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problem with chimney builder bankrupt?

  • 04-11-2013 9:09pm
    #1
    mc81
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28 ✭


    Hi,i really dont know what to do!we bought house 6 yrs ago,2 yrs ago we discovered there was a blockage in our chimney.it seems that when builders built the chimney they threw remaining mortar down and it has formed a block.we contacted builder but no luck he is refusing to answer calls.we lit fire over weekend and carbon monoxide alarm went off .i rang around today and its going to cost €300 just to put a camera up to inspect it then we may need to break it which could crack lining along with adjoining neighbours.we cant afford this.can you advise where we stand legally and if we can get builder to help out and fix this for us?


Comments

  • #2
    Five Lamps
    Closed Accounts Posts: 687 ✭✭✭Five Lamps


    mc81 wrote: »
    Hi,i really dont know what to do!we bought house 6 yrs ago,2 yrs ago we discovered there was a blockage in our chimney.it seems that when builders built the chimney they threw remaining mortar down and it has formed a block.we contacted builder but no luck he is refusing to answer calls.we lit fire over weekend and carbon monoxide alarm went off .i rang around today and its going to cost €300 just to put a camera up to inspect it then we may need to break it which could crack lining along with adjoining neighbours.we cant afford this.can you advise where we stand legally and if we can get builder to help out and fix this for us?

    How do you know there is a block as described if there has been no inspection? It seems odd that 6 years later you are having problems. Have you got a chimney sweep to have a look at it?

    I'd imagine that at this stage you would have no comeback with the builder.


  • #3
    brian_t
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,787 ✭✭✭brian_t


    You can hire drain rods for a few euro to put up the chimney and this will at least tell you how far up the chimney the blockage is. You can also try poking the blockage with these.

    Drain rods are what a chimney sweep would use only with a brush head attachment.


  • #4
    mc81
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28 ✭mc81


    Five Lamps wrote: »
    How do you know there is a block as described if there has been no inspection? It seems odd that 6 years later you are having problems. Have you got a chimney sweep to have a look at it?

    I'd imagine that at this stage you would have no comeback with the builder.[/quote

    Yes,the chimney sweep noticed it and couldnt get the rods past the block,the smallest rod barely went past it so he has guessed its around 3/4 way across the shaft.


  • #5
    michael999999
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 7,771 ✭✭✭michael999999


    Was it built under Homebond scheme?


  • #6
    mc81
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28 ✭mc81


    yes, we paid a bond as part of the purchase price.


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  • #7
    Pat Mustard
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,554 ✭✭✭Pat Mustard


    mc81 wrote: »
    Hi,i really dont know what to do!we bought house 6 yrs ago,2 yrs ago we discovered there was a blockage in our chimney.it seems that when builders built the chimney they threw remaining mortar down and it has formed a block.we contacted builder but no luck he is refusing to answer calls.we lit fire over weekend and carbon monoxide alarm went off .i rang around today and its going to cost €300 just to put a camera up to inspect it then we may need to break it which could crack lining along with adjoining neighbours.we cant afford this.can you advise where we stand legally and if we can get builder to help out and fix this for us?

    Things to bear in mind:

    1. Check if you are covered by insurance.
    2. Check Homebond cover - as already pointed out. You may need an engineer to fight your corner with the Homebond people.
    3. Possibly get a solicitor to check the position re statute of limitations to see if you have a potential action against builder, engineer, etc. It would be useful to find out if the builder is out of business or whether he is just ignoring you.

    How long ago was the house built?


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