Take photographs and write down what you found, where it is and when you discovered it. Keep reports and messages about the problem in one place. This makes it easier to explain the situation and get help with the next step.
Write down what happened
Note what you saw and what you did afterwards. For example, you might write that you found water on the floor after rain, took photographs and contacted a plumber. This helps the person investigating understand the sequence of events.
Take a photograph showing where the problem is, followed by close-ups of the damage. Keep the original image files. If measurements are taken, ask for the time, equipment and readings to be included in the report.
Find the documents about your home
Find the purchase contract, sales prospectus, condition report, seller declaration, handover record and written correspondence. Mark what each document says about the affected area, earlier work and known uncertainty.
Records from alteration work may include invoices, drawings, photographs, declarations of conformity and municipal decisions. If records of earlier work are missing, ask the seller or the people who carried out the work for copies.
Obtain the appropriate professional assessment
Choose a professional with competence relevant to the problem. Ask for a clear explanation of what was examined, what was found and what should happen next. The report should also identify questions that still need answers.
Before walls are opened or damage is repaired, discuss how to record the findings with the professional and the people involved. An active leak or danger needs immediate attention. Keep photographs and details of the work carried out.
Give written notice
A notice can be brief and factual. State what was discovered, when it was discovered, that the condition is being investigated and that further records will follow. Send it in a way that can be documented.
Deadlines depend on the case. Get legal help promptly if you are unsure whom to notify or which deadline applies.
Budsjekk can help gather the information, prepare questions and follow up the people investigating the problem.
What to check
- Record the date, place, observation and how the condition was discovered.
- Take overview and detail photographs and relevant measurements without changing the original files.
- Collect the contract, sales prospectus, condition report, seller declaration and correspondence.
- Give written notice and seek qualified help when the extent, cause or time limits are unclear.