Building contractor damage

[ttekris]

We employed a builder to remove our old broken concrete driveway, during which he severed the gas main with his digger. Now several weeks later the gas company has invoiced the builder for the repair, but he is now trying to invoice us for this work claiming that somehow we as the homeowners are liable. Can anyone comment please ? Surely this is nothing to do with us.

[ummmm]

No...it's his fault. My partner works on ground works and people in his firm have been sacked for hitting gas pipes or electric cables. Because the company were charged for it.

[ummmm]

Spoke to OH. The builder is suppose to have a permit to dig where he signs that he's seen the stats (where gas pipes and cables are) so it's his fault.

That's a very basic explanation as he's watching the football.

[ummmm]

Ask to see his insurance. He should have public liabilty. He legally cannot take on the work unless he has it.

[scotman]

Uuum
It's been a while but I thought permits only applied to digging in public. On private ground I am not so sure. Maybe things have changed.

[Everhelpful]

He MUST have Public Liability Insurance. Shouldn't be working without it.!!

[ummmm]

Have you paid him for the job?

scotman.....you could be right. As I said above yer man was watching football and I was trying to make sense of what he was saying. He said on private land you don't need a permit but if the person doing the work works for a company they will need one.

Have you employed a pykie tterkris?

Regardless though....he hit the gas main so he is responsible.


OH is bringing too many issues into it now.......but he's still adamant that he should pay.

[scotman]

Umm
Sorry for getting your name wrong way round. I agree that builder need s Public Liability Insurance. Also should have enquired about buried services if using a digger etc.
Agree that it is still his responsibilty.