Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jul 01, 2013 11:06 pm Hi, I'm currently going through my first construction (a duplex home being two townhouses in a side by side arrangement), and I'd like to present my situation to this forum for some honest fair-dinkum advice. Six months ago, my builder contacted me stating that he didn't provide the correct drainage figures for the construction (due to an oversight on his part - he had forgotten to include the drainage figures based on the engineering documents as he only saw them when he brought this matter to my attention). The engineering documents provided drainage information for the duplex home, from what was originally on the block of land, being a single storey dwelling. The builder halted the construction once he brought the matter to my attention, so that the drainage costings could be sought by his drainer. The quotation was received by the builder which indicated the cost for the drainage was $22k. This was eventually brought down to $15k (after the drainer reduced his amount, and the builder reducing it by another #3k for the original allowance made for the 90mm stormwater, although we would still need to pay for the crossover work). He presented it to me as the final variation to the contract. I signed the variation to the contract so the construction could go-ahead, as I needed to get the development finished due to other pressing matters in my life, and the other pressures involved with taking so long to get to this point in the development to begin with (being 2 1/2 years with council/architect/vicroads/lawyers - ouch). The construction is now is going on 11 months, and it's almost at lock-up stage which is great, however I still hold an uneasy sensation in myself that I have been unfairly treated in some way, and that I was too accommodating to the builder's request so I could get the construction going again. What are your thoughts on my situation? Thanks in advance, Ross Re: Drainage Variation due to Builder Oversight? 2Jul 02, 2013 6:29 am It's too late to be worrying about it. It's in the past. Re: Drainage Variation due to Builder Oversight? 3Jul 02, 2013 8:57 am Probably because we all "know" builders are d0dgy, every time anything relating to cost comes up I'm rather suspicious. But to be honest, in the majority of times, our builder has turned-out to be doing the right thing by us when I've looked into it. For example when we had the drainage done for our block they spec'd an 11.5kL underground tank & yet it said right on the diagram we only needed 2000L!! Having had a bit of a "WTF?" at what looked like an over-spec to make money, and asking around a bit, it turned-out they'd combined two requirements into one tank (stormwater & rainwater catchment) which meant we actually save money in the end. There are a few things I'm still suspicious about (we've had non-standard windows fitted & I don't think they've given us a credit for the standard windows - they've got to be worth something), but overall despite a few things seeming odd they do seem to be doing the right thing by us. But then I guess we're paying them a fair chunk of cash ... Summary - I wouldn't worry about it. Most likely it was just an oversight; yes they probably should have been more careful, and worst-case is they left something out of the quote on-purpose to get the business. But even in that worst case scenario, if you'd gone with someone else you'd have had to pay for it anyway. So I wouldn't be too concerned; just be happy with the end-result when they do a good job! Re: Drainage Variation due to Builder Oversight? 4Jul 02, 2013 1:42 pm Forg it turned-out they'd combined two requirements into one tank (stormwater & rainwater catchment) which meant we actually save money in the end. I would have looked a bit closer at that one. All sorts of issues there. 3in1 Supadiverta. Rainwater Harvesting Best Practice using syphonic drainage. Cleaner Neater Smarter Cheaper Supa Gutter Pumper. A low cost syphonic eaves gutter overflow solution. Re: Drainage Variation due to Builder Oversight? 5Jul 02, 2013 4:54 pm As experienced builder and contractor I can tell you that this is the one that should have been paid by the builder because it is his risk in estimating. You cannot price the job sign the contract and then come back and say Oops sorry I forgot to include drainage.Get real! I don't think it matters that you signed a variation. You will probably need expert help to get that one back. 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 Re: Drainage Variation due to Builder Oversight? 6Jul 02, 2013 5:28 pm SaveH2O Forg it turned-out they'd combined two requirements into one tank (stormwater & rainwater catchment) which meant we actually save money in the end. I would have looked a bit closer at that one. All sorts of issues there. I did; there were; it's good; and I've forgotten the details now. Re: Drainage Variation due to Builder Oversight? 7Jul 02, 2013 5:50 pm Hi ross1help. I agree with building expert. The contract is the contract. You need to check what was agreed. I would get some good professional advice on this as it seems like a fair sum of money. Building McDonald Jones Bronte Manor One Contracts Signed Dec 12 DA Lodged Jan 13 DA Consent w/BAL40 Apr 13. S96 Consent w/BAL19 May 13. Slab Complete Jun 13. Frame Brick & Roof Complete Aug 13. Re: Drainage Variation due to Builder Oversight? 8Jul 02, 2013 6:34 pm SaveH2O Forg it turned-out they'd combined two requirements into one tank (stormwater & rainwater catchment) which meant we actually save money in the end. I would have looked a bit closer at that one. All sorts of issues there. I have two of them for my subdivision. Bottom 2/3rd of the tank is water storage, top 1/3rd is a slow release (25mm overflow) retention system into stormwater. Plus a $20k stormwater system including a 6m detention pit. Thanks council. Re: Drainage Variation due to Builder Oversight? 9Jul 02, 2013 6:57 pm JB1 I have two of them for my subdivision. Bottom 2/3rd of the tank is water storage, top 1/3rd is a slow release (25mm overflow) retention system into stormwater. Hi JB1, Forg posted that his is an underground tank, that's what drew my attention. 3in1 Supadiverta. Rainwater Harvesting Best Practice using syphonic drainage. Cleaner Neater Smarter Cheaper Supa Gutter Pumper. A low cost syphonic eaves gutter overflow solution. I work with owner, he/she is my man on the ground and I instruct them when to visit the site and take photos and I have other tools in the bag. 4 15265 Looking for advice on whether this variation in tile colour is acceptable. The large tile on the left was used in my main bathroom renovation 1 year ago. My ensuite… 0 8489 yes it does, you've just not understood it. theres a difference. 4 5322 |