Is our builder a cowboy?

[k1100697]

We have been lurking on this site for the last few months since the building work at our home started.

Our understanding is that it is requirement of the Building Regulations that the cavity should be carried down at least 150 mm below the level of the lowest dpc - as per the plans that were submitted and approved. However, there is no cavity below the dpc for our extension, as a solid wall has been constructed of dense concrete blocks, some laid on their side and others laid flat which does not appear to be normal practice. We are concerned about the extension's resistance to moisture and potential for damp. Similarly, we are worried about thermal bridging (no aerated blocks or engineering bricks have been used) and non-compliance with the Regulations.

Lastly, the extension does not appear to be square with the existing building, as intended in the plans submitted and approved.

We have shown the work to another builder who has suggested that the work will need to be demolished and started again. He has advised us to request a site visit by building control. Naturally we are concerned as certain things the builder has done do not appear to follow best practice.

Any thoughts?

 

[^woody^]

There is no need for a cavity below DPC.

The squareness of the extension is a quality issue and not of any concern to building control. Neither does it make the builder a cowboy, or make the extension require demolition.

That other builder seems rather clueless, so ask him if he is a cowboy as well.

 

[Nakajo]

Some photos might help - if that doesn't give the game away

 

[mfarrow]

I heard of a rich couple having two homes built by two different firms. A big house and a smaller granny house/bungalow on the same site.

Granny house contrator showed new owners the big house was out of square, plumb and level in places by fractions, but convinced the owners to sack the big house builders and let the others "rectify" and complete both builds.

This story was from the lighting designer who knew all the facts and was quite neutral.

So don't necessarily believe all the other builder tells you.

 

[ey143]

I heard of a rich couple having two homes built by two different firms. A big house and a smaller granny house/bungalow on the same site.

Granny house contrator showed new owners the big house was out of square, plumb and level in places by fractions, but convinced the owners to sack the big house builders and let the others "rectify" and complete both builds.

This story was from the lighting designer who knew all the facts and was quite neutral.

So don't necessarily believe all the other builder tells you.

I thought this was starting off as a joke and waiting for the punch line.....hugely disappointed.
Speaking of lighting designers, I'm actually looking for one. Got a quote from John Cullen Ltd....now that was a joke. Any ideas on what a reasonable cost is for a daily rate for a small firm?

 

[Nakajo]

When you say 'design', what are you looking for?

 

[ey143]

Our house is a 90% remodel and extension. We're looking to have a nicely designed lighting scheme mainly for whole ground floor which consists of a large open plan living room and kitchen. Also some of the bedrooms and hall ways too.

Google johncullen lighting and you will get a feel for what i mean.

 

[^woody^]

If you've had a 90% refurb, isn't it a bit late to be thinking about the lighting?

 

[ey143]

We haven't even started first fix of electrical or plumbing yet. It's not too late to build an internal swimming pool or a 7ft x 10ft pink bouncy castle if I wanted to. Not everything has to be 100% decided on prior to a planning app woody.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I think he thinks you're 90% through the job ........

That said, sometimes he doesn't think at all.

 

[noseall]

Any ideas on what a reasonable cost is for a daily rate for a small firm?

£400 per day?

 

[ey143]

Any ideas on what a reasonable cost is for a daily rate for a small firm?

£400 per day?

That's what I would have thought with a cap of around £1500 for a whole house lighting scheme. But no, the few firms including johncullen and one man bands are looking for around £5k for a full service. Perhaps I'm being unrealistic.

 

[^woody^]

What is a "whole house lighting scheme" anyway, and how does it differ from the more traditional "lights in the rooms operated by a switch" ?

 

[ey143]

Mood lighting, focused lighting, attenuation and other fancy terms to charge you a fortune. I guess it's more about lighting circuit design with fancy CAD drawings that you can excite your grandkids whilst smoking your electronic pipe next your bio ethanol fake fire place on a cold winters day.

Visit the johncullen lighting page and see some of the images.

 

[^woody^]

So you can't just whack in a nice chandelier in the dining room, some wall lights up next to the fire, some spotlights in the bathroom, and a fluorescent in the kitchen?

That will be £1250 (inc VAT) please