Indemnity insurance claim on contractor, surveyor or managing agent?

Hi everyone, I own a leasehold flat in a building (total 5 flats) and I also own a share of the freehold.

We appointed a contractor via our managing agent to carry out major external works in the building including to the roof, electric writing, water pipes etc. This work was being overseen by a surveyor, also appointed by the managing agent.

The problem is that the contractor has defaulted on the remaining 30% of the major work due to poor health and given the awful state of the building, the managing agent is suggesting we appoint a new contractor to finish off the work. This however comes at an extra cost of nearly 50% more.

What can be done in this situation?

Can we call on the contractor’s insurance (for default), the surveyor’s insurance (for negligence) or the managing agent’s professional indemnity insurance (for not lodging a successful insurance claim on our behalf)? This is a lot of money and 2/3rd of the leaseholders can’t pay up due to lack of funds.

Is there anything else we can do?

Apparently, the defaulting contractor is doing ad-hoc work for other parties. Would a claim with the defaulting contractor’s insurance company also incriminate the surveyor?

Do we have any other options?

Many thanks

Seu

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