ᐅ Bending-resistant slab foundation driven over by a truck in less than one day
Created on: 16 May 2019 21:32
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-Sleepwalker-
Hello,
we are just starting to build our own home on the neighboring lot from a local developer. Unfortunately, the beginning has been far from pleasant. But let me explain step by step:
We are handling the groundwork ourselves through a contractor. The start date was April 29.
Our assigned site manager already pressured us about 4 weeks ago because another construction project had fallen through or something similar. He wanted to proceed quickly with the foundation slab. Since the groundwork contractor was repeatedly pulled away due to other tasks, the planned date for the foundation slab didn’t happen.
Now, once the groundwork was properly underway, the site manager started pushing again on May 6 because someone else had dropped out. He wanted to do the detailed surveying on May 10 and pour the foundation slab on May 13. Unfortunately, our groundwork contractor said that despite some difficulties, they could still manage if the slab got in their way. Apparently, this was taken by our site manager as a green light.
After two days of reflection and discussing with the groundwork contractor, I told him that we would prefer to complete the groundwork before the foundation slab is poured. Since we are also planning a carport with a tool shed, I wanted the surveyor to mark everything at once and also begin the masonry work on the garden hut ourselves. I brought this up several times with the site manager, explaining that we were not yet ready for the detailed surveying or the foundation slab. Everything was consistently dismissed with claims that it would all be fine. The evening before the detailed survey, I called the surveying office myself and canceled the appointment for May 10 because the site manager showed zero responsiveness.
On the morning of May 10, I got a call from the site manager saying that I couldn’t do that because he had already scheduled the workers and ordered everything two weeks earlier (why didn’t he tell me this two weeks ago? Very strange...). He rescheduled the surveying company for the detailed survey, which they unfortunately did. So I sent an email to the developer that morning saying that I was not okay with this and found the way they were treating their customers outrageous. To this day, no response. Consequently, the foundation slab was poured on May 13 as planned by the site manager and against my wishes. I was furious.
Additionally, our construction execution drawings were not finished yet; we only received them by mail on May 11. On Sunday, May 12, we relocated the washing machine, which involved rerouting a drain. We informed the developer the same day and requested immediate feedback. Nothing was signed off yet (and still isn’t). A call to the developer on Monday morning shocked me even more. They said the drain relocation was no longer possible. If I hadn’t personally instructed the workers on site (luckily I was working from home), we would now have an incorrect drain in the foundation slab. I couldn’t believe it.
Now to my question...
The foundation slab (reinforced, because the ground is not stable) was poured on the 13th around 2 p.m. and covered around 3 p.m. The following day, late morning (around noon), the bricks were already delivered. Since my parents live next door, they were able to observe and take photos. Around midday, I received a picture showing the truck with bricks driving onto the foundation slab, lowering its support legs to unload the bricks behind the “house.” Our groundwork contractor just shook his head and asked why they were driving on the foundation slab. “We always do it this way,” was the answer. I was horrified that the drivers dared to bring a 20-ton truck onto a slab less than a day old. Is this normal? Apart from the fact that the Ytong blocks were placed on the slab, although those areas are relatively light in weight compared to others.
In the evening, after work, I checked the site myself. The formwork for the foundation slab was slightly indented and cracked, and some of the slab surface had chipped (the masons have since patched and covered the damage. There are photos available if anyone wants to see them).
Is it allowed for foundation slabs to be driven on so quickly with such heavy equipment? Our construction expert tried to reassure me but said there was nothing they could do, and my photos wouldn’t help.
I feel like I’ve aged ten years in the last few days. I’m completely speechless about how a client is treated right from the start of construction.
Maybe someone can offer some advice. I’m really desperate right now.
we are just starting to build our own home on the neighboring lot from a local developer. Unfortunately, the beginning has been far from pleasant. But let me explain step by step:
We are handling the groundwork ourselves through a contractor. The start date was April 29.
Our assigned site manager already pressured us about 4 weeks ago because another construction project had fallen through or something similar. He wanted to proceed quickly with the foundation slab. Since the groundwork contractor was repeatedly pulled away due to other tasks, the planned date for the foundation slab didn’t happen.
Now, once the groundwork was properly underway, the site manager started pushing again on May 6 because someone else had dropped out. He wanted to do the detailed surveying on May 10 and pour the foundation slab on May 13. Unfortunately, our groundwork contractor said that despite some difficulties, they could still manage if the slab got in their way. Apparently, this was taken by our site manager as a green light.
After two days of reflection and discussing with the groundwork contractor, I told him that we would prefer to complete the groundwork before the foundation slab is poured. Since we are also planning a carport with a tool shed, I wanted the surveyor to mark everything at once and also begin the masonry work on the garden hut ourselves. I brought this up several times with the site manager, explaining that we were not yet ready for the detailed surveying or the foundation slab. Everything was consistently dismissed with claims that it would all be fine. The evening before the detailed survey, I called the surveying office myself and canceled the appointment for May 10 because the site manager showed zero responsiveness.
On the morning of May 10, I got a call from the site manager saying that I couldn’t do that because he had already scheduled the workers and ordered everything two weeks earlier (why didn’t he tell me this two weeks ago? Very strange...). He rescheduled the surveying company for the detailed survey, which they unfortunately did. So I sent an email to the developer that morning saying that I was not okay with this and found the way they were treating their customers outrageous. To this day, no response. Consequently, the foundation slab was poured on May 13 as planned by the site manager and against my wishes. I was furious.
Additionally, our construction execution drawings were not finished yet; we only received them by mail on May 11. On Sunday, May 12, we relocated the washing machine, which involved rerouting a drain. We informed the developer the same day and requested immediate feedback. Nothing was signed off yet (and still isn’t). A call to the developer on Monday morning shocked me even more. They said the drain relocation was no longer possible. If I hadn’t personally instructed the workers on site (luckily I was working from home), we would now have an incorrect drain in the foundation slab. I couldn’t believe it.
Now to my question...
The foundation slab (reinforced, because the ground is not stable) was poured on the 13th around 2 p.m. and covered around 3 p.m. The following day, late morning (around noon), the bricks were already delivered. Since my parents live next door, they were able to observe and take photos. Around midday, I received a picture showing the truck with bricks driving onto the foundation slab, lowering its support legs to unload the bricks behind the “house.” Our groundwork contractor just shook his head and asked why they were driving on the foundation slab. “We always do it this way,” was the answer. I was horrified that the drivers dared to bring a 20-ton truck onto a slab less than a day old. Is this normal? Apart from the fact that the Ytong blocks were placed on the slab, although those areas are relatively light in weight compared to others.
In the evening, after work, I checked the site myself. The formwork for the foundation slab was slightly indented and cracked, and some of the slab surface had chipped (the masons have since patched and covered the damage. There are photos available if anyone wants to see them).
Is it allowed for foundation slabs to be driven on so quickly with such heavy equipment? Our construction expert tried to reassure me but said there was nothing they could do, and my photos wouldn’t help.
I feel like I’ve aged ten years in the last few days. I’m completely speechless about how a client is treated right from the start of construction.
Maybe someone can offer some advice. I’m really desperate right now.
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-Sleepwalker-17 May 2019 15:26They scattered the bricks all around the house. Unfortunately, also behind it... if the earthworks had been finished earlier, there would have been more space.
To get onto the slab, there was a pile of sand in front that could be driven over.
So I guess I'll have to live with the uneasy conscience... I really think this is outrageous :-(
To get onto the slab, there was a pile of sand in front that could be driven over.
So I guess I'll have to live with the uneasy conscience... I really think this is outrageous :-(
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-Sleepwalker-29 May 2019 21:39Hello again,
somehow the foundation slab just won’t let us be.
The builder doesn’t seem willing to confirm that the load from the concrete delivery truck was harmless. Unfortunately, our building expert has left us somewhat in the lurch regarding this. I only have a report on it.
(We are having similar issues now with the ceiling. It was poured at 3 p.m., and by 7 a.m. the next day the blocks were placed on it (luckily no truck could drive on it there!). Our building expert even witnessed that.)
Nevertheless, since we are not getting any confirmation from the builder and the roof frame is already up because everything is moving so fast, we are considering having an independent assessment done for the foundation slab. Could anyone share experience regarding the costs involved? I would set a deadline for the builder to respond, and if there is no reply by then, have the assessment done at their expense or withhold the cost from the final payment.
The question is, am I allowed to do that?
somehow the foundation slab just won’t let us be.
The builder doesn’t seem willing to confirm that the load from the concrete delivery truck was harmless. Unfortunately, our building expert has left us somewhat in the lurch regarding this. I only have a report on it.
(We are having similar issues now with the ceiling. It was poured at 3 p.m., and by 7 a.m. the next day the blocks were placed on it (luckily no truck could drive on it there!). Our building expert even witnessed that.)
Nevertheless, since we are not getting any confirmation from the builder and the roof frame is already up because everything is moving so fast, we are considering having an independent assessment done for the foundation slab. Could anyone share experience regarding the costs involved? I would set a deadline for the builder to respond, and if there is no reply by then, have the assessment done at their expense or withhold the cost from the final payment.
The question is, am I allowed to do that?
H
hampshire29 May 2019 21:59That was unfortunate. A truck carrying formwork should not be on the fresh base slab, I agree with you on that. What surprised me was that the issue actually starts with your coordination of the earthworks. Your developer has a workforce and equipment schedule that you have challenged multiple times. I’m sure the developer won’t think as highly of you as the client anymore. Unfortunately, not a good start.
I hope your house turns out well anyway.
I hope your house turns out well anyway.
-Sleepwalker- schrieb:
We’re having similar issues with the ceiling now. It was poured at 3 PM, and the next day at 7 AM, they already placed the blocks on it (luckily no truck drove on it!). Our building inspector even noticed this.And where do you think the problem is? This is perfectly fine! Relax and let the workers do their job.Similar topics