If you've hired a builder who's delivered shoddy work, left your project incomplete, or caused damage to your property, you're not powerless. UK law provides clear rights for homeowners to take legal action against builders for poor workmanship - and the process is more straightforward than you might think.
Your Legal Rights Against Poor Building Work
When you hire a builder in the UK, there's an implied contract that the work will be carried out with reasonable care and skill. This is protected under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982.
This means your builder must complete work that is of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and matches any descriptions or promises made. If they fail to meet these standards, you have grounds for a legal claim.
Common Builder Problems You Can Sue For
- Substandard workmanship - Work that doesn't meet industry standards or building regulations
- Incomplete projects - Builder abandons the job before completion
- Damage to property - Builder causes additional damage during work
- Structural defects - Work that compromises the safety or integrity of your home
- Major delays - Project significantly overruns agreed timelines
- Non-compliance - Work doesn't meet building regulations or planning permission
- Disappeared with deposit - Builder takes payment but doesn't complete work
Quick Answer: If your builder's work has cost you money to fix, caused damage, or isn't up to standard, you can sue them in the small claims court for up to £10,000 in England and Wales.
How Much Can You Claim?
You can claim for various costs related to poor building work, including:
- Cost to fix or complete the work properly
- Money paid to the original builder for unsatisfactory work
- Cost of alternative accommodation if your home is uninhabitable
- Loss in property value due to poor work
- Survey or expert inspection fees
Ready to Take Action?
Our AI solicitor will assess your case, help you calculate your claim, and generate court-ready documents in minutes.
The Process: How to Sue a Builder
Taking legal action against a builder involves several key steps, but it's less complicated than most people think:
1. Document Everything
Before taking legal action, gather evidence of the poor work. Take photos, keep all correspondence with the builder, save invoices and receipts, and get written quotes for remedial work.
2. Send a Pre-Action Letter
Before going to court, you must give the builder a chance to resolve the issue. This is called a "Letter Before Action" and outlines your complaint, what you want them to do, and a deadline for response (usually 14 days).
3. File a Small Claims Court Claim
If the builder doesn't respond or refuses to fix the problem, you can file a claim online through the courts. For claims under £10,000, this goes through the small claims track - designed for people without lawyers.
4. Court Hearing
If the builder contests your claim, you'll attend a hearing where both sides present evidence. The judge will make a decision, and if you win, the builder must pay your claim plus court fees.
Do I Need a Solicitor?
For small claims (under £10,000), you don't need a solicitor. The process is designed for individuals to represent themselves. However, having professional help to prepare your case and documents significantly increases your chances of success.
That's where JustClaim comes in. Our AI solicitor walks you through every step, helps you build a strong case, and generates all the legal documents you need - without the £300+ per hour solicitor fees.
Time Limits: Act Quickly
You generally have 6 years from when the poor work was completed (or when you discovered it) to make a claim. However, it's best to act as soon as possible while evidence is fresh and the builder is still traceable.
Important: If your builder is no longer trading or has gone into liquidation, you may still be able to claim through their insurance or against personal guarantees. Our assessment will help you understand your options.
What If My Builder Is Uninsured?
Many builders operate without proper insurance, but this doesn't stop you from making a claim. If you win your case, the court will order the builder to pay. You can then use enforcement methods like bailiffs or charging orders to recover your money.
Success Rates and Realistic Expectations
Small claims courts side with homeowners in the majority of building dispute cases when there's clear evidence of poor work. Your success depends on:
- Quality of your evidence (photos, expert reports, correspondence)
- Clear documentation of what was agreed versus what was delivered
- Proof of financial loss or damage
- Reasonable compensation requests based on actual costs
Stop Letting Poor Workmanship Cost You
Start your free case assessment now. In 5 minutes, you'll know exactly where you stand and what steps to take next.
Why Choose JustClaim?
JustClaim simplifies the legal process for homeowners dealing with builder disputes:
- Free case assessment - Find out if you have a valid claim in minutes
- AI-powered guidance - Our virtual solicitor walks you through each step
- Court-ready documents - Automatically generate your Letter Before Action and N1 claim form
- Direct court filing - Submit your claim digitally, no post office trips
- Transparent pricing - No hidden fees or expensive hourly rates
Take the First Step Today
Don't let a rogue builder get away with poor work that's cost you thousands. The legal system is designed to protect homeowners like you, and with JustClaim, accessing it is straightforward and affordable.
Start your free case assessment now and find out exactly what you can claim and how to get your money back.