In a recent court case in Bahrain, a building firm was ordered to pay a fine of 13,495 Dinars for failing to complete a homeowner’s villa. The court also mandated the company to cover 747 Dinars in expert fees and legal costs. The case began when the homeowner sought a refund after paying 49,200 Dinars of the agreed total price of 61,500 Dinars. The company had only completed work valued at 39,905 Dinars, leading the homeowner to terminate the contract and seek compensation for the unfinished work and defects.
Lawyer Taqi Hussain represented the homeowner in court and presented evidence such as the original contract, payment records, and an expert report that highlighted the substandard quality of work performed. The homeowner claimed 9,295 Dinars for uncompleted work, 9,660 Dinars in penalties for delays, 2,700 Dinars to rectify defects, and 374 Dinars for a report on structural issues. The builder had previously agreed to a daily penalty of 20 Dinars for any delays past the revised completion date.
The court upheld most of the homeowner’s claims but adjusted the delay penalty to 1,500 Dinars due to the partly completed state of the project. The final award of 13,495 Dinars covers excess payments made for incomplete work and other damages related to the case. However, the court dismissed the homeowner’s claim for moral damages, stating that Bahraini law does not allow for dual compensation since the delay penalty already addresses the issue. The judgment also requires the builder to pay 747 Dinars for expert and report fees, as well as 20 Dinars in attorney fees.
Overall, the court fees amounted to 616.5 Dinars, with 340.5 Dinars payable to the homeowner and a 10 Dinar execution fee imposed on the firm. This case serves as a reminder for building firms to fulfill their contractual obligations to avoid facing fines and legal consequences. Homeowners should also be vigilant in monitoring the progress of construction projects and seek legal recourse if expectations are not met. By understanding their rights and responsibilities, both parties can work towards fair resolutions in cases of disputes or incomplete work.
