Can anyone give me some advice please!

fossman

I posted on a different thread but didn't get a single reply.

We are buying a new build house, the brickwork for the ground floor is complete and last week they put it the lintels.

Each week I go down to the site to see how its going, this week (Sunday) I noticed that the gap that has been left for the stairs is on the opposite side to that shown on the plans.

I have informed the house builders of this and they have told me they will be putting it right, but they have continued to build upwards.

My question is will they be able to move the gap for the stairs at a later date and if they do will it weaken the lintels. I ask this as where they have left the gap now is where the bathroom is going to be and will it be able to withstand a bath full of water.

hethmar

Well, the house will have to be insepected by surveyors, building controls and NHBC - so whatever happens you are covered.

Im sure that they will be able to support the floor no problem, but why dont you speak to someone in authority at the company and ask for their reply in writing - always handy to have if there are any problems.

But, having rebuilt 3 houses ourselves, problems can be and are overcome - sometimes its best you dont see it in the building!

Ring up the builders or get your solicitor to do it and ask for written confirmation.

But dont worry too much, Im sure it will be ok in the end!

fossman

The site foreman had put the stairs in thinking our house was "as" plan whereas it should be "opposite", the house on the other end of the block of 4 has also got the stairs against the wrong wall.

With regard to the strength of the lintels I was thinking more long term than the 10 years covered by the NHBC guarantee.

I'll give the builders a call tomorrow to see how exactly they are going to rectify it, I'll also ask them to put it in writing for me.