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 DisputesNottingham

Builder Disputes — Nottingham

Builder dispute in Nottingham?
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Two universities, a large rental market, and a high volume of builder disputes.

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Builder Disputes in Nottingham

Why builder disputes are specific to Nottingham

Nottingham has one of the highest proportions of privately rented housing in England, driven by two major universities and a large young professional population. This creates a substantial market for rapid-turnover renovation work where builders cut corners.

Nottingham's inner-city areas — St Ann's, Radford, Hyson Green, and Forest Fields — contain high concentrations of Victorian terraced housing where builder disputes are common. The city's selective licensing scheme gives the council additional enforcement tools. The Lace Market's converted industrial buildings also generate disputes around ageing infrastructure.

Common disputes in Nottingham

Rapid renovation in student HMO, Lenton

A landlord commissioned a two-week "full renovation" of a student HMO in Lenton. The builder left significant defects including unsafe electrics, inadequate fire doors, and leaking pipework that caused damage to the property below.

Extension foundation failure, Mapperley

A single-storey rear extension in Mapperley showed significant settlement within six months. The builder had used inadequate foundations for the clay soil conditions.

Local building types in Nottingham

Victorian terraced housing in St Ann's and RadfordStudent HMO conversions in Lenton and DunkirkConverted Lace Market industrial buildingsSuburban extensions in Mapperley and West BridgfordFormer council housing in Bestwood and Bulwell

Local regulations

Nottingham City Council operates one of England's most active selective licensing schemes. HMO licensing is mandatory in many areas. Building control approval is required for all structural work and extensions.

Common Builder Disputes in Nottingham