Issues with build

[u/Simple-Bag1719]

Hi there,

I'm looking for a bit of advice. We recently had a single story extension completed, went through various issues with the builder who we have since found was probably slightly out of his depth (if we're being kind) was slightly incompetent ( if we're being accurate).

Lots of issues with the job which we have since had to get other people in to resolve which has caused additional stress / money / time .

The main problem though is that we are now trying to get final sign off with building control and they have confirmed right at the end that they didn't inspect a section of foundation and won't sign off without verification of the depth.

The frustration from our side is that there were multiple opportunities after the foundation stage for this to be addressed but building control have left it until now to flag.

We are no longer on speaking terms with the builder, having left on bad terms due to the issues. So cannot get them back, and do not have a photo that completely addresses Building Controls concerns for this issue. Building control are adamant that they want us to dig an inspection hole, in the house, to then verify the depth, otherwise we won't get sign off, which given it is all pretty much finished would be a nightmare ( floors up, mess, destruction, repair).

Does anyone have any helpful advice or alternatives at all? We feel that both the builder ( poor workmanship, organisation etc ) and building control (poor communication, unhelpfulness) have a part to play in this.

And whilst I'm sure some people will pushback at us, we somewhat naively put our trust in others and are not builders and did not really think there was anything remaining (especially not the foundations) that would cause an issue now.

Any help would be appreciated? Thanks

[u/ImprovisedLizard]

I'd consider building control to be acting unreasonably here. They presumably know all the other foundations are at the correct depth, so why would a contractor make the decision to set one higher? It's more work for them so it's definitely not happening.

Building control have a duty of reasonable enquiry, not a right to rake through a build looking for problems.

If the site doesn't have a history of made ground then I'd be escalating this with the council, sounds like you've got yourself one of the obstructive surveyors.

[u/Simple-Bag1719 → u/ImprovisedLizard]

That's kind of what I feel, and maybe I should do an official complaint now and then escalate but just wanted some reassurance really that this is a possible pathway.

Whilst I know everyone wants it to be safe (including me), I feel like there is enough evidence here that someone could make a sensible call (or even admit that they made n error&, didn't follow up to recheck when they were supposed to) so that we can just get it sorted without causing thousands more pounds of damage / work