Hello everyone,
The concrete slab has been poured, and the earthworks contractor/foundation supplier has left various waste materials on the property. As the client, I am contractually obliged to dispose of these, so that’s clear.
But: what exactly qualifies as "waste"?
In addition to the usual materials like leftover concrete, sewer and drainage pipes, cut Styrofoam insulation panels, packaging, and wood scraps, the earthworks contractor also left about 15 tons of construction sand on site. This was ordered for the sub-base but was not fully used. My question is: does this count as "waste" as well? Or is the contractor required to take back excess material?
The construction sand represents a double burden for me, since I have already paid for the material without using it, and now I also have to cover the disposal costs.
Until these and other questions are clarified, I do not want to pay the final invoice. Since the payment deadline is approaching, I am also wondering how to proceed legally. Is it sufficient to send an email stating that I disagree with the invoice, or is it better to contact them by postal mail, possibly by registered mail? Do I need to provide a detailed explanation about what I consider unacceptable?
Thanks in advance.
The concrete slab has been poured, and the earthworks contractor/foundation supplier has left various waste materials on the property. As the client, I am contractually obliged to dispose of these, so that’s clear.
But: what exactly qualifies as "waste"?
In addition to the usual materials like leftover concrete, sewer and drainage pipes, cut Styrofoam insulation panels, packaging, and wood scraps, the earthworks contractor also left about 15 tons of construction sand on site. This was ordered for the sub-base but was not fully used. My question is: does this count as "waste" as well? Or is the contractor required to take back excess material?
The construction sand represents a double burden for me, since I have already paid for the material without using it, and now I also have to cover the disposal costs.
Until these and other questions are clarified, I do not want to pay the final invoice. Since the payment deadline is approaching, I am also wondering how to proceed legally. Is it sufficient to send an email stating that I disagree with the invoice, or is it better to contact them by postal mail, possibly by registered mail? Do I need to provide a detailed explanation about what I consider unacceptable?
Thanks in advance.
W
WilderSueden28 Feb 2023 17:20asrmel1 schrieb:
Yes, same here, but additionally: 120 for loading and unloading transport, 50 for insurance and wear parts, 80 euros per hour for the driver. I rented a mini excavator for about 130€ per day, excluding fuel. I did the digging myself. Alternatively, a tracked dumper with a self-loading function is an option; you can rent those for around 80€ per day and pick them up yourself on a standard trailer (if you can arrange one).
Regarding disputed issues:
You should raise them in writing with the civil engineer. Problems must be clearly described, ideally with photos. I would report it by email first, and if there is no response the next day, send a written letter as well.
You are allowed to withhold twice the estimated repair costs. Transfer the remaining balance of the invoice.
X
xMisterDx28 Feb 2023 19:54Didn't you plan any paths, terrace, parking space, etc.? 15 tons sounds like a lot, but in practice, it's barely enough just for paving the parking space.
W
WilderSueden28 Feb 2023 21:03xMisterDx schrieb:
Haven't you planned any paths, terrace, parking space, etc.? 15 tons sounds like a lot, but in practice it's barely enough for paving the parking space.I think the grain size is too small for that. Sand would be closer to 0/8mm (0/0.3 inches), while for the subbase you usually use 0/32 or 0/45mm (0/1.25 or 0/1.75 inches). For a footpath, that can work, but for areas with vehicle traffic, I would prefer coarser gravel.X
xMisterDx28 Feb 2023 21:21WilderSueden schrieb:
I think the grain size is too small for that. Sand would typically be around 0/8mm (0/0.3 inches), while for a base layer you generally use 0/32mm (0/1.3 inches) or 0/45mm (0/1.8 inches). You can use this for a footpath, but for areas with vehicle traffic, I would prefer coarser gravel. Then use it for paths and patios. That said, a friend drives a Mercedes E-Class with an empty weight of 2 tons and built his base layer with sand, about 6 years ago. It’s still perfectly flat.
Of course, if he buys a Leopard 2 tank, that might be a different story.
Alternatively, you can use the 15 tons of sand for paths and patios. I definitely wouldn’t give it away, especially not for free. You need it, and having it delivered later will cost five times as much.
15 tons are about 10 cubic meters (13 cubic yards) or a pile roughly 3 x 3 meters (10 x 10 feet). That should fit in a corner of any property…
3 people, 3 wheelbarrows, and about 2 hours, and the material is relocated.
You will still need the sand for landscaping, drainage pipes, etc. So it’s better to keep it…
3 people, 3 wheelbarrows, and about 2 hours, and the material is relocated.
You will still need the sand for landscaping, drainage pipes, etc. So it’s better to keep it…
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