brickwork out of level

ctrl · Dec 01, 2023 2:24 pm

Hi,

I'm currently building, and our own building inspector mentioned that the brickwork above a window frame is out of level and not within tolerance. He isn't able to specify how much out of level, but I've asked him to confirm this at next stage inspection.

Site supervisor mentioned the frame is out of level by approx 8mm and is within tolerance.

I noticed in the 'NSW guide to standards and tolerances' that less than 10mm deviation is acceptable in any 10m length wall.=

This particular wall is just under 2m in length, so I'm unsure if the above standard is applicable here.
I've attached a pic of the brickwork

Just wondering if anyone here is familiar with the standards? What would be within tolerance for brickwork leveling?
I'd appreciate the thoughts on the brickwork as well.

Thanks

Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅

building-expert · Dec 03, 2023 10:51 am

If you have your private building inspector you should not have to be asking questions on this forum, he should have your answers. I would be asking for my money back.

There is no reason why there should be a brick header course over a window, is that shown on your plans? In any case it is out of level and lacking workmanship skill and care. If your plan is not showing header course then the builder must demolish and rebuild brickwork.

In any case, if it looks wrong it is, I am sure it does not show it like that on your elevation. I am sure builder would not have it in his house.

Tolerances for masonry in NSW are 10 mm in 10 wall or 1.8mm over 1.8M window and it has nothing to do with slab or frame tolerances as brickwork is built level even on out of level slab and windows are packed to be horizontal. Look at the horizontal level line I put on your photo, it looks 15-20mm sag in the brickwork.

Down it comes

Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅

ctrl · Dec 03, 2023 2:38 pm

Thanks for the informative response! I'll feed that back to the site supervisor.