Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Nov 29, 2016 11:18 pm Hello. Just looking for people's opinions, advice or experience on the following. I am currently building a new house and we are at lockup stage. During an inspection, I noticed that the space in my ensuite where a 900mm vanity is to be located is actually only large enough to fit at most a 600mm vanity. On closer inspection of the plans it appears that the architect that was acting on behalf of the builder has made an error with a window measurement. The window diagram/image on floorplan is thinner than the description of 1800x600. Wall frames and windows were built and fitted with a 1800x600mm window. Obviously my building specifications include a 900mm vanity as per the plans. I emailed the builder to notify him of this problem. His reply was that he would have a look. 9 days later after sending a follow up email, my husband receives a call from the builder who suggests that the best option is to reduce the size of the vanity. When my husband replies "no, that's not an option", the next suggestion is to move the wall frame and reduce the size of my WIR and walk in pantry to allow a larger vanity. My husband then replies that is also not an option. At this stage the builder starts getting abusive because he obviously doesn't like hearing things that aren't working in his favour. When my husband was asked what his idea was, he suggested that the vanity and toilet be swapped. As it currently sits, the plumbing and drainage is basically all in the right spots to do this. Hot water would need to be added to the current toilet spot and decommissioned at the current vanity spot. A small amount of adjustments would need to be made to drainage in concrete slab. Well the builder did not like this idea and said it's not the easiest option for him. this is where the f's and c's were added into the conversation. My husband ended up hanging up on him. This morning I receive a text message stating that the builder has spoken with the drainer who will follow up with council to see if the 2 items can be swapped. Builder seems to have forgotten that he carried on like a pork chop the previous day! I leave any reply and await further information. Later this afternoon, another text comes through with the builder advising that the drainer is still waiting to hear back from council, but because insulation is booked for 2 days time and sheeting to begin another 2 days later, he has decided to remove the window and replace it with a smaller one so the 900mm vanity will fit. This will allow these next jobs to continue as planned. Please note that external walls are brick. My reply was a straight out NO to replacing the window, and I told him it was a ridiculous idea. I think he was probably hoping I would cave in and just say install the smaller vanity. I also told him that if he had acted on my original email when I sent it over a week ago, this issue would not be so urgent with decisions needing to be made immediately. So at this stage, I have told him to cancel what he needs to. Do not replace the window, do not move any walls and do not arrange a smaller vanity. So, my questions are to you: Am I within my right to refuse a smaller vanity, wall movement or window? In our contract, the section "Accuracy of Contract Documents" states that any error arising from documents arranged by, or on behalf of the builder, are his problem to rectify/cover the cost. I guess this means that if he tries to hit us with a variation for extra costs, he's dreaming?? Is there's any chance he's entitled to a time extension as well? I'm thinking no. Re: Advice and opinions please 3Nov 30, 2016 8:25 am The short answer is that builder is not allowed to vary works for his convenience without your consent. Builder cannot charge extra for his mistakes and cannot get extensions of time for the same. Swearing and abusing owner places builder into category of unfit to be registered. Builder is only doing this because he thinks he can roll you. Get yourself a good building consultant that will front the builder and make him blink. Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog Versaloc is a mortarless besser block system that still needs a properly engineered footing. If you just do a 400x200 footing it will fail in time. At 17m long you need it… 1 17300 A question. Im in Queensland and building a new home. We managed to reach practical completion 6 weeks ago but we haven't heard any date for handover yet. Who should we… 0 5805 I was being kind to the builder. With the amount charged for the upgrade the builder is probably charging closer to 100% margin. There are a few variables as I… 5 14306 |