Q1problem
See model answer ↓TechBuild Ltd agrees to renovate the offices of Harper & Co Solicitors for £150,000, with completion due on 1 March. The contract provides that the work must be done to "a reasonable professional standard." TechBuild subcontracts the electrical work to Sparks Ltd for £30,000. During the renovation, TechBuild discovers asbestos in the ceiling, which was not identified in the pre-contract survey. Removing the asbestos will cost an additional £25,000 and delay completion by four weeks. TechBuild informs Harper & Co but proceeds with the work without waiting for instructions. Harper & Co's senior partner, Mr Harper, verbally agrees to pay the additional cost "as long as the work is done properly." TechBuild completes all work, including asbestos removal, by 29 March. However, the electrical work done by Sparks Ltd is defective and causes a small fire, damaging Harper & Co's server room and destroying client files. The cost of repairing the electrical work is £10,000 and the server room damage is £40,000. Harper & Co refuses to pay the additional £25,000 for asbestos removal. Advise all parties on their contractual rights and liabilities.