ᐅ How much additional cost is expected based on the structural engineer’s calculations?

hanghaus2023 schrieb:

You should have deleted the attachment right away. It only lasts 3 minutes. You could try asking the moderators. I don’t see much chance.

A good construction manager can also evaluate the additional claim for the basement waterproofing system ("Weisse Wanne"). The general contractor (GC) won’t be of any help there. More likely the opposite. He actually profits from the contract with the basement builder.

"A good construction manager can also assess the additional claim for the basement waterproofing system ("Weisse Wanne"). The one from the GC won’t be any help. Rather the opposite. He actually benefits from the contract with the basement builder."

The construction manager said that in a seismic zone level 3, you are not allowed to build a basement at all without a reinforced concrete foundation. Is that correct?

11ant schrieb:

Your construction manager, yes, but not the one employed by your contractor. Their responsibilities are: 1. ensuring that no worker is left idle due to late material deliveries; 2. coordinating between subcontractors; 3. effectively covering up defects until the warranty period expires. They have nothing to do with your interests—you are, from a contractual perspective, the opposing party as the client!

But you have forgotten quite a few important points.

11ant schrieb:

However, the specialist lawyer can still save the situation, and the debt counselor can then help to manage the damage as best as possible.

No, no more communication without the lawyer – and every hour you involve her earlier counts!

But let’s assume the general contractor would be willing to cooperate, whether out of goodwill or any other reason. That willingness immediately disappears the moment a lawyer calls. This might not fit perfectly, but I personally head a department in an IT company. Occasionally, I like to accommodate clients out of goodwill, even if it costs a few dollars. Especially when my employees and I are treated honestly and fairly.

However, as soon as I receive a letter from a lawyer, I am, of course, forced to contact our own lawyer immediately, and from that moment on, any cooperation from either side is gone. This can strain the entire business relationship, and that is exactly what you really don’t want in a house-building project.

I am a fan of always trying to start with a conversation first. Nothing has to be decided right away, but at least you can exchange views and clarify questions. Often, it’s the personal interaction that makes the difference.

Lauralila88 schrieb:

The construction manager said that in a seismic zone 3, you are not allowed to build a basement without a concrete foundation... is that true?

Sort of. A structural engineer can definitely answer that better than a forum can.

I would say that in seismic zone 3, only concrete basements are permitted because they can be especially reinforced. But does it necessarily have to be a waterproof concrete shell (white tank)?

I could imagine that concrete-filled bricks might also work. Whether that would ultimately be cheaper is another question, since you would still need waterproofing (bituminous waterproofing membrane / black tank) after all.

jrth2151 schrieb:

This can potentially strain the entire business relationship, and that is definitely something you want to avoid in a house-building project.

The original poster is already very timid, allowing a timid person to be treated like a lion. She is anxiously accepting the idea of redirecting at least 60% of the kitchen and contingency budget into additional costs as if it were the only option. The general contractor is effortlessly pressing her against the wall without any effort.

jrth2151 schrieb:

But let’s assume the general contractor would make a concession, whether out of goodwill or for any other reason. That goodwill instantly disappears the moment a lawyer calls. This might not exactly fit here, but I manage a department in an IT company. I sometimes accommodate customers out of goodwill, even if it costs a few dollars. Especially when there is honest and fair treatment between my employees/myself and the clients. As soon as I receive communication from a lawyer, however, I am forced to contact our lawyer immediately, and from that point on, goodwill is dead for both parties.

This attitude is unfortunate, unwise even for your own work, and not a good influence on the original poster. Legal advice does not mean a lawyer’s phone call or letterhead. And a lawyer does not necessarily mean confrontation at all. I respect the specialist lawyer mentioned for being successful in mediation, and the original poster can of course seek advice discreetly— for example, have a letter drafted by the specialist sent in her own name to the general contractor. Don’t scare the original poster by making her fear escalation!

hanghaus2023 schrieb:

I could imagine that this might also work with concrete-filled hollow bricks. But in the end, would it be cheaper?

Do you mean insulated concrete forms / concrete blocks?
I am assuming a downgrade* to a slab-on-grade foundation, a reduction of the building footprint, and a replacement basement room above ground completed as self-performed work; otherwise, the original poster will be paying for life for a financial loss caused by a naïve signature.

*) notably after being saved by the specialist lawyer and debt counselor!

---

https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/

hanghaus2023 schrieb:

It says "basement according to plan." What exactly does the plan say about the basement?

It’s almost irrelevant, considering how many checkmarks in the offer suggest that it’s included… while in reality it’s only part of the offer.