Ok, so here's a legal one to wrestle with.

We have built a stud wall to a design supplied to us by the architect. The architect's specification was the manufacturer's standard for the plasterboard.

The stud wall has since started to bend. It turns out that the information from the manufacturer that the architect used was incorrect. Hence the wall failing.

Who is to blame here?

The manufacturer for supplying erroneous information to the architect?

The architect for not checking the information was correct?

As contractor we have simply built the wall to the design supplied by the architect... Now we are going to have to sue - but who?

Would depend on all relevant information being supplied would this one Dannyboy i.e Materials used, partition height, length, Track & Stud used or timber, are metal studs (if installed) ‘boxed' or not, stud centers, boarding spec...

If the wall is deflecting, that sounds like a lack of adequate sized or un-boxed studs?

I would need more information on that problem but, if the wall has been installed as per the Architects specification i.e as per the drawings then He's responsible, it's not up to you to to determine what the manufacturer has told the Architect - did you have a Site Inspector / Clerk of Works on site?

Regards

MVM  

 You Sue your first point of contact!

So basically you sue the Architect and they will sue the Manufacturer!

Lots of solicitors make money and you all get screwed!