ᐅ Damage Caused by Screed Work: Who Is Responsible? How to Proceed?
Created on: 19 Feb 2021 22:14
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BautitusHello forum members,
We are building a house with an architect. Recently, screeding work was carried out at our site. During this process, the structural shell, which was supposed to remain visible, was heavily soiled and damaged in several areas.
In my opinion, this constitutes a defect because the other trade was not adequately protected. However, I am unsure how to proceed in order to achieve defect remediation.
The screeding company refuses to take any action, as they believe it was “structural shell” work and that nothing could have been done to prevent it. According to other companies present, what they did was a major mistake. From their reports, I learned that this is usually handled differently. For example, hoses are typically secured with straps to control vibrations and movements, minimizing the likelihood of such damage. However, I could not find any official standard (DIN) that requires this.
Is there any way to hold the architect liable, since ultimately a defect-free building is not being delivered? He did not supervise how the work was carried out and is leaving us completely unsupported on this issue. Does he have no obligations? (he was commissioned for all phases of services)
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
We are building a house with an architect. Recently, screeding work was carried out at our site. During this process, the structural shell, which was supposed to remain visible, was heavily soiled and damaged in several areas.
In my opinion, this constitutes a defect because the other trade was not adequately protected. However, I am unsure how to proceed in order to achieve defect remediation.
The screeding company refuses to take any action, as they believe it was “structural shell” work and that nothing could have been done to prevent it. According to other companies present, what they did was a major mistake. From their reports, I learned that this is usually handled differently. For example, hoses are typically secured with straps to control vibrations and movements, minimizing the likelihood of such damage. However, I could not find any official standard (DIN) that requires this.
Is there any way to hold the architect liable, since ultimately a defect-free building is not being delivered? He did not supervise how the work was carried out and is leaving us completely unsupported on this issue. Does he have no obligations? (he was commissioned for all phases of services)
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
H
HilfeHilfe20 Feb 2021 06:53Photos? Is a structural wall not covered with plaster...?
Did the screed contractor know from the site manager that it was exposed masonry?
This can be verified based on the position in the tender documents or later in the contract regarding the masking of the walls.
If nothing is documented, the screed contractor may be able to prove that masking was not part of the contract.
What the tradespeople say about a shell construction … sorry, at most this concerns a broom-clean condition.
Apart from whether airtightness is achievable at all without plaster on masonry,
and whether this is also accounted for in the thermal insulation certification.
This can be verified based on the position in the tender documents or later in the contract regarding the masking of the walls.
If nothing is documented, the screed contractor may be able to prove that masking was not part of the contract.
What the tradespeople say about a shell construction … sorry, at most this concerns a broom-clean condition.
Apart from whether airtightness is achievable at all without plaster on masonry,
and whether this is also accounted for in the thermal insulation certification.
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Alessandro24 Feb 2021 08:59By the way, a DIN standard is not a regulation but a recommendation. So there is no need to argue with that.
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