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A roof could not be more symbolic, nor could it be more practical: it is the very thing that protects us and our families, the structure of our homes, our insulation, our possessions and our furnishings.Indeed, the phrase "having a roof over one's head" tells us all we need to know - without a good functioning roof it can be said that we do not have a home. As such, if the professional negligence of a roofer has led to you sustaining serious inconvenience and financial loss, you may be able to claim professional negligence compensation.
Avoid taking risks
When it comes time to employ a roofing contractor, don't be tempted to scrimp on costs - it can be a false economy.Always, where possible, go with a recommendation, and make sure that the contractor you instruct has membership with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC).Also, be sure to check that the roofer you instruct offers you a guarantee on work and has membership of the Competent Roofer Scheme (a government authorised initiative for England and Wales). By doing this you can have peace of mind that your roofer claims to comply with all necessary building regulations and will provide you with a 10-year warranty.In addition, you can rest assured that your contractor has been inspected and has agreed to ongoing quality and compliance checks.Another advantage of choosing an NFRC member is that should you have a complaint which you have failed to resolve with the roofer, you can then refer it to the NFRC regional association disputes procedure. This course of action can result in the organisation arranging for the problem work to be inspected for negligence by another, impartial, NFRC member (you may also wish to have the quality of the work examined by an independent surveyor).It is always a good idea to take such steps before launching a claim for the professional negligence of a roofer - courts tend to look on claimants more favourably if they have first given the contractor an opportunity to rectify their mistakes.Roofing contractors, as with all other construction professionals may be liable for any loss or damage caused by their negligence. This liability may be recoverable in contract or it may be recoverable in tort. Either way, it will be necessary to prove the following things:
- The existence of a duty of care;
- A failure to meet the standards of competent work;
- Cause (i.e. that the negligent work caused damage or loss); and
- That damage fell within the scope of duty.
Healys LLP professional negligence partners
Healys solicitors in London and Brighton specialise in professional negligence claims against roofing contractors and other construction professionals.We bring clarity and conviction to the litigation process to benefit your best interests and assert your rights.Although we fight robustly where appropriate, we are skilled at obtaining early settlement without making recourse to the courts.For more information about how we can help you secure your rights and interests, contact our professional negligence lawyers today.