Hello everyone,
I registered here because we have a "small" problem (probably like some others here) and are unsure about our rights or what actions we can take.
To explain the issue from the beginning: We had a four-unit townhouse built as a shell. We hired others or did ourselves the rest (electrical work, etc.). Everything was fine. Now we are at the stage of complete interior finishing, including laying the floors and installing interior doors. We noticed that the door heights are not standard.
The contract with the builder states: "According to plan." The plan shows 2.17 meters (7 ft 1 in) in the basement, and 2.30 meters (7 ft 7 in) on the ground floor and upper floor, measured without the screed (which was added later, 16 cm (6 in) in the basement/ground floor and 13 cm (5 in) on the upper floor).
The basement is not a problem; it meets the standard dimensions.
However, the door openings on the ground and upper floors require custom-made doors. We never requested such an extreme height; the builder said they always build it like that and did not inform us beforehand. During construction, our interior doors supplier also contacted the builder, asking them not to exceed the standard height. Unfortunately, due to stress and workload, no one paid attention afterwards. Also, the plan with these dimensions was accepted at the time — in writing.
We realize that, since the plan was accepted in writing, we don’t have much ground to formally complain about defects. Still, we think it is unfair that, as laypeople, we were not informed and, even though it is not standard, this was presented to us as if it were.
Does anyone have tips or experience with what we might be able to do?
Again: We understand that because the plan was accepted in writing, there is little room to officially raise an issue. However, the doors now cost almost double the usual price, and we have additional expenses even though we are doing some work ourselves to restore standard dimensions. It’s very frustrating, but hope dies last that maybe I can officially make a complaint.
Thank you in advance.
Best regards!
I registered here because we have a "small" problem (probably like some others here) and are unsure about our rights or what actions we can take.
To explain the issue from the beginning: We had a four-unit townhouse built as a shell. We hired others or did ourselves the rest (electrical work, etc.). Everything was fine. Now we are at the stage of complete interior finishing, including laying the floors and installing interior doors. We noticed that the door heights are not standard.
The contract with the builder states: "According to plan." The plan shows 2.17 meters (7 ft 1 in) in the basement, and 2.30 meters (7 ft 7 in) on the ground floor and upper floor, measured without the screed (which was added later, 16 cm (6 in) in the basement/ground floor and 13 cm (5 in) on the upper floor).
The basement is not a problem; it meets the standard dimensions.
However, the door openings on the ground and upper floors require custom-made doors. We never requested such an extreme height; the builder said they always build it like that and did not inform us beforehand. During construction, our interior doors supplier also contacted the builder, asking them not to exceed the standard height. Unfortunately, due to stress and workload, no one paid attention afterwards. Also, the plan with these dimensions was accepted at the time — in writing.
We realize that, since the plan was accepted in writing, we don’t have much ground to formally complain about defects. Still, we think it is unfair that, as laypeople, we were not informed and, even though it is not standard, this was presented to us as if it were.
Does anyone have tips or experience with what we might be able to do?
Again: We understand that because the plan was accepted in writing, there is little room to officially raise an issue. However, the doors now cost almost double the usual price, and we have additional expenses even though we are doing some work ourselves to restore standard dimensions. It’s very frustrating, but hope dies last that maybe I can officially make a complaint.
Thank you in advance.
Best regards!
Yes. A German company. And it also has a good reputation. We contacted several companies, and it was the only one that gave us a proper quote. However, they build these heights as a standard.
I find it really frustrating that a professional company does not inform you that the door dimensions are outside the standard.
When they build on a turnkey basis, they source their doors from a carpenter. (This has just come to light.)
We also considered the possibility that this might be a standard in a neighboring country. But no.
I find it really frustrating that a professional company does not inform you that the door dimensions are outside the standard.
When they build on a turnkey basis, they source their doors from a carpenter. (This has just come to light.)
We also considered the possibility that this might be a standard in a neighboring country. But no.
N
nordanney19 Feb 2015 16:59If I understand correctly, after the screed you have a door opening height of 2.17m (7 ft 1 5/8 in)? Minus the floor covering of 1cm (0.4 in)? = 2.16m (7 ft 1 in)
For standard doors of 2.10m (6 ft 11 in), it should almost fit with the frame. I just measured, and for us it is 2.15m (7 ft 1 in) including the frame. Otherwise, a slight plaster adjustment as already mentioned.
For standard doors of 2.10m (6 ft 11 in), it should almost fit with the frame. I just measured, and for us it is 2.15m (7 ft 1 in) including the frame. Otherwise, a slight plaster adjustment as already mentioned.
You have accepted the execution as it is. There is no obligation to disclose every detail that might raise questions for the client during construction. The client should seek expert support or at least have the contracts and drawings reviewed and explained.
I would recommend installing large doors. These will be an additional cost, but you will see and enjoy them every day (which is actually quite rare). Doors are usually replaced only after decades, if at all. Therefore, investing in something nice is worthwhile.
I would recommend installing large doors. These will be an additional cost, but you will see and enjoy them every day (which is actually quite rare). Doors are usually replaced only after decades, if at all. Therefore, investing in something nice is worthwhile.
We had the same "problem" around the same time. My husband solved it quite simply. He screwed thin Heraklith boards underneath and smoothed them from inside and outside with fine filler. I then wallpapered/painted over it. Problem solved, and we ordered standard-sized doors! I wouldn’t want to pay the extra cost, simply because in my opinion the ratio of additional height to extra cost just doesn’t make sense. And the work wasn’t that complicated anyway.
N
nordanney20 Feb 2015 07:17Why such a high extra cost? The (standard) taller doors usually only cost 10-20% more than the smaller version. I would always choose the taller option. Our architect only plans smaller doors on request; the larger ones would become standard.
However, I wouldn’t consider paying double the price.
However, I wouldn’t consider paying double the price.
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