Hello everyone,
Our final inspection is coming up soon, and we’re wondering if we need to prepare anything or keep anything in mind.
So far, we have listed all the minor defects – mostly the tiler made a bit of a mess.
Additionally, we have reported a roller shutter where the slats extend beyond the casing edge and cause some rattling – I’m worried the motor might be affected by this.
Also, one socket of a double outlet doesn’t work, and another has a child safety lock that is too secure (it’s impossible to bypass).
Other than that, there are small cracks between the drywall and the wall (this seems to be due to the unfortunate construction and isn’t really noticeable).
The retractable attic ladder is a bit stiff when closing – but that was more of a discussion between the construction manager and the carpenter. It will likely be noted as well.
There is a slightly larger crack between an internal and an external wall, which we will bring up.
Some items like stair railings and the porch roof are still missing – but those will also be documented. We have already done a preliminary walk-through with the construction manager.
The construction manager wanted to convert the attic during the inspection and was excited about how spacious it is 😀
We are wondering if it still makes sense to hire an expert or if that would be a waste of effort. All parts of the scope of work have been completed.
Defects that appear later – as I understand it – are covered by the warranty.
Some tradespeople said it’s common to check again after two years for settlement cracks or similar issues and have those fixed. However, the scope of work states:
The warranty period for the building is five years.
The contractor points out that, according to applicable legal regulations, they are not liable for building physics phenomena whose occurrence cannot be excluded even with construction executed according to all technical standards.
This particularly includes cracking of elastic joints, cracks in solid wood, plaster, and other building components.
For me, this means such defects are actually not covered by the warranty, or am I mistaken? In other words, I would have to prove that a settlement crack was caused by a defect and not by the natural settlement behavior of calcium silicate blocks or similar – which will be difficult.
Other than that, I am considering whether to mention the differing screed insulation on the ground and upper floors – we were not consulted on this, and it deviates from the scope of work. On the other hand, it doesn’t really bother me… probably just a matter of being right.
What are your opinions, thoughts, suggestions regarding the final inspection?
How was it for you? Were you accompanied, or were many issues still open?
Best regards.
Our final inspection is coming up soon, and we’re wondering if we need to prepare anything or keep anything in mind.
So far, we have listed all the minor defects – mostly the tiler made a bit of a mess.
Additionally, we have reported a roller shutter where the slats extend beyond the casing edge and cause some rattling – I’m worried the motor might be affected by this.
Also, one socket of a double outlet doesn’t work, and another has a child safety lock that is too secure (it’s impossible to bypass).
Other than that, there are small cracks between the drywall and the wall (this seems to be due to the unfortunate construction and isn’t really noticeable).
The retractable attic ladder is a bit stiff when closing – but that was more of a discussion between the construction manager and the carpenter. It will likely be noted as well.
There is a slightly larger crack between an internal and an external wall, which we will bring up.
Some items like stair railings and the porch roof are still missing – but those will also be documented. We have already done a preliminary walk-through with the construction manager.
The construction manager wanted to convert the attic during the inspection and was excited about how spacious it is 😀
We are wondering if it still makes sense to hire an expert or if that would be a waste of effort. All parts of the scope of work have been completed.
Defects that appear later – as I understand it – are covered by the warranty.
Some tradespeople said it’s common to check again after two years for settlement cracks or similar issues and have those fixed. However, the scope of work states:
The warranty period for the building is five years.
The contractor points out that, according to applicable legal regulations, they are not liable for building physics phenomena whose occurrence cannot be excluded even with construction executed according to all technical standards.
This particularly includes cracking of elastic joints, cracks in solid wood, plaster, and other building components.
For me, this means such defects are actually not covered by the warranty, or am I mistaken? In other words, I would have to prove that a settlement crack was caused by a defect and not by the natural settlement behavior of calcium silicate blocks or similar – which will be difficult.
Other than that, I am considering whether to mention the differing screed insulation on the ground and upper floors – we were not consulted on this, and it deviates from the scope of work. On the other hand, it doesn’t really bother me… probably just a matter of being right.
What are your opinions, thoughts, suggestions regarding the final inspection?
How was it for you? Were you accompanied, or were many issues still open?
Best regards.
B
Bauexperte8 Feb 2016 11:33@BeHaElJa
There are many aspects that need to be checked, and I’m sure you don’t have all of them on your radar; quite simply, you can’t. What you describe are more or less _visual_ finishing touches.
Just one example: I don’t remember if you installed mullion elements in your building project on the attic/upper floor. Suppose you did: how would you be able to tell whether the laminated safety glass (LSG) is installed on the inside or outside of the glass? It’s unwise to risk cutting yourself in the worst case and then be “covered” afterwards 😉
Regards, Bauexperte
BeHaElJa schrieb:Considering the volume of your house construction, €500.00 cannot be too much!
We are wondering if it still makes sense to hire an expert or if that would just be wasted effort.
There are many aspects that need to be checked, and I’m sure you don’t have all of them on your radar; quite simply, you can’t. What you describe are more or less _visual_ finishing touches.
Just one example: I don’t remember if you installed mullion elements in your building project on the attic/upper floor. Suppose you did: how would you be able to tell whether the laminated safety glass (LSG) is installed on the inside or outside of the glass? It’s unwise to risk cutting yourself in the worst case and then be “covered” afterwards 😉
Regards, Bauexperte
Bieber0815 schrieb:
You are too lenient! I can definitely see myself in that. Too hesitant... Put real pressure on those you paid a lot of money to do the work. There are no minor flaws. A mistake is a mistake and must be fixed.I would like to disagree at several points here. First, it is not about applying “pressure” per se. It is better not to inflate the situation or try to increase pressure by being “not lenient.” Instead, the identified defects should be documented, discussed with the contractor, and a solution should be agreed upon. The defects and the agreement on their rectification or solution should then be recorded in a handover report (inspection report) and signed by both parties.
A major issue is the lack of expertise. Without the presence of an expert or building inspector, you will be given many well-sounding explanations, and often, under the pressure of the key handover, you may be satisfied with these and sign the report—but without the defects being noted. The problem: by doing this, you have accepted the work with that defect and may lose your warranty rights for it. A very unpleasant situation.
Another issue is that you can only detect minor visible defects. The expert will be able to identify a number of truly costly defects, if any exist. Hiring an expert is well-spent money, also for peace of mind.
B
Bieber08158 Feb 2016 18:45Voki1 schrieb:
It is better not to get defensive and try to increase pressure by "not being lenient." Instead, you should write down the identified defects, discuss them with the contractor, and work out a solution. Correct, I could have also just said: polite but firm! In my opinion, the latter is often missing.
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