Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Oct 26, 2008 5:56 pm Hi all. We have started building at last... with a custom builder. But while just on the slab stage, we already encountered an issue. The slope of the land is different from the one on the land contract. Land contract states that the slope of land is 300mm from front to back. But when the builder scraped the land, they found out that it is actually 900mm.
Now the builder is charging us 1600 for soil excavation and 1400 for extra concrete. The builder shouldered the cost of 1500 for site cut-and-fill so the cost won't be too much for us. But 1600+1400 is still 3k that we did not expect. Who can we go to for this issue? Can we complain to the developer and claim this excess cost from them? BTW, land is in Taylors Hill. We opted for Taylors Hill because their land was supposed to be FLAT! Thanks. \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ Re: site slope issue 2Oct 26, 2008 7:49 pm i would have thought the builder should have done some survey pick up work first, especially when setting out for the slab... sounds like he's dropped the ball there.
Why does he need extra concreting done? retaining? if he has finished the earthworks properly, he should have cut himself a nice level pad. more info? Re: site slope issue 3Oct 26, 2008 7:54 pm The contours can change from land contract to when you actually build due to the estate works. The contours shown in the contract are usually from before the estate works commenced for that stage.
This possibility of variation was mentioned in our land contract. BUT your builder should have done another survey after the subdivision was complete to establish the contours they would be working with and then disclosed the additional costs. Sounds strange to me. Jo I leave you to fend for yourself, figure things out yourself. Terrence Malick Re: site slope issue 4Oct 27, 2008 10:26 am asimpson43 i would have thought the builder should have done some survey pick up work first, especially when setting out for the slab... sounds like he's dropped the ball there. Why does he need extra concreting done? retaining? if he has finished the earthworks properly, he should have cut himself a nice level pad. more info? We'll apparently, the builder did the site survey. We are now asking a copy of the survey and present it to the developer. As for the extra concrete, I don't really know. I don't think its for the retaining wall because when we visited the site, there's no wall to hold up the extra soil from the slope. Not sure if the slab was made extra thick to act as a retaining wall. \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ Re: site slope issue 5Oct 27, 2008 10:32 am joles The contours can change from land contract to when you actually build due to the estate works. The contours shown in the contract are usually from before the estate works commenced for that stage. This possibility of variation was mentioned in our land contract. BUT your builder should have done another survey after the subdivision was complete to establish the contours they would be working with and then disclosed the additional costs. Sounds strange to me. Jo Haven't checked the contract in detail but I guess its standard. This is the way developers cover themselves. I'm really surprised to find out such a big difference in the slope. I was afraid the builder would find rocks. Well, they didn't find rocks, but this issue has the same effect. \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ Re: site slope issue 6Oct 27, 2008 10:56 am The thing is, at 60cm, they won't see it as a big difference. Of course it makes a big difference to your hip pocket.
When my street was put in, one block's contours changed by metres . They argued and ended up getting the developer to do their cut and fill. Check your land contract for any wording on this issue. Then talk to the developer, argue that there was no reason for your contours to change..... the initially survey in the contract must have been incorrect..... you wouldn't have bought that block if you'd had correct contours..... etc, etc, you get the idea. You've got nothing to lose and they may just come to the party and help you out. Jo I leave you to fend for yourself, figure things out yourself. Terrence Malick Re: site slope issue 7Oct 27, 2008 1:13 pm joles The thing is, at 60cm, they won't see it as a big difference. Of course it makes a big difference to your hip pocket. When my street was put in, one block's contours changed by metres . They argued and ended up getting the developer to do their cut and fill. Check your land contract for any wording on this issue. Then talk to the developer, argue that there was no reason for your contours to change..... the initially survey in the contract must have been incorrect..... you wouldn't have bought that block if you'd had correct contours..... etc, etc, you get the idea. You've got nothing to lose and they may just come to the party and help you out. Jo Yep. Thanks Joles. We'll go to the land sales office this week and see what they have to say. We'll be getting the slope survey from the builder as well. Hope we can get some cash back. \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ Re: site slope issue 8Oct 27, 2008 1:26 pm dembi_2000 As for the extra concrete, I don't really know. I don't think its for the retaining wall because when we visited the site, there's no wall to hold up the extra soil from the slope. Not sure if the slab was made extra thick to act as a retaining wall. I would assume that would be the extra concrete piers on the underneath of your slab. A survey must’ve completed by a certified surveyor. This form part of every DA requirement 3 223588 Need advice on the backyard plan above. Should I excavate and cut all of the dirt to level with the house slab or semi-excavate as per photo above? Both left and right… 0 24831 Hi All, We have recently purchased a sloping block (3.5m fall building envelope, 6m overall). Just wondering if you know of any good builders that you would recommend for… 0 1752 |