Plumbers fitted out wrong house
MISTAKE: Homeowner wins claim for damages
A DUBLIN woman was granted €5,000 compensation after central heating fitters mistakenly started work on her house despite being at the wrong address.
Fitters from DC Plumbing and Heating Ltd began lifting carpets and floor boards, drilling holes in walls and ceilings and fitting piping and radiators before getting a call to say: "You're in the wrong house".
Fitter Mark Kelly received the call from his boss after four hours of work and left.
Circuit Court president, Mr Justice Matthew Deery, heard Mr Kelly and his apprentice had already begun serious work at the house before learning they were at the wrong address.
David Cranston, owner of DC Plumbing and Heating, Malahide Road, Donnycarney, Dublin, said his company accepted their workmen had mistakenly started work at 56 Bunratty Avenue, Dublin, instead of 56 Bunratty Drive.
Frances Tighe said in the Circuit Civil Court that Dublin City Council had approved a €3,400 grant for the heating installation at her home at 56 Bunratty Avenue and she knew her daughter, June, had sought a quotation for the work from DC Plumbing and Heating Ltd.
When Mr Kelly and his apprentice arrived she thought it was as a result of her daughter's arrangements and her grandson Christopher Tighe, who lived with her, had let them in and they had started work.
Drilled
When the workmen left four hours later, carpet and floor boards had been lifted, holes had been drilled, pipes and radiators installed.
Mr Tighe said Mr Cranston had called to the house after the workmen had withdrawn and had threatened to call gardai if his men were not allowed to recover materials.
Judge Deery awarded Ms Tighe €5,000 compensation for restoration and personal upset.
- Sarah Neville
