ᐅ Screed applied too thickly – resulting in reduced ceiling height

Hello everyone,

In our basement level, the screed and the insulation beneath the screed were installed too high. As a result, the ceiling heights are now 5 cm (2 inches) lower than planned. Since there are no living spaces in the basement, it’s not too critical (2.16 m (7 ft 1 in) instead of 2.21 m (7 ft 3 in)). How do you usually handle this with the general contractor? Removing the screed and redoing it seems disproportionate (in my opinion). However, a credit would be appropriate, wouldn’t it?

Are there usually any tolerances for this kind of issue? They probably shouldn’t be as large as 5 cm (2 inches), right?

Best regards,
Oliver

Actually, no one willingly adds an extra 5 cm (2 inches) of material to the building, as it costs both money and time. I suspect it’s more likely a planning error...

Five centimeters (2 inches) are beyond any acceptable tolerance; see the standard DIN "Tolerances in Building Construction." The maximum allowable deviation in your case is 20 mm (0.8 inches) (limit deviations according to DIN 18202:2013-04, limit values for dimensional deviations of clear dimensions in elevation), possibly even less depending on how the DIN standard is applied. This also depends on any special agreements made for your construction project.

Will the door heights still fit then?

Good question! And window sills / window aprons ...

Stair landing, etc.

Door heights have been adjusted (structural engineer approved).
The staircase will be replaced (will fit then).
The basement only has "high" windows – that is, over 1.40 meters (4 ft 7 in). So, that is not an issue either.
What would you consider a fair reduction?
Regards,
Oliver