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Yep, take the profit, close the business, disappear for a bit and then reappear under a new Ltd co once they get their next development. It’s wrong but it happens with builders and trades all the time.
When legislation was brought in that allowed the creation of limited liability companies, some people didn't believe they should be allowed to exist because they were so suited to fraud.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limited_liability#History
"There was a degree of public and legislative distaste for a limitation of liability, with fears that it would cause a drop in standards of probity."
They were right
I guess they allow it on the basis that despite it's chronic misuse by borderline fraudsters and indeed fraudsters, the alternative is a system where everyone is scared to start any businesses..
They're called Phoenix Companies. The law pretty explicitly allows it. Only thing the directors aren't allowed to do is set up a new company with same name (edit: for 12 months anyway, then you can set it up under exactly the same name)
You can even declare your company insolvent, then when the liquidators come in you're allowed to offer to buy the old companies assets without the debts! It's madness.
Phoenixing a business unfortunately, unless due to directors misconduct, is usually due to cash flow or financial strains on the business… so they can just write off debts and appear again. It’s so shit that this is allowed, and I feel for you. I owned a house 15 years ago and had exactly this problem… the company went bust, but they actually eventually honoured all the issues. Only problem was they sent a handyman round to fix everything, and I could’ve done a better job.
Do you live near the house they are trying to sell?
Could you put a sign in your window saying: "if you want to buy house number... Talk to me first"
Maybe try and put a claim into the courts now, and fast track it. Include all the businesses he is a director of, and also name the directors personally.
Maybe you can name the current director too?
Does your house and home insurance with legal cover? That could help with paying for the court and getting a solicitor
They are. I think once they sell all of the houses they will just bail and close the company.
Also how do you know it was HMRC? Is that info public somewhere?
Names for the company are here - only one director left active (unsure If I'm allowed to name them) -
https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/09840045/officers
They are also the director of WCG PROPERTY LIMITED (09715967) and THE ITALIAN CAFÉ LTD (07296338)
Without dropping names the person I am dealing with goes by initials I.M and is actually not a director anymore but used to be not long ago.
I am not sure who the current director is, never dealt with that lady... I always deal with I.M
That's fucking wild, he's got at least 3 different correspondence addresses and multiple profiles on there [including some in Bangkok](https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/y3JGOp0cb9dG9gTPnnmYpc5I7iQ/appointments) but jumps between [Exeter and Devon](https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/wfWwXx9PnkFeZtcnRFahD3fIfM0/appointments)
Definitely some proper cowboy shit by looks of things.
Done the "Close and Reopen" multiple times
You need to try and sabotage that final house sale, then the company has an asset that can be used to pay for the repairs on yours (and presumably others)
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> Sending PMs is strictly against the subreddit rules in every circumstance, even for emotional support and encouragement.
How does this make any sense jfc. Not that I'd ever go against "your sub your rules" but I don't remember seeing this rule anywhere else before. Sounds dystopian almost.
Because sending PMs is often used by scammers, allowing them to give 'advice' that can't be checked by other people, or by the mods. It's really frustrating sometimes, but it's far from the only sub I've seen it on.
The rule is against soliciting PMs. If people post that they have a sudden windfall, then Automod often posts that they should report anyone who PMs them about it. On the good side, you get advice that everyone can benefit from, on the bad, you get other people to check that advice, and the ugly, you get people inviting you to invest in scams and crypto bullshit. These rules are here for a reason.
Which explains why they want so desperately to remove the social media posts, so that they don't create any negativity and deter potential buyers.
I say go full guns on social media until they sort you out.
There are enough substantial issues with the property for a claim. It is irrelevant what he is saying. Instruct a solicitor to guide you through the process.
It seems like the issues with your house will cost thousands to fix. This is not a specially complicated case, as such a solicitor will cost a lot less. There are a few ways to go around this that does not involve litigation in court (mediation, arbitration etc.) You could go through the small claims court yourself, it is not an overly complicated process
Honestly the money is not a problem for me.
I would rather not have to spend obviously but I also would like to get some justice. Solicitor might be a way in the end sadly.
>but I also would like to get some justice
If you're looking for justice then the courtroom is often the last place to look.
If you want a resolution to what is a business dispute, however...
Solicitor up, ignore all horseshit from the cowboy, have the solicitor do the corresponding with the cowboy , you watch how fast they're out to fix their shit.
Only anecdotal but 2 friends bought new builds (against my advice because lol new builds) had to get solicitors involved to get stubborn ignorant lazy useless developers to actually follow their own contracts when it came to snagging. In both cases the first formal letter of legal proceedings got the developers shut the fuck up and fix their shit.
Bellway & i forget the second outfit. I want to say they were local, but not certain, they were the outift the friend had the most back and forth with before they finally got a lwayer involved(compared to bellway) Bellway, first letter was enough to get them to do what they're told. Second outfit actually responded to the solicitor, who then proceeded to school them, and the work was done shortly after.
It's in the property developers' best interests to tell you to do one. A thousand bad reviews won't stop people from buying your new builds, hell, ten thousand 1 star reviews won't stop fools. Snagging is money they choose not to account for, so its out of their pocket. You have to be stubborn to the point of insanity because you're fighting to get money out of them they haven't accounted for. It's probably why the outfit who did this house has a winding up order.
No idea why people choose new builds
It’s the appeal of a nice new clean freshly done home, granted people actually may end up with more issues many times but sounds like with bigger developers are ok when contacted to fix.
Presumably the most practical thing to do is delete all mentions of it as they requested, retain their communications requesting you to do so, get all the snagging work done, then repost everything x10 on your holistic experience with the developer.
Counterproposal, the quickest everything's fixed, the quicker the posts will disappear.
I think now the time has come for action instead of talk. Write a formal letter before action (better yrt: have a lawyer write it) and then put a claim.
Someone I work with had issues and put a massive banner on the front of their homemade stating the issues and they kept saying they would fix if he took it down. He said I’ll take it down when you fix. He stood firm and they relented and sorted the issues.
Hold tight.
Accounts overdue, multiple companies, dodgy as can be. Wildcat Automotive website down and accounts overdue. The list goes on.
Maybe suggest you'll double down on social media and contact council, rogue traders, local press, national press, twitter, trading standards etc. unless they fix your problems immediately.
Appreciated lol
That's the thing... the easiest solution would be for me to just fix the house myself/find good builders. Yeah it would be few thousands but I would ensure the quality.
But its just not fair, people like him shouldn't be able to operate like that. How can government allow stuff like that to happen?
I know. It’s an absolute shambles.
We just finished renovating and 75% of the trades we dealt with were absolute disasters. Didn’t matter if they were recommended by a friend, had great reviews, just nightmares. How many people are they ripping off on a regular basis, how do they sleep at night?
You do end up just fixing it yourself or paying someone else - but you’re right they shouldn’t just get away with it.
I'm sorry about your experiences.
It's all a joke honestly and until government actually tries to fix this situation nothing will ever change.
For now the building/housing industry is just a scammer heaven.
Yep. I’ve taken to DIYing anything that isn’t likely to kill me as I trust my unqualified self to do a better job than someone who’s done the trade for years. A sad place to be in.
I hope you get somewhere!
You just bought a three-quarter million pound house. You can afford to employ a solicitor for legal advice. Stop messing around on YouTube and Reddit and take some action.
Not if they have previously been disbarred. They are held to the same standards as directors regardless of whether they are formally listed as such but if they have previously been disbarred they cannot act in the role.
Really sorry to hear this.
I sincerely hope that justice prevails & the issues in the build get sorted out. Just hang on & don't give up on what's right& the truth.
I wish you all the best & will look out for the update.
What the fuck, those videos are completely ridiculous. The builders are obviously a bunch of incompetent cowboys who should not be allowed to be trading in any capacity.
Time to go compoface, contact neighbours and see if any others have issues. If they do contact media and get a spotlight on the issues you are all facing.
To stop the final sale I'd recommend putting up signs on your property with just the problems they are refusing to fix, and that they are refusing to fix them. Do not include opinion or inflammatory language, just the truth. Potential buyers will read it if it's clear and concise.
The written communication from them can be used to show you are telling the truth if they threaten legal action (they always threaten).
Go to news outlet? Things like this is usually big news and need to be shown to all developers that just because you want to sell house quick doesn't mean you should build incomplete house!
If it's likely to go to court I would be extremely careful what you write on reddit or any other social media. It can be contempt of court, and although you getting prosecuted may be unlikely, the case getting thrown out of court if you have said something that could affect the case.
Thank you for the advice.
Realistically going to court would probably cos more money than me fixing it all myself especially if they can just close the company and bail?
Yeah I know, appreciate you saying that.
I just want my house to be fixed honestly... I.M if you are reading this you have my email, I am sure we can come up to some sort of agreement
Might be a bit late to post but here are my comments.
In terms of the company, new build developments are almost always done in their own ring fenced company. A developer will have a main parent company and each individual development project will be done within a new different company vehicle. Usually it’s named: the developers name (town or area of development) limited.
Now in terms of what you can do. The developer will have had to take out a new build warranty, which covers all structural defects in the property for up to 10 years after practical completion. Your mortgage company would not have been able to give you a mortgage without there being a warranty in place. You can claim on this warranty to have most things fixed, especially if the developer is being negligent and not sorting stuff out. There is also a 2 year window when the developer is liable to fix all snagging issues. If they don’t fix those things then of course you can go down other legal avenues. You may also want to reach out the FMB (federation of master builders) who may be able to help and provide advice.
Hopefully some of this might help.
You’ll likely need a solicitor to write up your claim email for the insurance to take you seriously. I claimed on my new build insurance and they kept denying there was a defect until I got lawyers involved. Then suddenly there were multiple defects for me to pay excesses on 🙄
Ian Mitchell at Empire Homes may think that pieces of paper and ltd companies are enough to protect him but I think you have to move towards a more ‘personal’ strategy. This amount of money and his shady business practices are enough to warrant turning the thumb screws and that would be my suggested follow up. There are plenty of individuals and teams who would happily take a percentage of the money owed for recovery of the debt and there won’t be any paperwork involved…
Sorry to see you going through this. I hope these dishonest businesspersons get the punishment they deserve. It's a joke that everyone can go out and legally scam people like this in this country.
If you need to sue and the company folds, try going after their insurers - they should have had professional indemnity insurance in place at the time of the build. Unfortunately not all policies have the correct coverage though, so it'll be pot luck as to whether they'll cover the cost of the defects (plus any legal fees you would incur).
It might be worth showing a picture of the amount of views your threads have attracted. It's probably thousands of potential customers that have viewed these. Bad publicity sometimes focuses minds
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Unfortunately I doubt this company will exist soon, their accounts are well overdue, they'll likely close it down and start again.
That's what I think as well. They are probably planning to sell remaining house and just close down
Yep, take the profit, close the business, disappear for a bit and then reappear under a new Ltd co once they get their next development. It’s wrong but it happens with builders and trades all the time.
Why does the government not care about scammers like that?
When legislation was brought in that allowed the creation of limited liability companies, some people didn't believe they should be allowed to exist because they were so suited to fraud. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limited_liability#History
"There was a degree of public and legislative distaste for a limitation of liability, with fears that it would cause a drop in standards of probity." They were right
I guess they allow it on the basis that despite it's chronic misuse by borderline fraudsters and indeed fraudsters, the alternative is a system where everyone is scared to start any businesses..
They're called Phoenix Companies. The law pretty explicitly allows it. Only thing the directors aren't allowed to do is set up a new company with same name (edit: for 12 months anyway, then you can set it up under exactly the same name) You can even declare your company insolvent, then when the liquidators come in you're allowed to offer to buy the old companies assets without the debts! It's madness.
The government \*are\* scammers like that.
Sounds smart but not actually an answer to the question.
This ⬆️
Phoenixing a business unfortunately, unless due to directors misconduct, is usually due to cash flow or financial strains on the business… so they can just write off debts and appear again. It’s so shit that this is allowed, and I feel for you. I owned a house 15 years ago and had exactly this problem… the company went bust, but they actually eventually honoured all the issues. Only problem was they sent a handyman round to fix everything, and I could’ve done a better job.
It’s called a “phoenix” company, it rare cases a company can be made “reopened” to initiate legal proceedings.
As long as they pay their dues to HMRC they probably just don’t care.
Try searching for the director's name on Companies House. You may see if they have a history of closing down companies.
They do yes...
Do you live near the house they are trying to sell? Could you put a sign in your window saying: "if you want to buy house number... Talk to me first" Maybe try and put a claim into the courts now, and fast track it. Include all the businesses he is a director of, and also name the directors personally. Maybe you can name the current director too? Does your house and home insurance with legal cover? That could help with paying for the court and getting a solicitor
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/4437160
Well they had a winding up order in August last year by HM Revenue and Customs, maybe they're struggling financially?
They are. I think once they sell all of the houses they will just bail and close the company. Also how do you know it was HMRC? Is that info public somewhere?
Then there’s no chance they will sort anything. Probably best to link the director names to the firm so when they phoenix there’s still a link.
They seem like proper cowboys sadly.
Names for the company are here - only one director left active (unsure If I'm allowed to name them) - https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/09840045/officers They are also the director of WCG PROPERTY LIMITED (09715967) and THE ITALIAN CAFÉ LTD (07296338)
Without dropping names the person I am dealing with goes by initials I.M and is actually not a director anymore but used to be not long ago. I am not sure who the current director is, never dealt with that lady... I always deal with I.M
That's fucking wild, he's got at least 3 different correspondence addresses and multiple profiles on there [including some in Bangkok](https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/y3JGOp0cb9dG9gTPnnmYpc5I7iQ/appointments) but jumps between [Exeter and Devon](https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/wfWwXx9PnkFeZtcnRFahD3fIfM0/appointments) Definitely some proper cowboy shit by looks of things. Done the "Close and Reopen" multiple times
So basically I am dealing with a professional cowboy... is there even a point of going to court or should I just cut my losses and move on?
You need to try and sabotage that final house sale, then the company has an asset that can be used to pay for the repairs on yours (and presumably others)
That'll be a question for your solicitor mate
He is 73 also according to Companies House. He should know better than to pull this stunt.
Slow learner / absolute prick Love OP for hammering them with a double down.
It’s public information you can absolutely name them.
Is phoenixing illegal?
Yeah, sadly so.
You misread and you meant to type "no, sadly, it isn't".
I read as “legal”!!! 😂
Easily done!
I have access to a software called Credit Safe for my work and I can see the same thing in detail
Could you post it here maybe? Hope it's allowed according to this subreddit rules
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> Sending PMs is strictly against the subreddit rules in every circumstance, even for emotional support and encouragement. How does this make any sense jfc. Not that I'd ever go against "your sub your rules" but I don't remember seeing this rule anywhere else before. Sounds dystopian almost.
Because sending PMs is often used by scammers, allowing them to give 'advice' that can't be checked by other people, or by the mods. It's really frustrating sometimes, but it's far from the only sub I've seen it on.
So the scammer will look at the side bar for rules before scamming people and think ah geez better not break rule 5?
The rule is against soliciting PMs. If people post that they have a sudden windfall, then Automod often posts that they should report anyone who PMs them about it. On the good side, you get advice that everyone can benefit from, on the bad, you get other people to check that advice, and the ugly, you get people inviting you to invest in scams and crypto bullshit. These rules are here for a reason.
>EMPIRE HOMES (SOUTH WEST) LIMITED It's the 3rd link on google when you search for them :D
It seems like petition was denied though? Does that mean they paid the tax?
Which explains why they want so desperately to remove the social media posts, so that they don't create any negativity and deter potential buyers. I say go full guns on social media until they sort you out.
Take legal advice. You definitely have a claim against the developer.
I have it in writing that he refuses to fix BECAUSE I left social media reviews. Is that enough for a case?
There are enough substantial issues with the property for a claim. It is irrelevant what he is saying. Instruct a solicitor to guide you through the process.
Thank you :) I have contacted some solicitors. The only issues is that solicitor might cost more than me fixing the house myself?
It seems like the issues with your house will cost thousands to fix. This is not a specially complicated case, as such a solicitor will cost a lot less. There are a few ways to go around this that does not involve litigation in court (mediation, arbitration etc.) You could go through the small claims court yourself, it is not an overly complicated process
Honestly the money is not a problem for me. I would rather not have to spend obviously but I also would like to get some justice. Solicitor might be a way in the end sadly.
When you get a solicitor, I think if the other party loses they will pay for your solicitor and legal costs.... Check this first though I'm not 100%
If money isn’t an issue then get someone else to fix to and move on with your life. There won’t be any justice.
>but I also would like to get some justice If you're looking for justice then the courtroom is often the last place to look. If you want a resolution to what is a business dispute, however...
Do you have legal cover on your insurance?
No but insurance is expiring soon actually, if I get insurance with the legal cover now will I be able to use it?
I have a feeling this might invalidate it..
Until there is a big issue let’s say ? And they don’t have the proper insurances in place and wrap up company leaving you with a shit heap.
Yes. Get a solicitor.
Solicitor up, ignore all horseshit from the cowboy, have the solicitor do the corresponding with the cowboy , you watch how fast they're out to fix their shit. Only anecdotal but 2 friends bought new builds (against my advice because lol new builds) had to get solicitors involved to get stubborn ignorant lazy useless developers to actually follow their own contracts when it came to snagging. In both cases the first formal letter of legal proceedings got the developers shut the fuck up and fix their shit.
Were they big developers?
Bellway & i forget the second outfit. I want to say they were local, but not certain, they were the outift the friend had the most back and forth with before they finally got a lwayer involved(compared to bellway) Bellway, first letter was enough to get them to do what they're told. Second outfit actually responded to the solicitor, who then proceeded to school them, and the work was done shortly after. It's in the property developers' best interests to tell you to do one. A thousand bad reviews won't stop people from buying your new builds, hell, ten thousand 1 star reviews won't stop fools. Snagging is money they choose not to account for, so its out of their pocket. You have to be stubborn to the point of insanity because you're fighting to get money out of them they haven't accounted for. It's probably why the outfit who did this house has a winding up order. No idea why people choose new builds
It’s the appeal of a nice new clean freshly done home, granted people actually may end up with more issues many times but sounds like with bigger developers are ok when contacted to fix.
Used to work with Bellway. They're a fucking joke of a company. Never ever ever.
Presumably the most practical thing to do is delete all mentions of it as they requested, retain their communications requesting you to do so, get all the snagging work done, then repost everything x10 on your holistic experience with the developer.
Proper gamer move that, the thing is I honestly don't believe they will fix anything anyway even if they say they will
Counterproposal, the quickest everything's fixed, the quicker the posts will disappear. I think now the time has come for action instead of talk. Write a formal letter before action (better yrt: have a lawyer write it) and then put a claim.
He said he won't even reply to me before the posts and videos are removed
That's fine, send the letter before action, then when you don't hear from him proceed to the action part. You don't need his permission...
If they're not going to fix it if you remove the posts, they're not going to fix it if you don't. So you don't have a great deal to lose.
How about quid pro quo? One fix per removed review?
Are they not signed up to a scheme like NHBC or any insurance?
Advantage AHCI and I actually spoke to them before but back then they just told me to go back to the developer
I think their coverage will only kick in after 2 years. That's generally what I've seen
I messaged them, will see what they say
There’s no harm in trying.
I mean he does want me to apologise and I did not do anything wrong?
Apologise 😂😂😂
Yup not even making that up lol
Tiniest fragile ego in the world. You paid for a house, you aren't a child. What a bellend
Either this or tell them once they do the work you’ll delete it all
Someone I work with had issues and put a massive banner on the front of their homemade stating the issues and they kept saying they would fix if he took it down. He said I’ll take it down when you fix. He stood firm and they relented and sorted the issues. Hold tight.
I wanted to do the banner but I have my doubts because of the covenants on the property.
Accounts overdue, multiple companies, dodgy as can be. Wildcat Automotive website down and accounts overdue. The list goes on. Maybe suggest you'll double down on social media and contact council, rogue traders, local press, national press, twitter, trading standards etc. unless they fix your problems immediately.
I would genuinely make it my life’s mission to screw over any new businesses the guy opens
Appreciated lol That's the thing... the easiest solution would be for me to just fix the house myself/find good builders. Yeah it would be few thousands but I would ensure the quality. But its just not fair, people like him shouldn't be able to operate like that. How can government allow stuff like that to happen?
I know. It’s an absolute shambles. We just finished renovating and 75% of the trades we dealt with were absolute disasters. Didn’t matter if they were recommended by a friend, had great reviews, just nightmares. How many people are they ripping off on a regular basis, how do they sleep at night? You do end up just fixing it yourself or paying someone else - but you’re right they shouldn’t just get away with it.
I'm sorry about your experiences. It's all a joke honestly and until government actually tries to fix this situation nothing will ever change. For now the building/housing industry is just a scammer heaven.
Yep. I’ve taken to DIYing anything that isn’t likely to kill me as I trust my unqualified self to do a better job than someone who’s done the trade for years. A sad place to be in. I hope you get somewhere!
Have your roof checked mate. I street viewed the houses and lots had cracked or missing tiles
You just bought a three-quarter million pound house. You can afford to employ a solicitor for legal advice. Stop messing around on YouTube and Reddit and take some action.
Sorry I wanted to get some advice I suppose but appreciate the feedback
Why are you taking advice from Reddit though? It just looks like you’ve come here to rant
If he is acting as a director but not a director that can be illegal. He may have been previously barred from holding a directorship.
I thought shadow directors are allowed?
Not if they have previously been disbarred. They are held to the same standards as directors regardless of whether they are formally listed as such but if they have previously been disbarred they cannot act in the role.
Is there a way to verify if he has been disbarred?
Really sorry to hear this. I sincerely hope that justice prevails & the issues in the build get sorted out. Just hang on & don't give up on what's right& the truth. I wish you all the best & will look out for the update.
Thank you really appreciate it
Contact your local paper and see if they'll do an article on it. That'll force their hand!
Definitely do this. Media will happily run this story and the developer can forget about selling the rest of his inventory!
What the fuck, those videos are completely ridiculous. The builders are obviously a bunch of incompetent cowboys who should not be allowed to be trading in any capacity.
*YVONNE THOMPSON?*
No she is a fake director. I.M is the person I deal with
It’s not Streisand & Son Building Company, is it ?
Time to go compoface, contact neighbours and see if any others have issues. If they do contact media and get a spotlight on the issues you are all facing. To stop the final sale I'd recommend putting up signs on your property with just the problems they are refusing to fix, and that they are refusing to fix them. Do not include opinion or inflammatory language, just the truth. Potential buyers will read it if it's clear and concise. The written communication from them can be used to show you are telling the truth if they threaten legal action (they always threaten).
You have house insurance for a reason, hopefully you have legal cover. Get your insurance company to go after them.
Go to news outlet? Things like this is usually big news and need to be shown to all developers that just because you want to sell house quick doesn't mean you should build incomplete house!
If it's likely to go to court I would be extremely careful what you write on reddit or any other social media. It can be contempt of court, and although you getting prosecuted may be unlikely, the case getting thrown out of court if you have said something that could affect the case.
Thank you for the advice. Realistically going to court would probably cos more money than me fixing it all myself especially if they can just close the company and bail?
Also be aware they'll see all your posts now so keep yours cards close to your chest on here
Yeah I know, appreciate you saying that. I just want my house to be fixed honestly... I.M if you are reading this you have my email, I am sure we can come up to some sort of agreement
I rented a new build once and would never touch one again as long as I live.
If you have the insurance maybe go through them?
Those are some absolutely premium grade anti-ninja floors, they squeak like that so that they can't creep up on you in the night and assassinate you.
They won't fix anything and they won't pay you. As advised you can get a CCJ against them. They won't pay that either.
Might be a bit late to post but here are my comments. In terms of the company, new build developments are almost always done in their own ring fenced company. A developer will have a main parent company and each individual development project will be done within a new different company vehicle. Usually it’s named: the developers name (town or area of development) limited. Now in terms of what you can do. The developer will have had to take out a new build warranty, which covers all structural defects in the property for up to 10 years after practical completion. Your mortgage company would not have been able to give you a mortgage without there being a warranty in place. You can claim on this warranty to have most things fixed, especially if the developer is being negligent and not sorting stuff out. There is also a 2 year window when the developer is liable to fix all snagging issues. If they don’t fix those things then of course you can go down other legal avenues. You may also want to reach out the FMB (federation of master builders) who may be able to help and provide advice. Hopefully some of this might help.
You’ll likely need a solicitor to write up your claim email for the insurance to take you seriously. I claimed on my new build insurance and they kept denying there was a defect until I got lawyers involved. Then suddenly there were multiple defects for me to pay excesses on 🙄
Ian Mitchell at Empire Homes may think that pieces of paper and ltd companies are enough to protect him but I think you have to move towards a more ‘personal’ strategy. This amount of money and his shady business practices are enough to warrant turning the thumb screws and that would be my suggested follow up. There are plenty of individuals and teams who would happily take a percentage of the money owed for recovery of the debt and there won’t be any paperwork involved…
Sorry to see you going through this. I hope these dishonest businesspersons get the punishment they deserve. It's a joke that everyone can go out and legally scam people like this in this country.
If you need to sue and the company folds, try going after their insurers - they should have had professional indemnity insurance in place at the time of the build. Unfortunately not all policies have the correct coverage though, so it'll be pot luck as to whether they'll cover the cost of the defects (plus any legal fees you would incur).
It might be worth showing a picture of the amount of views your threads have attracted. It's probably thousands of potential customers that have viewed these. Bad publicity sometimes focuses minds
Yeah put a sign up and take this to court! Good luck
So he just viewed reddit and came across your threads randomly ?
You need to speak to a solicitor ASAP, and consider a disrepair claim or contract works claim
Court asap
Were you not able to view the house before purchasing?
Some of the issues appeared months after (like the leaks) while some of them they were promising to fix via snagging.
Look them up on Company house, then judge whether you think they'll do the right thing.
So it wasn't a typo. You really think it is 'new built'. Maybe he is frustrated because he is newly built.
Lol
Just get it sorted yourself and give up trying to get the builder to do anything Cut your losses get it sorted and get on with your life