How does one deal with an unscrupulous property developer?
Perhaps a legal brain could point me in the right direction concerning my continuing problems with my house.
We purchased a renovated house in Northern England in late 2002. Shortly after moving in, it became apparent that all was not well, particularly with the showers and other plumbing related issues.
Several botched "rectifications" persuaded me to carry out the work myself. While dealing with one particular problem, I found a toilet cistern had been cracked and then "repaired" with sealant.
The developer offered to pay but I said that I would check with my solicitor first, since we had already contacted her about the earlier problems.
The long and short of this is that the developer has ignored most letters from our solicitor, save for the penultimate, in which he asked for the "quantum" of our claim (I assume to settle). This letter arrived after I decided to dispense with the solicitor after spending close to £1000 with no result. I informed the developer that henceforth, I would be dealing with the issue myself. Since then, he has refused all contact.
I have told him I will contact the local newspapers and the CIB with details of my complaint; so far, no response.
Others have had trouble with this developer and one managed to get his money by registering an interest with HM Land Registry against several businesses with which the developer was involved (and was harassed by the developer because of this).
I have been driven to distraction by this issue, coupled with the fact that promises given pre-purchase, regarding the estate of which our house is part, have not come to fruition.
Space precludes my listing all our problems but any guidance would be welcomed. The house has been covered by an Architect's Certificate but the guarantee is not being honoured.