ᐅ Blower door test conducted without informing the homeowner

Created on: 7 Oct 2015 19:12
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tomtom79
Yesterday, the blower door test was conducted at our place. Unfortunately, we were not informed beforehand that it would take place. I find that unfortunate, and I would have liked to be present. In our documents, I only found a note that the test is required for KFW, but no specific regulation about it.

We are very satisfied with the general contractor, but still, I would have wanted to be there. At handover, we will receive a sheet without having been able to verify the values myself.

How much does a test initiated independently usually cost?

How did you handle this?
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Bieber0815
14 Oct 2015 22:03
tomtom79 schrieb:
In our case, the test was apparently done at the window.

This is supposedly beneficial because a critical point (the entrance door) is then included in the test.
tomtom79 schrieb:
whether the basement affects the value.

Since the result is the air change rate per hour, that is, the ratio of leakage airflow to room volume, one might assume that a large underground (and therefore sealed?) volume would decrease the ratio. So, many windowless rooms increase the room volume (the denominator), but are unlikely to cause leaks. As a result, the air change rate should decrease. Perhaps someone with more knowledge will chime in... Or an expert with extensive statistics.
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Wastl
16 Oct 2015 09:04
For us, it was done even without our presence.
We then also received "the document" and were satisfied.
I have – and still do – trust in our craftsmen. The blower door test was carried out by a contracted company – coordinating this appointment with the site manager and then with the client as well – I wouldn’t feel like doing that either. I also don’t consider the test itself to be a "major event" in the construction of a house.
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Payday
19 Oct 2015 10:25
We have a building plan and know who does what and when. Still, I had to ask again directly about the blower door test. I was there during the test—it wasn’t super exciting, but it’s a good thing because you can talk directly with the tester, and they immediately point out any issues. This way, you can also check later yourself whether anything has changed or not. Our house was airtight except for one drilled hole for an electrical outlet, where a slight draft was noticeable. A bit of silicone later, the problem was solved.

It’s reassuring to hear directly and clearly from the expert that everything is in order. However, I wouldn’t start an additional test.

By the way, the critical point is always the attic hatch, which for good reasons is usually installed later 🙂
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Bieber0815
19 Oct 2015 21:44
Payday schrieb:
By the way, the critical point is always the attic hatch, which for good reason is always installed later

Is that then considered a defect? If a builder carries out the contractually agreed blower door test before installing the attic hatch, can a complaint be made and the test repeated at the builder’s expense?