Hello, as some leaseholder of property in southwark will know major works are under way on many properties like my own. I own the lease on half a victorian house and the nominated contractor has just finished the work. I have inspected the work with them that includes refurbishment of 9 windows, repointing to brickwork and chimneys, work to roof. The work in my opinion is of such low quality to be worthless. I have experience in the building profession so am shocked at the standard and nature of the failure to provide work of any quality. The contractor admits there is no excuse for the quality of work...they have offered to redo the work but I have no faith in them. I know that only nominated contractors will get the agreement from the council to do work and that they are under no requirement to chose any company other that the one they have chosen. Also the work is finished and while the contractor agrees the work carried out is unacceptable they are offering to do it again. The issues at the centre of my concerns are that I will be charged an enormous amount for the works which are worthless. Now I haven't received yet what the costs will be (estimate or otherwise). my question is: 1. has anyone been in the same situation and taken the council to the "leasehold valuation tribunal" and had any luck at all opting out of the major works (especially once they have started)? 2. Have you taken the council to the "leasehold valuation tribunal" and had success choosing your own contractor to do the work again? Thanks, Dave.
