ᐅ Are cracks in window sills normal?

After returning from our vacation, we visited our construction site for the first time today. In the meantime, the internal window sills have been installed. We were shocked by the many cracks.... Of course, it is a natural material, but it really doesn’t look good. Is this normal and something we just have to accept?

Another question: Our front entrance door has already been installed, even though the interior plastering hasn’t been done yet. We have already noticed some scratches. The door wasn’t covered at all to prevent damage. The interior work is only just beginning, and different tradespeople are coming and going. How was this handled in your experience, and who is responsible for any potential damage?

Thank you for your opinions. We’re a bit upset with the carpenter right now.

At first glance, it looks like they are cracked, but can you actually feel these cracks? Or are they only within the material? To me, it rather looks like the window sills are partially or completely broken, which I would not accept (even though it is a natural product, where, for example, quartz veins would normally be expected).

However, I also wonder how sensible it was to install them already when the interior plaster is not yet applied.

Window sills installed before plastering are the standard approach for me. And I would definitely report the cracks.

1. Cracks like these are not normal. This is a defect.
2. Usually, so-called construction doors are installed initially and then replaced shortly before handover. If the final door is installed earlier, it is typically protected by the door manufacturer or installer with cardboard and plastic sheeting. If this protection is not provided due to a budget builder (since it is a service), it should be done by yourself.
3. The plasterer covers all surfaces, for example, window frames.

Jacy0505 schrieb:

Is this normal and do you have to accept it?

No. It is just as much a defect as a crack in a glass pane.

Jacy0505 schrieb:

One more question. Our front door has already been installed, even though the interior plaster hasn’t been done yet.

That is not normal either; temporary construction doors exist for this purpose. However, it depends on the scope of work whether the additional effort is included. It can be done, but only with protective measures.

Window sills and doors can be installed either before or after interior plastering/floor screed. Both methods are common practice and have their advantages and disadvantages.

Jacy0505 schrieb:

Who is liable for any potential damage?

As always, the party responsible is the one who caused the damage. If the responsible party cannot be identified, then, in the worst case, it becomes your own problem. How are you building? General contractor, architect, or developer? Liability for damages also depends on that.

ypg schrieb:

1. Cracks like these are not normal. This is a defect.
2. Typically, so-called construction doors are installed initially and then replaced shortly before handover.
If the final door is installed earlier, it is usually protected by the door manufacturer or installer with cardboard and plastic sheeting. If this is not done because of a cost-saving builder (as it is a service), then you should do it yourself.
3. The plasterer covers all surfaces, for example window frames.

That’s exactly right. In our case, the windows along with the window sills were installed in one day. There was no interior or exterior plaster at that time. The exterior plaster is now being finished, and this is how it looks. If you enlarge the picture, you can see that the windows and doors are masked off.