Double up Rafters for Velux windows in loft - plans not been followed

[barry1980]

Morning all

I have had velux windows installed in my loft. The plans advised that the rafters needed to be doubled up to the ridge

The builder has unfortunately not gone all the way to the ridge, therefore the SE is not happy and won't sign off.

The builder came back to extend the rafters, as shown in the below photos. Sadly, the SE still won't accept the remedial work and he wants full length rafters put in.

Builder is advising this would require windows to be taken out and roof peeled back and a full lid for scaffolding.

I want to avoid that as I just want it done.

Builder is having a new SE look at the remedial work and hope we can find a solution.

Our SE won't budge BTW.


It is a nightmare scenario. I struggle to understand why plans are never followed.

Any ideas on the following:


1. What do you think of the remedial work carried out by the builder?
2. is there anything we can do to further add to the structure to get it passed BC?
3. If I have a new structure engineer provides a resolution do I need new drawings for the whole house or can I just add drawings for the roof?

 

[noseall]

It is a nightmare scenario. I struggle to understand why plans are never followed.

As long as he had the information to hand, there should be no excuses. Experienced builders know that they must follow the S.E's instructions, even though at times they appear to contradict some Building Regulations. I insist on seeing the SE's report before giving a quote.

Any ideas on the following:


1. What do you think of the remedial work carried out by the builder?

I'm guessing woodwork is not his primary trade.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

Surely it's basic and obvious that a joist that doesn't span from one end to the other is next to useless? You're just moving the weak point further along, not eliminating it.

Get the "builder" to fix it, at his expense. Then find someone else to do the rest of the work.

I can't really see why you'd need a full scaffold lid just for removing and refitting the windows. Sounds like he's putting obstacles in the way as he just doesn't want to do it.

I doubt that what you have is as strong as one length of wood. It's possible that someone may think the workaround is OK, only if the original plan was over-designed, which it probably wasn't.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Surely it's basic and obvious that a joist that doesn't span from one end to the other is next to useless? You're just moving the weak point further along, not eliminating it.

Might it not be due to a limitation on length of timber available?

 

[barry1980]

I called the timber yard and they do stock 6m timbers.

Yes the stuff about the scaffolding lid does sound like obstacles being put in front of us.

Builder wouldn't quote for the job until we sent him the plans, so there is no excuses for not following them

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

Perhaps if you're shopping at B&Q, not if you're going to a sawmill.

It might depend more on how long his van is!

 

[ajstoneservices]

No wonder your structural engineer wont sign that mess off. Your builder( ) is wan k that is why he has wasted his time and your money. I can well believe the builders SE has a work around. They dreamt it up while getting pi55ed in the pub.

 

[barry1980]

No wonder your structural engineer wont sign that mess off. Your builder( ) is wan k that is why he has wasted his time and your money. I can well believe the builders SE has a work around. They dreamt it up while getting pi55ed in the pub.

Being led up the garden path ain't we.

Great, going to he a load of grief getting this corrected and arguments with the builder.

Windows will need to come out and the reinstalled.