ᐅ Building inspector for the entire construction process or just the final inspection
Created on: 2 Sep 2021 08:00
P
Pwnage619
Hello
we have purchased a new semi-detached house with 150sqm (1,615 sq ft).
We are currently considering whether to hire a building expert.
What would you say – would it be worth hiring an expert to supervise the entire construction process?
That would certainly be very expensive.
Or do you think it’s enough to bring in an expert only for the final inspection,
someone who identifies all defects and properly documents them?
That probably wouldn’t be too costly.
Or should I just save the money and not hire anyone?
we have purchased a new semi-detached house with 150sqm (1,615 sq ft).
We are currently considering whether to hire a building expert.
What would you say – would it be worth hiring an expert to supervise the entire construction process?
That would certainly be very expensive.
Or do you think it’s enough to bring in an expert only for the final inspection,
someone who identifies all defects and properly documents them?
That probably wouldn’t be too costly.
Or should I just save the money and not hire anyone?
V
vorkalmatador2 Sep 2021 14:26If you have no knowledge of construction, I believe that an expert is essential from start to finish (ideally including a review of the contract and scope of work by a lawyer).
We are laypersons and only brought in the expert for the final inspection. It wasn’t very expensive and gave us a bit more peace of mind, but I think it’s only somewhat useful. If you need expert advice for safety reasons, it’s better to have it for the entire project.
During the final inspection, the expert can’t really assess all the trades that have already been covered up.
I contacted two experts before the final inspection—two personalities couldn’t have been more different.
One seemed extremely confrontational; his quote was, “If you want a defect-free acceptance, you’re in the wrong place,” and he intended to use that as a marketing slogan. That really put me off.
The other initially didn’t want to attend the inspection (since it’s just the final inspection and there’s not much left to assess), but then he asked which construction company was involved. After hearing the company name, he offered to accompany us because he had a positive view of the company, but he made it clear beforehand that his assessment would be limited. We hired that expert.
During the final inspection, the expert can’t really assess all the trades that have already been covered up.
I contacted two experts before the final inspection—two personalities couldn’t have been more different.
One seemed extremely confrontational; his quote was, “If you want a defect-free acceptance, you’re in the wrong place,” and he intended to use that as a marketing slogan. That really put me off.
The other initially didn’t want to attend the inspection (since it’s just the final inspection and there’s not much left to assess), but then he asked which construction company was involved. After hearing the company name, he offered to accompany us because he had a positive view of the company, but he made it clear beforehand that his assessment would be limited. We hired that expert.
R
Raiweired3 Sep 2021 11:23How does the process work after signing a building savings contract? Are general contractors/construction managers enthusiastic about it, or do they see the conclusion of such a contract as a sign of distrust? Or are they generally open to it? How does the building savings contract keep track of the construction progress to ensure inspections are not scheduled too late? Is there communication with the site manager?
My building supervisor said he appreciates when someone additionally supervises the craftsmen. He might have meant something different, though. His site manager didn’t like it, and when a clear defect appeared during the shell construction, they all avoided responsibility and probably didn’t like it at all. At one point, it seemed like they even wanted to use my expert witness against me, which was really just a sign of desperation.
The craftsmen always seem uncomfortable during visits, you can really tell. The less skilled become taciturn and continue working silently, while the better ones at least try and sometimes ask how something should be done better or what the purpose of a certain measure is.
You need to check progress yourself or ask about it and inform your building expert in a timely manner because they can’t always come on short notice. The site manager may have no interest in certain things being noticed and waits until the part is already covered up—for example, the concrete reinforcement covered, window sealing plastered over, screed laid on underfloor heating, etc.
The craftsmen always seem uncomfortable during visits, you can really tell. The less skilled become taciturn and continue working silently, while the better ones at least try and sometimes ask how something should be done better or what the purpose of a certain measure is.
You need to check progress yourself or ask about it and inform your building expert in a timely manner because they can’t always come on short notice. The site manager may have no interest in certain things being noticed and waits until the part is already covered up—for example, the concrete reinforcement covered, window sealing plastered over, screed laid on underfloor heating, etc.
Raiweired schrieb:
What is the usual process after signing up for a home savings contract? Are general contractors (GCs) enthusiastic about it, or do they see the contract as a sign of distrust? How does the home savings contract keep track of the construction progress to avoid delays in inspections? Is there communication with the site manager? It really can’t work without cooperation. Site managers need to understand that obstructing the expert inspections would cast a suspicious tone on what should be a neutral and critical assessment. A good expert doesn’t act like an enforcer and doesn’t treat the construction workers like offenders. Their visits are more like refresher courses on proper workmanship and therefore a valuable benefit for the craftsmen at no cost. A good expert also works proactively to support future projects and, importantly, knows how to give recognition and even praise without encouraging carelessness going forward.
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