Browse Forums Building Standards; Getting It Right! 1 Aug 30, 2020 2:23 pm We’re at bricklaying stage now and I noticed a bit of new concrete being poured along side the existing slab, which wasn't there the previous week. It seems as if the slab has been extended. I measured and observed that with this new concrete piece of slab and footing, its correct, according to the drawings so I assume this was done due the incorrect measurements during the slab pour. I was wondering if this is a safe typical practice for slab extensions. I am worried that the new bit of concrete: 1. Does not have any reinforcement being installed. Does steel reinforcing need to be “joined” to the main slab that was previously being put in? 2. Does not have any vapour barrier installed. Will there be a risk of moisture soaking? 3. This new section seems to support bricks as well as a few ceiling beam sections – can it take the weight? The wall that sits on this will be a double brick section between my alfresco and my living room. The site is in WA. I'd really hate to experience movement of this piece of concrete and live with cracks in future . I have asked for engineering approval from the builder and will wait for their reply. Is my concern warranted? Should I get a structural engineer or a building inspector to have a look and advise? Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Slab Extension due to Incorrect Measurements 2Aug 30, 2020 4:50 pm lizzabeta We’re at bricklaying stage now and I noticed a bit of new concrete being poured along side the existing slab, which wasn't there the previous week. It seems as if the slab has been extended. I measured and observed that with this new concrete piece of slab and footing, its correct, according to the drawings so I assume this was done due the incorrect measurements during the slab pour. I was wondering if this is a safe typical practice for slab extensions. I am worried that the new bit of concrete: 1. Does not have any reinforcement being installed. Does steel reinforcing need to be “joined” to the main slab that was previously being put in? 2. Does not have any vapour barrier installed. Will there be a risk of moisture soaking? 3. This new section seems to support bricks as well as a few ceiling beam sections – can it take the weight? The wall that sits on this will be a double brick section between my alfresco and my living room. The site is in WA. I'd really hate to experience movement of this piece of concrete and live with cracks in future . I have asked for engineering approval from the builder and will wait for their reply. Is my concern warranted? Should I get a structural engineer or a building inspector to have a look and advise? Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Hold the builder accountable for providing evidence that it has been done correctly, which would require an engineered design. If he does not provide the evidence and the design then you may have an issue. Make sure you are very clear to the builder not to proceed without confirming it has been done correctly. Easier to jackhammer a section out rather than remove a double brick wall then jackhammer a section out. Best of luck. Registered Building - Always happy to help where I can and simply loves the game. DM me if you need help in VIC. Re: Slab Extension due to Incorrect Measurements 3Aug 30, 2020 5:57 pm I would want my independent engineer telling me it's a good solution,but at least you will have thicker concrete at both ends of your slab,the shorter slab,then the add-on,but you must know it was done right,take lots and lots of pictures,from.all angles ,close ups also. Re: Slab Extension due to Incorrect Measurements 4Aug 31, 2020 11:28 am thanks for the comments. I should have listened to my gut earlier to engage a building inspector, especially during slab stage. I had done a lot of research on the web and initially told myself that I should engage a 3rd party check, however I was swayed by the building supervisor during the design stage. There is no doubt that if I were to ever build a house again, I would engage a building inspector on all possible build stages - any reasonable inspector would have picked this up or at least reduce the risk. I'd encourage new home buyers to do the same. Moving forward, I will be power posing my position with these things. Trust the builder to a certain extent but its a must to spend $4-3k~ on making sure they do the right thing by engaging a building inspector. That's a small amount to pay for a 30+ year, $270k product. For now, I have lost trust with the people currently building my house. This is a bad feeling to have. Re: Slab Extension due to Incorrect Measurements 5Aug 31, 2020 12:01 pm Lizzabeta Make sure you have all the correct engineering documentation ie geotech report, engineering footings/ slab classification, compaction certificated? Ask your Builder for a certified compaction certificate, If he can't supply one then have it independently checked People make mistakes on site everyday it's important to follow up and have it rectified before it becomes a major issue further down the track. BTW, If the compaction is adequate it may not be an issue Cheers Chris Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Constant What you have posted isn't really readable and also needs to be compared to your architectural plans. Happy to have a look if you email me at 1 8077 Hi, We have a single story MacDonald Jones house, on a waffle pod slab with steel frame. Are we able to build a second story extension? 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