Can I claim against my builder?

Yes. If your builder has failed to complete work to the agreed specification, used substandard materials, or caused damage to your property, you have grounds for a claim. The first step is to document the defects and attempt to resolve the issue directly with the builder. If they are unresponsive, a specialist can help you pursue recovery.

How long do I have to claim against a builder?

Under the Limitation Act 1980, you generally have six years from the date of the breach of contract to bring a claim. However, it is always better to act sooner while evidence is fresh and the builder is still trading. If the builder has ceased trading, you may still be able to claim against their insurance or through other routes.

What can I claim for in a builder dispute?

You can claim for the cost of remedial work to put right the defects, any damage caused by the builder's work, and in some cases damages for inconvenience and distress. If the builder has disappeared with your deposit, you can claim the return of the deposit plus any additional costs incurred in engaging another contractor.

HomeBuilder DisputesLeicester

Builder Disputes — Leicester

Builder dispute in Leicester?
You are not alone.

Diverse housing, two universities, and a varied builder dispute profile.

Explore Your Options

Builder Disputes in Leicester

Why builder disputes are specific to Leicester

Leicester has a large and growing private rental sector, shaped by its two universities and a diverse population. The city's substantial Victorian and Edwardian terraced housing stock creates a persistent pipeline of builder disputes.

Leicester's inner-city areas — Highfields, Belgrave, Evington, and Spinney Hills — contain high concentrations of Victorian terraced housing where builder disputes are common. The city's two universities drive demand for student accommodation renovation, while the growing professional population in areas like Clarendon Park commissions high-specification extensions.

Common disputes in Leicester

Damp proofing failure in Victorian terrace, Highfields

A builder installed a chemical damp proof course in a Highfields Victorian terrace but failed to address the root cause. The damp returned within months, requiring complete remediation at significant cost.

Extension foundation failure on clay soil, Clarendon Park

A rear extension in Clarendon Park showed significant settlement within six months. The builder had used inadequate foundations for the clay soil conditions, failing to dig below the zone of influence of nearby trees.

Local building types in Leicester

Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Highfields and BelgraveStudent HMO conversions near the universitiesHigh-specification extensions in Clarendon Park and StoneygateNew-build developments on the city's outskirtsFormer council housing in New Parks and Braunstone

Local regulations

Leicester City Council operates an active planning enforcement and building control service. Selective licensing applies in many inner-city areas.

Common Builder Disputes in Leicester