ᐅ Surviving the Winter with a Finished Shell but No Heating?
Created on: 19 Sep 2022 08:35
F
Fleckenzwerg
Good morning,
we are basically in the home stretch with our building project with the general contractor actually. The shell of the house is closed, but it is not fully sealed yet due to a construction door at the side entrance; everything on the outside is finished. The electrical rough-in is done, plaster is on the interior walls, and the screed will be installed at the end of the week – drying will be assisted by a hot-air blower. Just before that, the utility connections will be set up. The big question mark is the heat pump. According to our information, it was only ordered late in the summer. The heating installer isn’t giving a clear statement. He only says it’s supposed to be installed in November (after the tiling), so there’s no need to worry about delivery times. The general contractor is very relaxed about this as well.
Now the question:
What should we prepare for if, surprise surprise, the heat pump does not arrive on time and its delivery date is delayed significantly, possibly even until next spring? What does this mean for the building structure? Does the construction need to be kept at a certain minimum temperature over the winter? Do we need to be concerned about moisture? What about painting, wallpapering, or installing the kitchen – all planned for November? This could have quite a chain reaction, for which we should have a plan B. For example, the kitchen fitter has already mentioned that they can’t store the furniture and appliances indefinitely.
We want to address all these questions soon in a meeting with the general contractor. What is the forum’s opinion on this, and are there any other questions we should ask?
we are basically in the home stretch with our building project with the general contractor actually. The shell of the house is closed, but it is not fully sealed yet due to a construction door at the side entrance; everything on the outside is finished. The electrical rough-in is done, plaster is on the interior walls, and the screed will be installed at the end of the week – drying will be assisted by a hot-air blower. Just before that, the utility connections will be set up. The big question mark is the heat pump. According to our information, it was only ordered late in the summer. The heating installer isn’t giving a clear statement. He only says it’s supposed to be installed in November (after the tiling), so there’s no need to worry about delivery times. The general contractor is very relaxed about this as well.
Now the question:
What should we prepare for if, surprise surprise, the heat pump does not arrive on time and its delivery date is delayed significantly, possibly even until next spring? What does this mean for the building structure? Does the construction need to be kept at a certain minimum temperature over the winter? Do we need to be concerned about moisture? What about painting, wallpapering, or installing the kitchen – all planned for November? This could have quite a chain reaction, for which we should have a plan B. For example, the kitchen fitter has already mentioned that they can’t store the furniture and appliances indefinitely.
We want to address all these questions soon in a meeting with the general contractor. What is the forum’s opinion on this, and are there any other questions we should ask?
X
xMisterDx21 Sep 2022 15:20Can't open the windows? I still don't understand the problem. Just go there regularly and ventilate.
Of course, if you want to move into a completely damp new build and heat it to 20°C (68°F) at 47 cents per kWh... why not.
PS:
Isn't that the much bigger issue? Moving in quickly, putting cabinets against still damp walls... and then you get mold...
Of course, if you want to move into a completely damp new build and heat it to 20°C (68°F) at 47 cents per kWh... why not.
PS:
Isn't that the much bigger issue? Moving in quickly, putting cabinets against still damp walls... and then you get mold...
F
Fleckenzwerg21 Sep 2022 19:46The key difference is that the building is sealed. As long as there is sufficient air exchange, everything is fine.
General excuses like COVID-19 or the war are not sufficient if there is an actual dispute. The disruption of supply chains has been known for over a year. So why didn’t the general contractor order the heat pump early? They need to explain to what extent the COVID-19 pandemic actually prevented them from placing an early order (the general contractor contract was already signed in 2020).
If delays cause an additional cost of 1000€ (approximately 1100 USD), I won’t start a dispute over it. It’s not worth the effort, since before I would see that money (if at all), we would probably be close to a court date, where a settlement of about 500€ (approximately 550 USD) might be offered. Plus all the stress and legal fees... it’s just not worth it.
Childcare is exactly the issue here. The new kindergarten is 30m (100 feet) straight from the house. Since August, it’s been a real hassle, costing time and fuel. That’s why we’re leaning towards moving in. That wouldn’t happen until December anyway. Until then, the plaster and screed still have time to dry out. Since we bring the kids to kindergarten around the corner every day anyway, we could also ventilate the house daily.
General excuses like COVID-19 or the war are not sufficient if there is an actual dispute. The disruption of supply chains has been known for over a year. So why didn’t the general contractor order the heat pump early? They need to explain to what extent the COVID-19 pandemic actually prevented them from placing an early order (the general contractor contract was already signed in 2020).
If delays cause an additional cost of 1000€ (approximately 1100 USD), I won’t start a dispute over it. It’s not worth the effort, since before I would see that money (if at all), we would probably be close to a court date, where a settlement of about 500€ (approximately 550 USD) might be offered. Plus all the stress and legal fees... it’s just not worth it.
Childcare is exactly the issue here. The new kindergarten is 30m (100 feet) straight from the house. Since August, it’s been a real hassle, costing time and fuel. That’s why we’re leaning towards moving in. That wouldn’t happen until December anyway. Until then, the plaster and screed still have time to dry out. Since we bring the kids to kindergarten around the corner every day anyway, we could also ventilate the house daily.
W
WilderSueden21 Sep 2022 21:36xMisterDx schrieb:
Can’t you open the windows? I still don’t understand the problem. Just visit regularly and air out the place.
Of course, if you want to move into a still soaking-wet new build and heat it to 20°C (68°F) at 47 cents/kWh, why not. And conveniently, traveling there doesn’t cost time or money. Just like moisture leaves an unheated building easily when aired out...
For airing out to work, the outside air must be drier than the air being vented out. The best way is to heat the air inside. But if you have to heat anyway and visit regularly, you might as well move in and heat properly. The difference won’t be that big, you save rent, and the original poster avoids the hassle with the daycare center.