Defective Work Claim Advice

Defective work claim advice in Ireland tells you the strength of your claim against a builder or tradesperson, the evidence to gather and the cleanest route. If you are left holding the bill for someone else’s bad work and the builder is avoiding you, a solicitor’s view helps you decide what to do.

You can upload your folio, deeds, contract, photos or other documents through our secure link; a solicitor would then typically review everything before preparing advice. There is no hourly billing: the price is fixed for the service described. Property and land issues are usually easier and cheaper to resolve early, before a sale, mortgage or family transfer is held up. The advice is based on Irish law and practice and on the documents you provide, so the more complete your documents, the more precise the advice can be. If the advice shows that further work is needed, such as correspondence, a Land Registry application or a planning or court process, a solicitor would explain the options and any further cost before anything else is done.

What’s included

• Contract review
• Defect intake
• Claim strength opinion
• Recommended route
• Written summary
• Work of this kind is carried out by a solicitor regulated by the Law Society of Ireland. We are not a solicitor’s practice and do not provide it — to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.

Who this is for

• Homeowners with defective building work
• Owners whose builder will not return
• Owners with defects after an extension
• Buyers of new homes with defects

How it works

1. Find a solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory and send them the basic details and any existing documents or correspondence.
2. Complete a short questionnaire about your circumstances.
3. A solicitor would then typically review the documents and prepare written advice.
4. You receive your written advice by email and, where included, a follow-up call to ask questions.

Frequently asked questions

How much does defective work claim advice cost in Ireland?

Fees for work of this kind are typically set on application: a solicitor would typically confirm the fee once the matter has been reviewed and before any work begins. Any third-party or State fees are listed separately where they apply. You request an assessment, and costs are confirmed in writing before any work begins.

What evidence do I need for a defective work claim?

Typically the contract, payments, photos and an expert’s report on the defects.

Is there a time limit?

Yes. Claims are subject to limitation periods, so act promptly.

For more on property, land and conveyancing, see our Property & Conveyancing in Ireland guide.

If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.