I employed a Spanish builder and a Spanish resident Architect to undertake work on my house in Spain. Part of the construction work is of a poor standard and requires structural snagging to complete. The builder i employed has walked away from the job and left me with over ?20,000 of damage to repair.

The Architect had very little involvement i the project, yet i paid ?5000 for the services. Can any one advise if i am covered under any insurances or information on the Architecs role with the quality of construction.

Any further help or information is greatly welcomed.

Thanks

Dave

Hi Dave…

Well you are covered if you have a Contract between the two…. Or you have some sort of Receipts that you paid them for the work Carried out…

If you have the above you can Employ a Spanish Lawyer but remember law process’s in Spain are painfully slow but get there at the end…

If you do not have any of the above then unfortunately you are not covered to take any sort of legal action you will have to Fork out the 2k to get the repairs done…

I hope the above helps I try and research some sort of help website and link in here… to see what else you can do?

Good Luck

Anthony

Many thanks for your comments.
I do have receipts for all the work and i have the documents from the Architect. The repairs are estimates at over ?20k not 2k, so there is a lot at stake.

I was hoping to avoid legal proceedings if possible, and was hoping to claim from the Architect, via insurances?? I am confused to what role the Architect plays as i was informed by her that she has to cover insurance on the works??

Thanks

Dave

Hi Dave

Sorry for my “Type O Error” ok..

Good Well.. everything is on your side.. As you have Documents and Receipts…

Architect is in charge of any build when you employ them… Here in Tarragona When you employ an Architect he Coordinates the work ie.. gets the people to do the job Builders so on so fourth.. I take it this is the case with yourself…

The first step is always write a letter to them… Spanish to explain the work is not done satisfactory and detail “Damage or Works not done” never do anything by phone call….

If you get no reply or you know you are being ignored.. Then write a 2nd letter of intent of legal proceedings I know you do not want to do this… but for insurance purposes its always a winner

Insurance companies generally do not pay out unless you can prove to them that you gave the Architect a chance to correct the work… once you have proof he is not willing to do the corrective work then you can approach your or there insurance companies…
I hope this all makes sense… My family have been through this… and usually Architects give in and correct work when pointed out unfortunately they will try to get away with it… but the 2nd letter is what makes them Move!..

Its quite difficult to explain but I know what you are going through… It will come right at the end…

Regards Anthony

Many thanks again,

It was i, who tharough recommendation took on the builder. He recommended i use his Architect, and because he used Her on his other projects, thought it would be wise to stick to his usual system.

Over the time the work was being undertaken, i found little communication with the Architect and had to call to the offices to gather my file & drawings etc.

I am due in Spain soon, and have e mailed them to meet to discuss the issues regarding the work. In the past my e mails were ignored, but they have responded, and wish for me to meet with them. I do have another report from an indapendant Architect which works in my favour. I am hoping the meeting will draw out a solution.

Dave

Well let us know how you get on when you have the meeting…

Thanks Anthony,
its good to have some feedback. I will keep you updated after the meet.

Cheers,
Dave

Dave barton hope you taken photos off the build ....

Plenty of pictures taken, during & after completion and pictures taken as evidence on all defects!

Not sure of your assistance and would be grateful if you can elaborate on your position?

Many thanks

Dave

now tell the builder that . town hall been around and have copys and few media , tv radio and newspapers going to print the the story ....

photocopy few and send two his address .....