Leaking conservatory

[albeck]

Hi
We purchased a conservatory from B & * last summer, which is made by and supplied through Cestr*m conservatories, B & * say they are just the agents (don't know if I can mention names here?)
Anyhow the panels all came pre-glazed and slid into the sill which in turn is screwed to the brick work, the conservatory is full hight glazed and the panels are held together via alloy slide in bars and are covered by plastic strips which just clip over the alloy bars. Water is getting into the sill and pouring onto the floor. We siliconed all the parts as instructed in the installation manual and video, however because a lot of the parts just clip in place, water is finding many routes down the pre-glazed panels, including between the glass and rubber seals, all this water is filling the sill up and soaking through the brick work and through every clip together panel that are too tight a joint to silicon but not tight enough to stop water. We think the whole thing needs taking apart and re-doing. We've tried contacting the supplier direct, they say it's not their conservatory even though their phone number is on the assembly instructions, B & * are sat on the fence and are in the process of saying their trying to sort things out with their supplier. In the mean time we're stuck with an unwanted indoor swimming pool. We just wandered has anyone had any similar experiences and what was the conclusion, any advice will be welcomed though.
Thanks Alan

 

[^woody^]

Your contract is with B&Q, and any obligations are theirs to fufill. Don't bother with the manufacturer they have no obligation to you

Unless they are feeling generous, then as it was a DIY install, their argument may be that it was incorrectly put together.

Your argument is that the instructions were inadequate, or there is a design fault.

Obviously you need a quick resolution, so it may be worth formalising it by sending a recorded delivery letter to B&Q outlining your complaint, stating what you want to resolve the probelm, and setting a timescale. Also include reasonable compensation request

Alternatively get the local Trading Standards involved

If liability is disputed, then this may have to be sorted out in the small claims court. But this may take a while.

It may be worth getting an 'expert' to comment on the problem, and you may be able to use this report to get some leverage with B&Q.

Ultimately your option may be to get it repaired by another contractor and sue B&Q for costs. But this is risky as it relies on the conservatory being faulty, not being incorrectly put together.

Trading standards may be your best bet for advice now. Or you may have some legal advice cover as part of your home insurance policy.

 

[albeck]

Your contract is with B&Q, and any obligations are theirs to fufill. Don't bother with the manufacturer they have no obligation to you

>>B & Q say it's Cestrum, Cestrum say it's B & Q responsibility

Unless they are feeling generous, then as it was a DIY install, their argument may be that it was incorrectly put together.

>>Yes this has already been said, without even seeing the thing!

Your argument is that the instructions were inadequate, or there is a design fault.

>>Yes the design imho is fundemently flawed, it has no chance of being water tight

Obviously you need a quick resolution, so it may be worth formalising it by sending a recorded delivery letter to B&Q outlining your complaint, stating what you want to resolve the probelm, and setting a timescale. Also include reasonable compensation request

>>Still waiting for B & Q to sort it, 2 managers and one assistant up to now!

Alternatively get the local Trading Standards involved

>>Giving B & Q the benefit of doubt, it's been a week now

If liability is disputed, then this may have to be sorted out in the small claims court. But this may take a while.

It may be worth getting an 'expert' to comment on the problem, and you may be able to use this report to get some leverage with B&Q.

Ultimately your option may be to get it repaired by another contractor and sue B&Q for costs. But this is risky as it relies on the conservatory being faulty, not being incorrectly put together.

Trading standards may be your best bet for advice now. Or you may have some legal advice cover as part of your home insurance policy.

Thanks Woody, it's going to be much hassel whatever