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 DisputesManchester

Builder Disputes — Manchester

Builder dispute in Manchester?
You are not alone.

A booming construction market with a high volume of residential and commercial builder disputes.

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Builder Disputes in Manchester

Why builder disputes are specific to Manchester

Greater Manchester's construction sector is one of the busiest outside London, driven by extensive regeneration projects, a large student housing market, and significant buy-to-let renovation activity. The city's distinctive industrial heritage — converted mills, Victorian terraces, and post-war estates — creates specific builder dispute risks. Manchester also has a notable issue with unregistered builders operating in the cash economy.

Manchester's converted mill buildings present specific challenges: many were converted for residential use without adequate structural assessment, and subsequent building work — such as internal wall removal, new bathrooms, or balcony installations — can compromise the original structural integrity. The city's Victorian terraced housing sees frequent disputes over damp proofing, roofing, and extension work. The student rental market generates rapid-turnover renovation disputes where builders cut corners to meet tight deadlines.

Common disputes in Manchester

Damp proofing failure in Victorian terrace, Levenshulme

A builder installed a "chemical damp proof course" in a Victorian terrace but failed to address the root cause — raised external ground levels and bridged damp proofing. The damp returned within months, requiring complete remediation.

Structural alteration in converted mill, Ancoats

A builder removed internal load-bearing walls in a converted Ancoats mill to create an open-plan layout without structural engineer assessment. Cracking appeared in the floor above within weeks.

Local building types in Manchester

Converted mill and industrial buildingsVictorian terraced housing across inner ManchesterStudent HMO renovations in Fallowfield and WithingtonNew-build apartment fit-outs in city centre developmentsExtensions in suburban areas like Chorlton and Didsbury

Local regulations

Greater Manchester operates under the Greater Manchester Building Control Partnership. HMO licensing is required in many areas, and building work must comply with HMO standards including fire safety.

Common Builder Disputes in Manchester