Woodworm guarantee

[Anonymous]

I had some beams in my roof that have very visible, but cosmetic woodworm damage which my surveyor said was old and inactive.

As I'll have to sell at some point, I decided to have them treated to get the guarantee so that when a surveyor points at them I can wave this guarantee. I've had a loft conversion done and the wormy beams are now very visible in the conversion.

I used a timber treatment company recommended by my architect, and their survey said I had active woodworm throughout the house.

Anyway had the treatment done and paid for the guarantee. After the treatment but before I received the guarantee the company was sold. The new owners now say they are having trouble supplying a guarantee and have asked me if I want the guarantee fee back.

They're still advertising their service with 20 year guarantees and highlighting their period building expertise. I know the previous owner has turned up in these forums before.

I'm of the opinion that I bought a guaranteed treatment, but they're treating the guarantee like an optional extra. If I can't get a guarantee then the whole treatment is worthless and I want the whole fee back. That sounds reasonable to me - isn't it?

Is the next stop the smail claims court?

MattJ

 

[Anonymous]

Sounds highly un-ethical and probably illegal. What terms was your order placed on and was it in writing stating you required the guarantee? If not I presume their paperwork offers the guarantee.

I thought when a business changed hands so did all its liabilities.

Are they registered with the BWPDA? If so they may be able to intervene.

 

[Anonymous]

If they bought the trading company then they bought it's liabilities as well as it's assets. They cannot NOT guarantee the work.
If the company had gone bust and they bought it from the receiver then different terms could be put on the purchase of the comapny, as in any money in for creditors is better than none.

Graham

 

[Anonymous]

Most treatments come with a guarantee within the cost, so I assume that what you were paying for was the Optional Insurance Backed Guarantee, which is extra over and above the normal company guarantee.

If they are members of the BWPDA I cant see why they cant supply this as the fee would go to the Guarantee Insurance Company anyway.

Before you put your hand in your pocket and dish out more cash I would suggest firstly contacting the BWPDA and putting your case to them.......

Secondly, if the original owner still works for the new company why not ask him if he can sort it out! If he's a decent chap he may well do.

Robbie

 

[Anonymous]

Name and Shame

 

[Anonymous]

Yes, it was an optional insurance-backed guarantee.

I'm wondering if they've run into problems getting a company to insure work that was carried out before the sale of the company.

I don't believe they're BWDPA members - web site shows no signs of that.

MattJ

 

[Anonymous]

If situation remains same after an exchange of letters then I'll I'll name them.

 

[Anonymous]

If they are BWPDA they have to honour guarantees issued by company they take over!

If not then your in the 'lap of the gods' whos issueing the Insurance Backed Guarantee?

Robbie