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Re: Basements, would you go half way or all the way under the footprint of the house?

Lots of good points made by others as to the practicalities and house-value of taking on a domestic basement project. I would therefore add a professional point of view as a construction project solicitor. Please take early and specialist advice on the contract (long) before you sign it, to ensure t...
Forum: Homes & Garden
Topic: Basements, would you go half way or all the way under the footprint of the house?
Replies: 6
by legalconsultant
Mon Apr 25, 2022 2:16 pm

Re: What would you like to see in our Design and Build Guide

I'm a local mum running a legal and training consultancy focussed on construction and engineering projects, and recommended on NVN. I receive a lot of enquiries from local homeowners about the contract terms which they are asked to sign, as well as problematic build issues (eg payment, quality, guar...
Forum: Homes & Garden
Topic: What would you like to see in our Design and Build Guide?
Replies: 11
by legalconsultant
Mon Jan 11, 2016 1:50 pm

Re: Please make sure your builders are insured

As a disputes resolution solicitor, specialising in construction and engineering, and running a small consultancy BTC, this resonates all too true, sadly. The difficulty here is the typical set up of this type of domestic building project i.e. the "all in one" company which professes to pr...
Forum: Homes & Garden
Topic: Please make sure your builders are insured
Replies: 7
by legalconsultant
Fri Mar 27, 2015 3:13 pm

Re: NVN Working Mums' Breakfast Club

Please include me too. It would be fabulous to share all our "mumpreneur" ideas and support each other.
Forum: Got a Question?
Topic: NVN Working Mums' Breakfast Club
Replies: 16
by legalconsultant
Sat Mar 14, 2015 1:51 pm

Re: Should I hire a lawyer?

Hi Indy B. In short, yes you should, and, subject to the building maintenance/ management contract, yes you can, but be careful before stopping payment as you may end up in breach yourself. As a construction dispute resolution specialist, I've come across these types of issues many times, and whilst...
Forum: Got a Question?
Topic: Should I hire a lawyer?
Replies: 2
by legalconsultant
Sat Mar 14, 2015 1:48 pm

Re: Advice

hi Supernanny38 I recommend you find a solicitor based on his or her expertise in the area of your interest/ concern, and be wary of anyone who says they can advise on most things ("a generalist"). For example, I am a solicitor specialising in construction law, and so would not suggest I h...
Forum: Got a Question?
Topic: Advice
Replies: 1
by legalconsultant
Sat Mar 07, 2015 8:41 pm

Re: Builders vanished - advice needed pls!

What a terrible experience. I'm a construction lawyer running a consultancy BTC and happy to help (search my other posts for similar advice to others). Here's some food for thought: First of all, dig out your contract (or whatever you have that could constitute a contract). You have to work out your...
Forum: Homes & Garden
Topic: Builders vanished - advice needed pls!
Replies: 11
by legalconsultant
Tue Sep 16, 2014 10:45 pm

Re: Lawyer referral - to sue negligent builders etc

hello. So sorry to hear of your poor experience. I hope the remedial works are going well. I'd be happy to try to help. I am a solicitor (ex-City) specialising in construction and engineering disputes. I run a consultancy now, based BTC. I have posted on this site previously (search "legal cons...
Forum: Homes & Garden
Topic: Lawyer referral - to sue negligent builders etc
Replies: 8
by legalconsultant
Sat Sep 06, 2014 6:45 pm

Re: Builders from hell - Advice needed

what a dreadful situation. I agree with much of what supergirl says. I would also add these thoughts (I am a solicitor specialising in construction law and dispute resolution): 1. the police won't be interested in trespass - it is a civil matter i.e. you have to sue in the County Court. Costly and n...
Forum: Got a Question?
Topic: Builders from hell - Advice needed
Replies: 3
by legalconsultant
Fri Apr 11, 2014 10:47 pm

Re: Neighbours Roof causing damp

I am a self-employed construction lawyer and mum based BTC, and have previously advertised my services on NVN (search "legal consultant"). As a starter for 10, I suggest you do the following: 1. get your builder to prepare a report which states his view of the causes of the damage to your ...
Forum: Homes & Garden
Topic: Neighbours Roof causing damp
Replies: 3
by legalconsultant
Thu Mar 06, 2014 11:25 pm

Re: SW Loft Conversion Advice

Architecture Geek, there is no need to be so rude to me, or to make personal digs at other people. It is ironic that, in one post, you called for people not to be "bitchy", yet your posts contain many barbs. When you press the "submit" button, you put something on record for the ...
Forum: Homes & Garden
Topic: SW Loft Conversion Advice
Replies: 17
by legalconsultant
Thu Feb 27, 2014 4:24 pm

Re: SW Loft Conversion Advice

Tricky stuff, building work. Contracts even trickier, esp when they go pear shaped (or threaten to). I'm a construction lawyer and happy to assist with any issues with contractors or professional team. I recently left employment to start up my own consultancy. Search for "legal consultant"...
Forum: Homes & Garden
Topic: SW Loft Conversion Advice
Replies: 17
by legalconsultant
Tue Feb 25, 2014 11:46 pm

Re: new legal consultancy: advice, training and similar

I also offer advice on residential construction contract issues e.g. reviewing and advising on terms proposed by your builder/architect; the value of warranties and guarantees; the standard of work/design; issues arising out of defective work/design; payment issues; and brewing disputes. I am also h...
Forum: Homes & Garden
Topic: new legal consultancy: advice, training and similar
Replies: 1
by legalconsultant
Sun Feb 02, 2014 1:15 pm

new legal consultancy: advice, training and similar

I am establishing my own legal consultancy and would like to offer my services to any person or business interested in commercial contract legal advice, dispute resolution and the like. I am a qualified solicitor, ex-City and ex-in-house. My particular expertise is in the construction and engineerin...
Forum: Homes & Garden
Topic: new legal consultancy: advice, training and similar
Replies: 1
by legalconsultant
Mon Jan 06, 2014 11:31 pm