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 DisputesLondon

Builder Disputes — London

Builder dispute in London?
You are not alone.

The UK's most expensive building market — where a builder dispute can cost tens of thousands.

Explore Your Options

Builder Disputes in London

Why builder disputes are specific to London

London has the highest construction costs in the UK, and builder disputes here routinely involve sums well into five figures. The city's mix of period properties, leasehold apartments, and high-specification new builds creates a varied landscape of builder disputes: basement conversions in Kensington and Chelsea where waterproofing fails; loft conversions in Victorian terraces where structural calculations were inadequate; and high-end renovations in listed buildings where conservation requirements were ignored.

London's building market is dominated by small contractors and one-man operations, many of whom are not VAT-registered and operate informally. While many are skilled and reliable, disputes arise frequently around: basement conversions where tanking fails and flooding occurs; loft conversions that do not comply with fire safety regulations; extensions to leasehold flats where the freeholder disputes the work; and renovations in conservation areas where planning enforcement is active. The London Trading Standards team regularly prosecute rogue builders, but enforcement is reactive rather than preventative.

Common disputes in London

Basement conversion waterproofing failure

A basement conversion in a South Kensington townhouse suffered catastrophic water ingress six months after completion. The builder had used inadequate tanking and no sump pump. The homeowner faced £45,000 in remedial costs.

Loft conversion structural inadequacy

A loft conversion in a Victorian terraced property in Hackney showed significant sagging in the new floor joists within a year. The builder had undersized the steel beams and failed to obtain structural engineer sign-off.

Local building types in London

Victorian and Edwardian terraced housingBasement conversions in Kensington, Chelsea, and FulhamLoft conversions across inner LondonLeasehold apartment renovationsListed building works in conservation areas

Local regulations

London operates under the Greater London Authority building control system alongside individual borough enforcement. Listed building consent is required for any alterations to listed properties. Basement conversions in flood risk areas may require Environment Agency consultation.

Common Builder Disputes in London