A recent court case in TDT, Manama, has resulted in a construction firm being ordered to pay a homeowner a total of 13,495 Dinars in compensation for a dream villa left half-done. The homeowner had paid 49,200 Dinars towards the agreed price of 61,500 Dinars, but only 39,905 Dinars’ worth of work had been completed, leading to legal action.
The homeowner’s lawyer, Taqi Hussain, presented evidence including the original contract, payment records, and an expert report confirming substandard work. The homeowner sought financial redress for the unfinished work and defects, demanding 9,295 Dinars for uncompleted work, 9,660 Dinars in penalties for delays, 2,700 Dinars for defect corrections, and 374 Dinars for a report on structural issues.
The court supported most of the homeowner’s claims, adjusting the delay penalty to 1,500 Dinars due to the partly completed state of the work. The final award of 13,495 Dinars covers excess payments made for incomplete work and related damages. The court dismissed a claim for moral damages, citing Bahraini law that does not allow for dual compensation.
In addition to the compensation for the homeowner, the court ordered the builder to pay 747 Dinars for expert and report fees, along with 20 Dinars in attorney fees. Court fees were also assessed, with 616.5 Dinars payable, 340.5 Dinars to the homeowner, and a 10 Dinar execution fee imposed on the firm.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of having a written contract and keeping payment records in any construction project. It also highlights the legal recourse available to homeowners in Bahrain who are dissatisfied with the quality or completion of construction work.
Ultimately, the court’s decision in favor of the homeowner sets a precedent for holding construction firms accountable for delays and substandard work. It also emphasizes the importance of seeking legal advice and representation when facing issues with a construction project.
The outcome of this case demonstrates that homeowners have legal options when dealing with incomplete or defective construction work and that the courts in Bahrain are willing to uphold their rights. It also showcases the role of expert reports and evidence in building a strong case for financial redress in construction disputes.
