time to come and view but make it clear that you consider the developer to be the responsible party and that, once the subcontractor has attended, you expect to be told the outcome of that visit within a specified period of time with a detailed explanation of planned next steps and timeline. If that timeline doesn't work for you, you could pay to have it fixed yourself but you may have trouble getting the money back if there is an offer to repair.

A 2 week wait is a reasonable time, as is a time span to correct the issue. Nothing you can do about it