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Original poster

Nearing end of build and builder not met building regs

14 replies

Handybags · 14/02/2025 23:43

We are coming towards the end of the build and we've just discovered that various building regulations have not been met. They will cost a lot to fix. Our builder is a rogue builder and refusing to do the rectifications. We suspect if we sued him he would just make the company go insolvent. Wondering if we have any other options? We have been using private building control but if we switched to the local authority building control could they somehow make the builder comply with the building regulations or at least put some pressure on him?

OP posts:
NewHouseNewMe · 15/02/2025 04:08

Sorry to read this. I’m afraid the council don’t help in enforcement with builders as that’s a civil issue.
The levers you have are legal basically and depending on the cost, it might not be worth it. We had a rogue plumber who cost us thousands and huge inconvenience. Now operating in Surrey - not where I live - as if nothing had happened.

BlondiePortz · 15/02/2025 04:11

Did you check all his paperwork/licences etc. Before starting to make sure he was qualified and covered?

Van34 · 15/02/2025 08:47

Doesn't this need raising with the private building control? Their job is to sign off at each stage to make sure that it meets the regulations.
I know when we had BC round at each stage there were times when they demanded more (footing for a none load bearing wall 3 times the depth of the 170yo house footings)
If they haven't signed off or even worse, they have signed it off without seeing it, then that is on them!

VeryDeepEverything · 15/02/2025 08:51

Agree with @Van34 this should have been checked every step of the way (my build was). If it had the brakes would gone on before it was too far progressed, so maybe there is a case for taking this to the building regs company.

But that's not an expert pov, I don't know what the legal position on that would be in practice.

JohnofWessex · 26/12/2025 07:03

Trading Standards?

DeftGoldHedgehog · 26/12/2025 07:16

Definitely trading standards if you can't get it rectified and signed off. And threaten legal action if necessary, even if you don't take it. Do you have a proper contract? Are they part of a trade body?

JohnofWessex · 26/12/2025 08:47

In both Australia & the US Builders are licenced ...........

Original poster
Handybags · 27/12/2025 20:23

JohnofWessex · 26/12/2025 08:47

In both Australia & the US Builders are licenced ...........

Sadly not here, its the wild west.

OP posts:
Original poster
Handybags · 27/12/2025 20:26

DeftGoldHedgehog · 26/12/2025 07:16

Definitely trading standards if you can't get it rectified and signed off. And threaten legal action if necessary, even if you don't take it. Do you have a proper contract? Are they part of a trade body?

Trading Standards has been absolutely useless. Most rogue builder victims are very disappointed by their local Trading Standards. My local Trading Standards hasn't taken action against a rogue builder in years, hence its rife where I am. Many people in my area have also lost six figures and have been met with complete disinterest by Trading Standards.

Yes I do have a contract but pretty much every lawyer will tell you that there is no point in suing as the builder will just make the company go insolvent, or if are trading as an individual then they will either have no assets or they are in a family member's name.

OP posts:
Original poster
Handybags · 27/12/2025 20:29

Van34 · 15/02/2025 08:47

Doesn't this need raising with the private building control? Their job is to sign off at each stage to make sure that it meets the regulations.
I know when we had BC round at each stage there were times when they demanded more (footing for a none load bearing wall 3 times the depth of the 170yo house footings)
If they haven't signed off or even worse, they have signed it off without seeing it, then that is on them!

Building Control totally messed up and didn't spot a single thing and some things should have been glaringly obvious to them. By all accounts they have been negligent. However, if I sue then I will be up against their professional indemnity insurers and have been warned it could take years and 6-figure legal bill and even if I win then I may not be awarded it all back.

Its hugely upsetting as I've done everything "right" but ended up in this mess.

OP posts:
Original poster
Handybags · 27/12/2025 20:32

NewHouseNewMe · 15/02/2025 04:08

Sorry to read this. I’m afraid the council don’t help in enforcement with builders as that’s a civil issue.
The levers you have are legal basically and depending on the cost, it might not be worth it. We had a rogue plumber who cost us thousands and huge inconvenience. Now operating in Surrey - not where I live - as if nothing had happened.

Yes, sadly are you are right. If the builder or building control messes its basically left to the homeowner. You have next to no recourse as a rogue builder victim. I would never have had building work if I had known this and I would strongly urge people to move and not extend as in practice you have zero protection in this country if you have a rogue builder.

OP posts:
Original poster
Handybags · 27/12/2025 20:37

BlondiePortz · 15/02/2025 04:11

Did you check all his paperwork/licences etc. Before starting to make sure he was qualified and covered?

Builders don't need to be qualified. He was insured but it looks like I won't be getting anywhere with his insurance but still trying.

OP posts:
Cat1504 · 27/12/2025 20:38

Handybags · 27/12/2025 20:32

Yes, sadly are you are right. If the builder or building control messes its basically left to the homeowner. You have next to no recourse as a rogue builder victim. I would never have had building work if I had known this and I would strongly urge people to move and not extend as in practice you have zero protection in this country if you have a rogue builder.

Show quote history

I live in a small market town..everybody knows everybody….sometimes it’s a pain….other times not…in terms of tradespeople….we never use anyone we don’t know…mostly now we use my children’s and nephews and nieces peers ( kids they went to school with) ….now in their late 30s ….or neighbours …or family members of people we work with who live locally….I was always taught…..choose local as people think twice about shitting on their own doorstop

Original poster
Handybags · 27/12/2025 20:50

Cat1504 · 27/12/2025 20:38

I live in a small market town..everybody knows everybody….sometimes it’s a pain….other times not…in terms of tradespeople….we never use anyone we don’t know…mostly now we use my children’s and nephews and nieces peers ( kids they went to school with) ….now in their late 30s ….or neighbours …or family members of people we work with who live locally….I was always taught…..choose local as people think twice about shitting on their own doorstop

Show quote history

Yes definitely a good idea to use someone with a personal connection although I have heard a couple of horror stories but I think those are (hopefully) the exception rather than the rule.

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