Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Dec 15, 2011 2:49 pm Hi I’m building a home with a large builder, where we have selected a facade which involves rendering/stone finish. We have opted for this to be done POST-handover by us and the signed contract states includes a clause with the wording along the lines of “Areas as highlighted on the plans will be provided with an acrylic finish after handover”. Now – the issue is that the builders have used bricks other than the ones that we had selected during the contract setting phase – they used common bricks – in those “proposed” areas to be rendered. We have questioned this and they said that this is common practice. However, I fail to see how the contract gives them the right to use bricks other than the ones we had selected or even implies so. Was wondering for peoples thoughts on this who may have had a similar situation. If you would like further details, please let me know. Thanks! Re: post handover requirements 2Dec 15, 2011 3:38 pm What would be the point of using better than commons in these areas? They're going to be covered up. Of course, the question then becomes, how soon were you going to render it? If its not going to be immediate, then it stands to reason you (and council), would want the good bricks used. BUT, does the builder know this.... Re: post handover requirements 3Dec 15, 2011 4:09 pm The reason is that we wanted flexibility in the finishing we want applied at the end of the day. Consideration of which we wanted to assess after the house was complete and we would engaged a landscaper/designer (landscaping/driveways are also to be completed post hand-over). We do have x months to complete this work as per the developer/council requirements – but I believe this is not something that should come into question? The key question that I do pose (to the builders) is what has given them the right to use a product different to what is in the contract. The builder was not aware of the flexibility we wanted until we noticed the wrong bricks were on the house, but I guess it goes back to the fact of what we would expect in the end product according to the contract - which did not say anything to the tune of them utilising common bricks. Appreciate your questioning b0son as I would expect similar discussions with the builders. Any more? Re: post handover requirements 4Dec 15, 2011 4:43 pm I can understand your disappointment, but it is quite usual for the builders to use common bricks or use up the bricks from previous jobs where the finished work is to be rendered. I recently saw a house built using around 5-6 different types bricks all mixed up and then get an all over render. The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. Re: post handover requirements 6Dec 15, 2011 9:13 pm In retrospect, it would have been better to not have told the builder about the rendering. That is, that you only want face bricks. This would have prevented the situation and given you time to do the rendering when you wish - if at all. Demolition August 2009, Construction Started September 2009, Completed December 2010 Re: post handover requirements 7Dec 15, 2011 9:27 pm If you selected a facade with rendering then the builder would use common bricks for that part of the house. You are doing the rendering instead of the builder so the part of the contract that has changed is only the fact that you are rendering. The brick part of the build is still the same. All the builder is changing on the contract is the fact that he no longer has to do the rendering Re: post handover requirements 8Dec 15, 2011 10:06 pm qwertybox I guess it goes back to the fact of what we would expect in the end product according to the contract - which did not say anything to the tune of them utilising common bricks. The problem is that there is an assumption that you are aware of standard industry practice, so the nuts and bolts of how the build is achieved is left out of the contract. Yes, you may have selected a particular brick, but in light of 'standard industry practice' that doesnt preclude them using a common brick in areas that arent going to be exposed. Re: post handover requirements 10Dec 16, 2011 3:24 pm I think you have a case... Unless it specifies in your contract that they can use other materials for rendering then they have to provide the bricks listed in the contract. "Industry Std Practice" sounds like hogwash. It might be common practice but you have paid for your brick selection. Get what you paid for!!! In my contract I paid for cat5 bricks, but REQUESTED for cat1 bricks for the render, which knocked off about $600 off my price. This is listed as a seperate item in the building contract. Hope this helps Cheers, Alpal Building PD Heathmont 40 BLOG: http://alpal-pd-heathmont40.blogspot.com/ Deposit paid 19/08/2011 Contract signing 3/10/2011 Site Start 10/11/2011 Slab 23/11/2011 Re: post handover requirements 11Dec 17, 2011 4:14 pm Hi, Another thing that may not have been considered is that a glazed finish brick is not suitable to be rendered. It is a bit of an odd situation, as most people get the builder to do the facade. If you have selected a facade that does not involve any exposed brick, I can understand why the builder did what they did. AJ This was on google. 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