Opinions please - plasterboard overhangs skirting - photos

h.cowell

Thanks again. To be honest I'm starting to feel more than a bit depressed about the whole thing, but I do know of another (recommended) builder who may be able to help with advice, or even to take the job over.

The building firm that has been working on this so far came through the insurer (Post Office). I wasn't too worried until the plasterboard went up, and we stopped the work at that point (last Friday) until we reach an agreement about the skirting, among other things.

leveller2911, it has made me wonder too about the quality of the rest of the work.... there is no underpinning, just work to strengthen the cracks in the walls. The cracks were more extensive that first thought though (the render hid some of it). I will post a photo of the metal straps used in the corner of the room where some of the movement was. Metal rods were placed in the mortar between bricks, though I never saw any of that work being carried out, or any evidence of it, so don't have photos for that.

27col, we won't let them get away with it. My husband rang the building supervisor today - he normally comes everyday to check the job is going ok - but he hasn't returned the call yet. Although I know for a fact he spoke to the surveyer who works for the insurance company at around the same time....

olias, I'm glad you mentioned the radiator. No! They didn't remove it! Has to be one of the worst areas in my opinion. Will post a photo.

Thanks rosekitten, I'm getting the picture that this job is not a good one. Glad yours was a better experience

More photos:


Corner where wall on the right was pulling away from the body of the house, showing the metal strapping prior to plasterboarding


Plasterboard is tucked some way behind radiator, but the radiator was not removed and some render is still there


Gap between plasterboard and wall


Bottom of plasterboard in one area

h.cowell

neverenough & misgrace - our posts crossed. Thanks for your input. Sending photos to the insurer is a great idea and I'll do that tomorrow (when my head is clearer). misgrace, we refused to sign a sheet that was pushed in front of us on Friday, to say that the work was ok (or words to that effect). We refused on the basis that the work is not completed yet! But now we're soooo glad we didn't, and will get back to the building contractor with our complaints.

Thanks again.

PS Forgot to say that it is the building company that is asking for the money for new skirting.

misgrace

h.Cowell wrote<<<< Thanks again. To be honest I'm starting to feel more than a bit depressed about the whole thing, but I do know of another (recommended) builder who may be able to help with advice, or even to take the job over.>>>>>>



I'm not suprised your depressed, you have every right to be, but you have got to remember, that they bodged up not you, and somewhere along the line the Insurers when they see this will definately be backing you up, they cant do otherwise, you would have to be blind to pass that work!!!!

Get another builder in for his opinion, but dont do anything till you get it sorted with the insureres.

I hope when all this is over that you NAME and SHAME the s*ds.:mad:

h.cowell

Thanks misgrace, hopefully I will feel better tomorrow... and though I'm not ready to name them just yet (I want to give them a chance, you know?) it may well get to that!

I do think the surveyer who originally approved this job needs to see the work himself. Photos will be sent!!!

properchippy

Normally you would break off all old plaster and re-render the wall. It is not unusual for builders doing insurance repair work to use plasterboard (Not saying I agree with it) as it saves on labour but they should have at least removed the old skirting and fixed the plasterboard about 8-10mm above the floor. This would allow the skirting to sit flat when refitted.

Note that it is very unlikely that the original skirting can be replaced exactly as it was, it's just not that simple! You may be able to save some but not all.

Tucker

What are those metal straps about??

They look about as rigid as tin foil to me and if they are suppose to tie the wall and prevent further movement, I doubt they will serve any purpose.

I am not a tradesman I should add, just a DIYer, but the work looks like it's been done by someone with no building background at all.

I would ask the insurers to look at the photo of the straps and request the work is considered by a structural engineer to confirm if they are sufficient to cure the problem in future.

never_enough

Tucker wrote: »

What are those metal straps about??

They look about as rigid as tin foil to me and if they are suppose to tie the wall and prevent further movement, I doubt they will serve any purpose.

I am not a tradesman I should add, just a DIYer, but the work looks like it's been done by someone with no building background at all.

I would ask the insurers to look at the photo of the straps and request the work is considered by a structural engineer to confirm if they are sufficient to cure the problem in future.

Have to agree with this post too. The metal straps dont look as if they've been attached by more than a couple of screws. Are they seriously supposed to stop a wall shifting? That's a genuine question btw, not sarcasm (for once! ) They do look as if they've been made of tinfoil as Tucker says...or old meccano!
I can understand how miserable this must be making you feel, I've seriously never seen anything like it (& I grew up on series of building sites!) The Post Office need to be made aware of this straight away. Print out the photos, send with very stern letter outlining your complaints & details of the remedial action required by them (plus alternative builders) to sort out the mess & to stop you taking action against them. Keep it factual & to the point so you don't dilute your point/anger/disappointment. Send it next day/registered or whatever it is so that you have proof of receipt by them.
Don't let the bodge-it brothers back in your house either.
Sending you a big hug!

h.cowell

Thanks again, everyone.

properchippy, I'll be honest and say I never expected the skirting to be saved, but it has become more than a skirting issue now and has made me doubt the overall quality of the workmanship. Sigh.

Tucker & never enough, I wish I'd taken more photos of that strapping. I'm going to send the photos that I do have to the surveyor who instructed the builders to carry out this repair, and ask for his opinion. I am hoping it may raise some questions and perhaps prompt a visit from him.

Will let you know how I get on!

yorkie_lad_2

got to agree with doozergirl, they shouldn't have dot & dabbed it they should of used sand & cement then skimmed it like it says in the quote and most probably on the surveyors report. Ask them to come back and replace the plasterboarded walls with sand & cement them skim them like the quote said.
PS its not the thickness of the plasterboard that is the problem its the thickness of the adhesive they haven't compressed it enough

jinky67

I would just like to say, I have never done a bit of DIY in my life, but even I could have done a better job:D

I also agree about the wall straps as well, they dont look like they would hold the weight of a kitchen cupboard never mind anything else:eek::eek: