TWO Colchester families are seeking nearly half a million pounds in compensation from a housebuilding giant after claiming their homes are not fit to live in.

Neighbours Michael Harvey and David and Charmaine Sutton, of Ian Rose Drive, Stanway, are taking Taylor Wimpey to the High Court for nearly £500,000.

The residents purchased their detached properties from Taylor Wimpey in 2018 with each paying more than £400,000 for their home.

However, soon after moving in each family claims their homes contained defects of workmanship and materials, with other problems coming to light since then.

Gazette: Building - both families claim their homes contained defects of workmanship and materialsBuilding - both families claim their homes contained defects of workmanship and materials (Image: N/A)

According to court papers, the roofs of both houses have missing insulation, lateral restraint straps and diagonal rafter bracings, as well as dropped sections of gutters.

They also allege the flooring has not been installed correctly, there are incorrectly installed air bricks and exposed ends of cavity ties, as well as cracks on walls and ceilings, loose or dropped balcony window boards and peeling mastic on balconies.

Mr Harvey also says he and his family are no longer able to use one of their bedrooms because it is too cold as a result of a thermal bypass between floors.

Both families accuse the company of failing to build their homes in a good and workmanlike manner in accordance with building regulations, drawings and specifications, and in accordance with National House Building Council Standards.

Mr Harvey, who lives at the property with his wife and family, is now looking for at least £227,000 in compensation in order to put his property right.

Mr and Mrs Sutton, meanwhile, say repairs to their new-build home will cost more than £234,000.

Each family also seeks £1,704 for the cost of instructing surveyors and engineers to inspect their homes, and damages for loss of amenity, distress and inconvenience.

Gazette: Case - both claimants are taking Taylor Wimpey to court over the issuesCase - both claimants are taking Taylor Wimpey to court over the issues

Taylor Wimpey, the residents say, have also failed to tell them of major changes made to the construction of the houses, and failed to ensure their homes were reasonably fit for human habitation.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesman said: "We are sorry that these customers have experienced problems with their homes.

"We are fully committed to resolving any dispute with the customers and have been communicating with the customers via their solicitor over the past months.

"As this is now the subject of legal proceedings, we cannot comment any further.”