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!
B
Bauexperte20 Feb 2015 09:35Hello,
You can also use battens cut to the width of the door opening and fix them underneath; it won’t show at all below the frame later on.
With 4 RH, quite a few interior doors add up, so if I were you, I wouldn’t worry too much about the extra cost for taller doors. The price difference for a height of 2.11 m (6 ft 11 in) is really negligible. I wouldn’t be surprised if the carpenter ultimately doesn’t charge much more.
With plenty of time, there’s no rush to agree to a quick decision! As Nordanney described, this is actually the best solution… provided some skills and helpers are still willing after the move. I hardly know a house without a small chip or mark on a door or wall left as a memento of moving. If you can avoid this annoyance, it’s definitely a good thing.
Best regards, Bauexperte
dival schrieb:
Heraklith boards? That doesn’t ring a bell for me, but probably for the gentlemen here. I’ll bring it up right away. For the slightly taller standard doors (not the 1.98–2.01 m (6 ft 6 in–6 ft 7 in) ones), we are still missing 1–2 cm (about 1 inch) including the frame. Maybe this can help. Thanks!
You can also use battens cut to the width of the door opening and fix them underneath; it won’t show at all below the frame later on.
With 4 RH, quite a few interior doors add up, so if I were you, I wouldn’t worry too much about the extra cost for taller doors. The price difference for a height of 2.11 m (6 ft 11 in) is really negligible. I wouldn’t be surprised if the carpenter ultimately doesn’t charge much more.
dival schrieb:
Two of them have already given notice and have to leave by 01.05. :-/
With plenty of time, there’s no rush to agree to a quick decision! As Nordanney described, this is actually the best solution… provided some skills and helpers are still willing after the move. I hardly know a house without a small chip or mark on a door or wall left as a memento of moving. If you can avoid this annoyance, it’s definitely a good thing.
Best regards, Bauexperte
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