M
matziradfahren10 Nov 2012 15:07Hello everyone,
Now it has happened—the first real construction defect.
Since the bottom purlin is not 20cm (8 inches) high as planned and is not positioned outside on the ring beam but only 14cm (5.5 inches) high and centered on the ring beam, the entire roof is 12cm (5 inches) lower than intended.
What now?
The site manager is blaming the carpentry company—the head carpenter has admitted his employee’s incompetence and acknowledged the mistake. On the phone, the master carpenter has already offered some concessions regarding future work, for example, on the planned carport.
From my point of view, to fully resolve the problem, the roof would have to be uncovered and completely dismantled. All cross beams and bottom purlins would need to be replaced, and all rafters reworked. Certainly a five-figure amount and also a loss of face. How often does a roof have to be taken down again?
From the conversations, it was clear that a complete rebuild would not be cost-effective or proportional.
One might reluctantly accept the 12cm (5 inches) loss in headroom in the sloped roof area, but that’s far from ideal.
What do you think is the best way forward—negotiating the best possible outcome, for example, with roof windows, an attic access stair, and some compensation for the carport, or bringing in an expert, court, or similar? Though any legal route would probably just lead to a settlement and likely drag things out considerably.
😕
Regards,
Matze
Now it has happened—the first real construction defect.
Since the bottom purlin is not 20cm (8 inches) high as planned and is not positioned outside on the ring beam but only 14cm (5.5 inches) high and centered on the ring beam, the entire roof is 12cm (5 inches) lower than intended.
What now?
The site manager is blaming the carpentry company—the head carpenter has admitted his employee’s incompetence and acknowledged the mistake. On the phone, the master carpenter has already offered some concessions regarding future work, for example, on the planned carport.
From my point of view, to fully resolve the problem, the roof would have to be uncovered and completely dismantled. All cross beams and bottom purlins would need to be replaced, and all rafters reworked. Certainly a five-figure amount and also a loss of face. How often does a roof have to be taken down again?
From the conversations, it was clear that a complete rebuild would not be cost-effective or proportional.
One might reluctantly accept the 12cm (5 inches) loss in headroom in the sloped roof area, but that’s far from ideal.
What do you think is the best way forward—negotiating the best possible outcome, for example, with roof windows, an attic access stair, and some compensation for the carport, or bringing in an expert, court, or similar? Though any legal route would probably just lead to a settlement and likely drag things out considerably.
😕
Regards,
Matze
H
Häuslebauer4011 Nov 2012 09:18Hi,
I wouldn’t just accept a concession involving the carport for such a serious defect that clearly and permanently reduces the quality of life in the house. There should be compensation equivalent to the costs required to fix the defect plus damages for inconvenience.
Otherwise, if you’re not under time pressure, take off the roof and redo it. Don’t let yourselves be persuaded otherwise and make your position clear.
I wouldn’t just accept a concession involving the carport for such a serious defect that clearly and permanently reduces the quality of life in the house. There should be compensation equivalent to the costs required to fix the defect plus damages for inconvenience.
Otherwise, if you’re not under time pressure, take off the roof and redo it. Don’t let yourselves be persuaded otherwise and make your position clear.
I don’t know what type of house you are building. In our case, 12cm (5 inches) in the attic wouldn’t be a big deal. We have two full floors and then the attic above. I would have a carport installed for free instead. Dismantling and reassembling everything would disrupt our schedule so much (double rent / holding costs) that it wouldn’t be worthwhile. So, it really depends on the individual situation.
M
matziradfahren13 Nov 2012 19:14@ all
We met at the construction site yesterday and have reached an agreement that, although met with some grumbling, everyone can live with. It is clear that the roof will not be dismantled due to economic impracticality, so this issue will remain for the next 100 years. This is a very individual matter to consider. It should also be added that the current construction status matches what was agreed upon at the time of the contract signing. That means, after the contract was finalized, the possibility was raised to increase the roof height by modifying the position of the sole plate.
In the end, we have not lost anything but actually gained through compensation due to the failure to follow the current building plan.
Of course, it would have been nice to get the additional height, but for now, we are satisfied with the negotiated compensations.
We met at the construction site yesterday and have reached an agreement that, although met with some grumbling, everyone can live with. It is clear that the roof will not be dismantled due to economic impracticality, so this issue will remain for the next 100 years. This is a very individual matter to consider. It should also be added that the current construction status matches what was agreed upon at the time of the contract signing. That means, after the contract was finalized, the possibility was raised to increase the roof height by modifying the position of the sole plate.
In the end, we have not lost anything but actually gained through compensation due to the failure to follow the current building plan.
Of course, it would have been nice to get the additional height, but for now, we are satisfied with the negotiated compensations.
H
Häuslebauer4013 Nov 2012 21:40Who would those be?
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