Builders warranty

serco

Hi All

Have tried searching the forum but not finding an answer on this. We have are engaging a builder to do an extensive refurb on our house and i was wondering about a builders warranty period.

What is the norm for a builder to offer?

I saw "sealed contract" mentioned in a few threads. I have a sample contract that i got off the web that I'd like him to sign and would like to add a warranty period if its acceptable practice.

He is homebond registered but mentioned that this is only for new builds.

thanks in advance

sydthebeat

Never heard of a builders warrantee.

kkelliher

serco wrote: »

Hi All

Have tried searching the forum but not finding an answer on this. We have are engaging a builder to do an extensive refurb on our house and i was wondering about a builders warranty period.

What is the norm for a builder to offer?

I saw "sealed contract" mentioned in a few threads. I have a sample contract that i got off the web that I'd like him to sign and would like to add a warranty period if its acceptable practice.

He is homebond registered but mentioned that this is only for new builds.

thanks in advance

There is so much in your post that concerns me I dont know where to start:

You say you are having an extensive refurbishment and yet you dont appear to have any professional assistance on it? Worry number 1 in that the scope of your agreement with the builder may not be as secure as it should be

Builders warranty can mean a whole host of things:

There is a contractual liability for 6 years for defective work by the builder on a simple contract. This increases to 12 years if sealed (never seen or heard of a sealed contract for your type of project). These are statutory and cannot be changed. You can also have a defects liability period which is an agreed period after practical completion when the builder is responsible for repairs to defects that occur as a result of drying out etc. What exactly you mean by warranties I assume is this period. It can be anything from a few weeks to a year generally.

You are printing a contract off the internet: seriously? is it governed by Irish law, is it applicable to irish building law, what are the responsibilities of each party, are they adequate, does it cover price increases, how are variations dealt with, who pays for movements in VAT, what are the insurance requirements and are they adequate, how does it deal with programme, how does it deal with disputes... I could go on. A standard form of contract is generally taken off a shelf and adapted to suit a project. This is generally done with professional assistance and I would advise you to get some and simply signing a contract for the sake of having one is the worst thing you can do.

Homebond is for new builds and is a structural guarantee which currently is dubious as to its coverage.

Bottom line please speak to a professional before you move forward with a contract.

serco

thanks, maybe my first post lacked some background.

Architect and Engineer are engaged. Full plans drawn up etc and engineer will inspect the work and sign off on compliance etc.

I've to speak to the engineer about this but just looking for some general industy norms advice beforehand. The sample contract i have is from onlinetradesmen.ie and the engineer will advise on it and amend where necessary or suggest an alternative.

Its the defects liability period that i was looking for, as in what is the acceptable period?

Kristopherus

You should also check outHomebond and what exactky does it cover. Remember these are the shysters who f**ked off and left the Pyrite people high & dry, if you pardon the pun!!

focus_mad

Depending on the extent of the work, I'd be looking at 6 months defects liability period. However if we are talking €100k+ of a job I'd be looking at 12 months.

Interesting that your architect hasn't mentioned anything in relation to contracts.

At a glance, a RIAI white contract might do the trick, however I would recommend getting advice from a registered professional.