On Aug 23, 3:46 pm, AA wrote:
I need some ammunition when arguing with my house builder and would be
grateful for comments.

When negotiating a deal on my new house (complete except for the
interior stuff), the sales agent agreed to a number incentives
including the addition of a velux window in the top (3rd floor) shower
room. These were listed on our reservation agreement as special
conditions with a note saying my deposit would be refunded if the
conditions could not be met. You can guess what is coming but of
course bakcing out now isn't practical.

After a couple of months the builder is saying no way citing (via
their sales person) various reasons along the lines of needing
retrospective planning permission, changing build plans and most
critically the need to erect scaffolding to install the window which
will cost thousands. But, they say, if I do it myself after I move in
it can be done entirely from the inside at little cost to me.

I am going to have to get the solicitors involved but I won't back
down - I just need some ammunition. Why would I be able to install it
from the inside but they wouldn't? Why would they need planning
permission but they wouldn't? How much would it really cost
(externally or internally fitted)? They are bull****ting but I just
need some knowledge to refute their claims.

Their claims have some possible merit. Windows, including veluxes will
be specified in the original planning application, and changes can
cause problems with the energy efficiency requirements - the more
window area fitted, the more insulation required to give the necessary
efficiency.

To employ someone to work at a height above 8m (I think) requires
provision of scaffolding. A DIYer or self employed builder can choose
to manage without.

That said, you have contract which they will be in breach of, so I
would act as if to stick to your guns, then settle for a reduction of
less than the work would cost them, but much more than it would cost
you. I'd also get them to make good internally after your roofer has
fitted the window.

A