Browse Forums Paving & Concreting 1 Jan 21, 2012 4:51 pm Hi there, We would love to receive any advice on this issue - pls see attached images. We are looking at buying a townhouse (1 of 4). The building report showed some water penetration issues which have not been rectified. We're thinking of paying for an engineers inspection report to receive further advice. A friend recommended I try a few building forums before paying out for the report. The first picture shows the retainer wall and water tank in the courtyard (north side) next to the stairs on the ground floor (stairs go up to first floor and down to garage). The painted over area was a huge hole going through the retainer wall where a builder had conducted some tests to see where water was coming from (not sure if it has been fixed). The water escape route has been constructed too low to enable water to escape. The second picture shows the damage to the steps inside on the same level as bottom of retainer wall. The damage here is minor compared to another townhouse where the concrete has crumbled away. Do you think this is a fixable? Would it be expensive to fix? Image 3 shows the water penetration in the concrete slab below the townshouses and on the roof of the garage. The water is coming from the path way which has not been sealed correctly. There are 3 other areas similar to this (less damage) in the garage. If the pathway is sealed correctly, are they able to rectify the existing damage? If so, is this major or minor works, i.e. do you think this would be expensive? Thank you in advance for any advice you may have. Have a good one! https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=106315717574974799904&target=ALBUM&id=5699972407914206321&authkey=Gv1sRgCKr0p6vonrDYlQE&feat=email Re: Water penetration in concrete slab. Advice requested pls 2Apr 01, 2012 9:07 am Dampness coming through can a difficult problem to fix and it should not be happening. All I can tell from the pictures is that you definitely have a problem. The most common problem occurs when builder does not follow approved design or if there is insufficient detailing and he makes the wrong choice. If the townhouses are new (and it appears that they are) building work may still be subject of builder's warranty and you could pursue the builder to fix the problem, however saying that it's unlikely to be easy or inexpensive. If the build job is owner built( and it appears it is because you talk about a report (owner's report?) then you could be in for a rougher ride. Engineer's report could be good but make sure that the engineer has experience in this type of work (ask, don't assume) and that fixing recommendations are put forward. However, engineer is unlikely to also have qualifications in building surveying (ask) and may not be qualified to advise you on compliance and regulations. It all comes down to value and if you have to fix make sure you are handsomely paid for it. 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 As title suggests, looking at using the interlocking Pentablock stacked stone products to replace failing timber retaining… 0 17880 If you have a floor waste, turn on your sink and put your ear down to the central floor waste and listen. If you can hear water running then they all connect there. If you… 10 12140 Thanks for your advice. So far i have not noticed any issues with doors and windows. Builder advised they will organise drainers to inspect 2 weeks ago but no further… 7 18828 |