Hi all
I was seeking some advice as to whether this is a builders issue or whether it as my builder claims - maintenance issue and we just need to suck it up and pay for it to be fixed. We don't fully know our rights around this area so hoping those with more knowledge/experience would be of help.
Our house was completed in 2016 and noticed some issues with the wall/grout cracking in the shower and the grout being poor in the corner hob about 6 months to a year after it was completed. Totally on us and being lax and also thinking that it wouldn't get worse, but it is. It is now starting to leak on the other side of the hob. In terms of cleaning products, we use fairly natural and nonaggressive products.
We contacted the builder and this was their response:
"A new home will continuously have expansion and contraction that may result in wall and cornice cracking, grout lines cracking and, in some cases, cracked tiles.
The cracking observed in the photos you have provided are considered non-structural, and of aesthetic consequence only. To maintain the quality and longevity of your new home it is important that you carry out a general maintenance.
There are significant breaches in the grout and or silicone to the floor / wall junction.
As the homeowner it is important that you maintain the shower capsule by checking the grout and silicone are in place and being mindful of the aggressiveness of cleaning and products used.
At the first signs of grout or silicone deterioration this should be replaced to prevent further damage to your home.
Taking into consideration the age of the home, and having completed the service period, we deem this to be homeowners’ maintenance, and no further action by the builder."
Are they being fair?
Edit: Photos: https://imgur.com/a/CoqZ8l7