ᐅ The roofer/plumber has done faulty work – wall is wet.

Created on: 24 May 2015 12:12
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tulamidan
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tulamidan
24 May 2015 12:12
Hello

We insulated our house, and as a result, the roofer had to move our downpipe slightly away from the wall. To do this, he installed a 90° bend under the roof to position the pipe about 30cm (12 inches) away from the wall. This bend is located within the insulation, and I suspect there is a leak at that point.

From the outside, I can see a copper-colored (verdigris) drip edge on the wall. Inside, there is a damp wall with a blister forming under the plaster, and mold is developing.

How should I proceed to have the damage properly addressed? The roofer is liable for his work and, in principle, also for any consequential damage. However, we have already had several issues with this roofer, and I have no reason to believe he will handle the mistake and subsequent damage straightforwardly.

What steps should I take to ensure it is absolutely clear that he is responsible for covering the damage, that he cannot avoid this responsibility, and that I do not incur any costs as a result?
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Username_wahl
24 May 2015 14:30
I would hire an expert to assess the damage and have it confirmed and documented.
EveundGerd24 May 2015 19:47
That would be my approach as well.
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Voki1
24 May 2015 19:59
tulamidan schrieb:
How should I proceed to ensure it is absolutely clear that he is responsible for covering the damage, that he cannot avoid this, and that I do not incur any costs?

First, the actual cause should be determined. An expert or surveyor can be very helpful in this regard. Then, you should speak with the contractor. It is possible that they will fix the issue immediately. If they respond as you expect and do not take action, formally request the defect to be remedied within a reasonable deadline (in writing, by letter, registered mail with return receipt). If this deadline passes without result, do not respond further yourself; instead, take the documents to a legal specialist in construction law and discuss the next steps with them.
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Bauexperte
25 May 2015 09:57
Hello,
tulamidan schrieb:

How can I proceed now to have the damage settled? The roofer is responsible for his work and, in principle, also for consequential damages – but we have already had some problems with the roofer, and I have no reason to believe he will handle the mistake and the consequential damages straightforwardly.

How should I proceed to make absolutely clear that he has to cover the damage, cannot avoid it, and that no costs will arise for me?
I would like to slightly disagree with my predecessors.

Give the roofer the opportunity to make repairs first before involving an expert. You should contact him in writing with a registered letter and explain the situation, asking him to fix the damage. Only if he does not respond to a second written request should you bring in an expert and then proceed as Voki described.

Even if your relationship with the roofer does not seem the best, it does not necessarily mean that he will refuse to make repairs outright. People who communicate can often be helped 😉

Best regards, Bauexperte
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Voki1
25 May 2015 10:57
Bauexperte schrieb:
I would like to respectfully disagree with my predecessors.

Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.