On 23 Aug, 15:46, 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
retrospectiveplanningpermission, 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 needplanningpermissionbut 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.

I have just fitted a couple of large M08 Velux for a customer on a 3
storey building. Slate roof - knocked a hole through from inside,
trimmed out the timbers, each fitted by one man in one good day.
(Debris from originally knocking hole through roof had to cleared from
gutter with a stick, but small compromise!) Cost for labour £200.00 +
VAT each. Tiles would have been far easier and quicker and cheaper.
Planning permission calls for Velux to be included on the plans at the
time they are submitted, BUT unless property is in an article 4 area
or listed you can fit the Velux after the build has finished. My
planning officer told me this was ridiculous and just to fit the Velux
at the time the roof was going on. This was 4 years ago - times may
have changed especially with insulation guidelines, but I would just
do it. Even if they make you apply for retrospective planning you
would still get it. Just phone your local council and ask them first.