Q: I recently had a bathroom fitted in my apartment. Since I was abroad when the bathroom was being installed, I could not check how the works were being carried out. When the bathroom was finished, I went to see it and to my disappointment I was aware of a number of shortcomings: the light fittings were not installed; the taps were not working well; and there was also damage in the apartment below because the person who installed the bathroom left a leak that flooded downstairs.

I spent €1,100 on the bathroom and another €2,000 on its installation. What are my rights in this case?

A: If the installation was not up to standard and this has caused you additional damages, you may claim compensation for the ruined material you had to re-purchase. You may also claim compensation of the money you paid for the installation and for the extra expenses you incurred due to the shoddy work done on your bathroom.

It is important that you have the relevant receipts/proofs of purchase that justify the amount you claim as compensation.

In the first instance, you should complain in writing with the person who installed the bathroom and request compensation.

Should you not manage to reach an amicable agreement, you may then proceed with filing a complaint with the Office for Consumer Affairs.