Hello,
the house is almost finished and we are in the final stretch. Until a few days ago, we were very excited.
During the installation of the utility connections a few days ago, I had a clear view of the foundation slab. I noticed that the reinforcement bars are considerably exposed.
I then dug test holes around the house and found that parts of the reinforcement bars are also exposed here and there.
Workers from neighboring construction sites kindly pointed out that this might be a serious defect. The bars could rust, and the rust might eat into the slab, causing it to crack. At the same time, frost and moisture could worsen the damage.
By the way, I also noticed that the brickwork is hanging free over a stretch of about 1m (3 feet).
My question now is: is this exposed reinforcement a major problem? Or can it be repaired?
the house is almost finished and we are in the final stretch. Until a few days ago, we were very excited.
During the installation of the utility connections a few days ago, I had a clear view of the foundation slab. I noticed that the reinforcement bars are considerably exposed.
I then dug test holes around the house and found that parts of the reinforcement bars are also exposed here and there.
Workers from neighboring construction sites kindly pointed out that this might be a serious defect. The bars could rust, and the rust might eat into the slab, causing it to crack. At the same time, frost and moisture could worsen the damage.
By the way, I also noticed that the brickwork is hanging free over a stretch of about 1m (3 feet).
My question now is: is this exposed reinforcement a major problem? Or can it be repaired?
In terms of care, frost skirts are often treated differently than concrete slabs... typically, a trench is dug and then concrete is poured directly into it (at least that’s what I have seen done quite often).
Do you have a blinding layer, vapor barrier, or insulation under the slab? Do you have any photos from the pouring? Normally, the reinforcement is also placed using spacers. Both bottom and top concrete cover are important not only because of moisture.
Of course, it remains essential to hire a qualified and experienced inspector – this discussion can NEVER replace that.
Do you have a blinding layer, vapor barrier, or insulation under the slab? Do you have any photos from the pouring? Normally, the reinforcement is also placed using spacers. Both bottom and top concrete cover are important not only because of moisture.
Of course, it remains essential to hire a qualified and experienced inspector – this discussion can NEVER replace that.
MusterFaust10 Sep 2016 16:32Unfortunately, I was only there during the excavation of the soil. A trench was dug around the foundation, which I was able to see.
The concrete pourer came a day later. I had to work and could only watch the finished work on a summer evening. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take any pictures during the pouring.
I just went back there and dug a little more. It hasn’t improved.
The building inspector will contact me early next week.
The concrete pourer came a day later. I had to work and could only watch the finished work on a summer evening. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take any pictures during the pouring.
I just went back there and dug a little more. It hasn’t improved.
The building inspector will contact me early next week.
tomtom79 schrieb:
No matter the cost, an expert is necessary here! I’m not a big fan of experts, but this is a major blunder.
One has been hired, very good.
Please report back on the results.
B
Bieber081512 Sep 2016 09:35MusterFaust schrieb:
The owners of the neighboring house are now talking about a possible demolition or, to put it more gently, partial dismantling of their house.
Could this actually be a realistic outcome?
So, is this damage potentially irreparable? The signs increasingly suggest that there is a serious defect here. However, you shouldn’t immediately jump to worst-case scenarios in a panic. It’s important now to prepare yourself carefully:
- Understand the problem technically --> expert appointed and paid by you.
- Define what the (factually correct) solution looks like --> in my opinion, the party responsible for the work ("your contractual partner"); your expert needs to approve their proposed solution!
- Set a deadline and clarify who pays what and when (your expenses?)
- Obtain legal entitlement.
For the last two points, you will likely need expert legal support, which would be a specialist construction lawyer.
MusterFaust12 Sep 2016 09:46I had a phone call with my construction company a few minutes ago.
The proposal was roughly communicated by phone and involves exposing the foundation step by step. Then, drillings will be made in the existing foundation, and a new foundation will be poured all around the house. For connection purposes, steel reinforcements will be inserted into the drillings.
Of course, as already mentioned during the call, I will hire an independent expert this week. They are supposed to tell me whether the proposed solution is acceptable or if the house will deteriorate under my feet within 10 to 20 years and another solution will need to be found.
The construction company will cover the cost of the repairs. However, it still needs to be clarified whether my expert’s costs will be covered as a gesture of goodwill.
Last weekend was truly a nightmare.
The proposal was roughly communicated by phone and involves exposing the foundation step by step. Then, drillings will be made in the existing foundation, and a new foundation will be poured all around the house. For connection purposes, steel reinforcements will be inserted into the drillings.
Of course, as already mentioned during the call, I will hire an independent expert this week. They are supposed to tell me whether the proposed solution is acceptable or if the house will deteriorate under my feet within 10 to 20 years and another solution will need to be found.
The construction company will cover the cost of the repairs. However, it still needs to be clarified whether my expert’s costs will be covered as a gesture of goodwill.
Last weekend was truly a nightmare.
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