Hello,
we requested a quote for a prefabricated house with a basement and a garage, and we signed the contract based on that. It was only during the meeting with the architect that we were informed that the base coat plaster for the foundation still needs to be added, and that we would have to decide which type to choose.
This was never mentioned during the preliminary discussions and negotiations. For us, it was clear that the connection between the basement and the ground floor should be included since we entrusted everything to a general contractor.
Are we completely mistaken here? Did the advisor simply omit these costs, or should we have been aware of this ourselves?
we requested a quote for a prefabricated house with a basement and a garage, and we signed the contract based on that. It was only during the meeting with the architect that we were informed that the base coat plaster for the foundation still needs to be added, and that we would have to decide which type to choose.
This was never mentioned during the preliminary discussions and negotiations. For us, it was clear that the connection between the basement and the ground floor should be included since we entrusted everything to a general contractor.
Are we completely mistaken here? Did the advisor simply omit these costs, or should we have been aware of this ourselves?
F
frank_gayer14 Oct 2017 20:47Color and plaster are one thing, but the insulation is not included either!
F
frank_gayer14 Oct 2017 20:51No, the base, meaning the connection between the basement and the ground floor.
Why can I not upload attachments? Do I not have the rights?
Why can I not upload attachments? Do I not have the rights?
The scope of work document is your friend; it usually contains this kind of information.
However, we might have completely overlooked it at the time if an expert we hired hadn’t pointed it out during the review of the scope of work.
Among other things, these hidden exclusions in the scope of work were a reason for us not to build with a general contractor / builder. Who knows what else might be missing that a homeowner would expect to be included.
Base plaster was not included in almost any of the scope of work documents we saw, which I find quite unacceptable.
Another common issue is roof drainage, which only extends to the base of the wall—or only up to 50cm (20 inches) from the foundation slab...
However, we might have completely overlooked it at the time if an expert we hired hadn’t pointed it out during the review of the scope of work.
Among other things, these hidden exclusions in the scope of work were a reason for us not to build with a general contractor / builder. Who knows what else might be missing that a homeowner would expect to be included.
Base plaster was not included in almost any of the scope of work documents we saw, which I find quite unacceptable.
Another common issue is roof drainage, which only extends to the base of the wall—or only up to 50cm (20 inches) from the foundation slab...
I have read something like this before, that the base plaster had to be done in EL.
Because of such small details, people already hire an expert before signing the contract to review the scope of work. Otherwise, you end up with surprises like you are experiencing now.
Unfortunately, it must be said that the general contractor did not make a mistake. It is the responsibility of the client to find out which items may be required, but are not necessarily essential for the completion of every house.
Because of such small details, people already hire an expert before signing the contract to review the scope of work. Otherwise, you end up with surprises like you are experiencing now.
Unfortunately, it must be said that the general contractor did not make a mistake. It is the responsibility of the client to find out which items may be required, but are not necessarily essential for the completion of every house.
I believe a practical solution is absolutely necessary if you want to be a reputable provider. At the very least, a bitumen coating or a double application of sealing slurry plus gray paint should always be standard for the base of a building. Anything else is simply dishonest. You wouldn’t sell a car without windshield wipers. It’s not about an aesthetically pleasing solution; it’s about including a functionally sufficient option in the base price. I can understand the frustration about this.
We have to admit that 90% or more of all clients are as far from being experts as the South Pole is from the North Pole. This means they have little or no understanding of the subject. Therefore, the “master builder” on-site is more like a craftsman, and he or she should act as a decent businessperson by selling well-thought-out, functional buildings.
But I know the industry is broken, full of amateurs and opportunists. Karsten
We have to admit that 90% or more of all clients are as far from being experts as the South Pole is from the North Pole. This means they have little or no understanding of the subject. Therefore, the “master builder” on-site is more like a craftsman, and he or she should act as a decent businessperson by selling well-thought-out, functional buildings.
But I know the industry is broken, full of amateurs and opportunists. Karsten