ᐅ What should you know proactively about poor workmanship in construction?
Created on: 15 Jan 2012 14:25
J
JopiHello everyone,
We are planning to build a house. Unfortunately, you often hear about poor workmanship in construction. Therefore, we have decided to involve an independent expert in the project.
In the meantime, we have done some research and realized that many things can go wrong. We have a few questions and hope for some answers.
1. Suppose you sign a contract with a construction company. During the build, you discover poor workmanship, for example, no expansion joints installed around the heating pipe penetrations in the screed. What can you rely on in such cases? Is there a mandatory regulation, such as a DIN standard or similar in Germany, that all construction companies must follow? We want to avoid the builder saying, “We always do it without expansion joints, and that’s fine.” Or does this have to be specified in the contract? Would that mean mentioning every single screw and joint? There seem to be countless excuses possible.
2. Slightly off-topic: Can someone explain the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of clay versus concrete roof tiles? What justifies the price difference?
Thank you for your answers.
We are planning to build a house. Unfortunately, you often hear about poor workmanship in construction. Therefore, we have decided to involve an independent expert in the project.
In the meantime, we have done some research and realized that many things can go wrong. We have a few questions and hope for some answers.
1. Suppose you sign a contract with a construction company. During the build, you discover poor workmanship, for example, no expansion joints installed around the heating pipe penetrations in the screed. What can you rely on in such cases? Is there a mandatory regulation, such as a DIN standard or similar in Germany, that all construction companies must follow? We want to avoid the builder saying, “We always do it without expansion joints, and that’s fine.” Or does this have to be specified in the contract? Would that mean mentioning every single screw and joint? There seem to be countless excuses possible.
2. Slightly off-topic: Can someone explain the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of clay versus concrete roof tiles? What justifies the price difference?
Thank you for your answers.
B
Bauexperte15 Jan 2012 16:03Hello,
A wise decision and well-invested money
Germany is, so to speak, "swimming" in regulations and DIN standards. Finding every single one here would take too long; ask your expert at the appropriate time. What is important is that the contract clearly stipulates that the new build project must be carried out according to the current valid and recognized rules of engineering practice.
Good information can be found at the Tile Roofing Association (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Ziegeldach e.V.); just try a quick Google search
To put it simply, clay tiles are used where homeowners want to prevent premature moss growth on their roofs; ironically, green roofs are currently very trendy. They are more expensive partly because greater breakage must be accounted for during installation.
Concrete roof tiles are less sensitive in that regard and, with a double coating — a cost-effective alternative to clay tiles — achieve the same effect.
Kind regards
Jopi schrieb:
We are planning to build a house. Unfortunately, you often hear about poor workmanship in construction. Therefore, we have decided to involve an independent expert in the project.
A wise decision and well-invested money
Jopi schrieb:
1. Suppose you sign a contract with a construction company. During the build, you then find out that they are cutting corners, for example, by not installing expansion collars around the heating supply pipes in the screed. What can you refer to in that case? Is there a binding standard like a DIN regulation in Germany…
Germany is, so to speak, "swimming" in regulations and DIN standards. Finding every single one here would take too long; ask your expert at the appropriate time. What is important is that the contract clearly stipulates that the new build project must be carried out according to the current valid and recognized rules of engineering practice.
Jopi schrieb:
2. Slightly off-topic. Can someone explain the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of clay versus concrete roof tiles? What accounts for the price difference?
Good information can be found at the Tile Roofing Association (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Ziegeldach e.V.); just try a quick Google search
To put it simply, clay tiles are used where homeowners want to prevent premature moss growth on their roofs; ironically, green roofs are currently very trendy. They are more expensive partly because greater breakage must be accounted for during installation.
Concrete roof tiles are less sensitive in that regard and, with a double coating — a cost-effective alternative to clay tiles — achieve the same effect.
Kind regards
N
NorbertKoch17 Jan 2012 21:26Hello,
Definitely have the construction supervision carried out by an engineer or, as you suggest, a certified expert. It is better to spend a bit more money on the site manager than to have to deal with defects later on. When choosing a site manager, the first impression and the "chemistry" should be right. He is your extended arm during the building process and should have your trust.
Definitely have the construction supervision carried out by an engineer or, as you suggest, a certified expert. It is better to spend a bit more money on the site manager than to have to deal with defects later on. When choosing a site manager, the first impression and the "chemistry" should be right. He is your extended arm during the building process and should have your trust.
We are currently in the middle of building our house and have also chosen an independent expert. They are very knowledgeable about DIN standards and the relevant legislation.
I came across your post because we are currently dealing with the topic of roofing. Try searching for “difference between roof tiles and roofing shingles.” There are even studies on this subject. In any case, both products are extremely durable. Concrete roof tiles score well in terms of environmental friendliness. Since they are made of concrete, they become harder and stronger over the years. Roof shingles offer a wider range of colors and product options.
I came across your post because we are currently dealing with the topic of roofing. Try searching for “difference between roof tiles and roofing shingles.” There are even studies on this subject. In any case, both products are extremely durable. Concrete roof tiles score well in terms of environmental friendliness. Since they are made of concrete, they become harder and stronger over the years. Roof shingles offer a wider range of colors and product options.
N
NorbertKoch19 Jan 2012 19:26Hello,
my experience with my own house:
Built in 1969 with concrete roof tiles; they are still on the roof today.
Heavy deposits of moss and lichen, as the surface has worn away or eroded over the years. The gutters were often full of sand and moss during the last four years—so quite a bit of maintenance was needed.
Regards
my experience with my own house:
Built in 1969 with concrete roof tiles; they are still on the roof today.
Heavy deposits of moss and lichen, as the surface has worn away or eroded over the years. The gutters were often full of sand and moss during the last four years—so quite a bit of maintenance was needed.
Regards
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