Question about dpc and paving in new build

mm93fm

Sorry this is not exactly related to the theme of the site, but I figured lots of you may be able to help me out... :beer:

I have put down a reservation for a new-build semi house. It is still being built. Couple of days ago we went over to have a look at it, and noticed something.

The paving slabs outside the house appear to be too high - in one place, they are almost touching the air bricks. The damp-proof membrane sits under the air brick.

There needs to be 150mm between the damp-proof membrane (i.e. bottom of air-brick) and the ground. However, because of the paving slabs, the "ground" has effectively come too high.

I spoke to the builders about this, and they said everything was fine! The house meets all the regulations because you are not meant to count the paving slab, and only the "real ground"

I have some photos:






I am going to speak to the Building Control department of the local council tomorrow, and hopefully the NHBC to see what they have to say.

Can anyone here offer any advice? Am I being stupid or missing something?!?!? :rolleyes:

Victoria_Falls

Erm this is not really my area, but Building Regulations should be able to advise you on this aspect. If you have concerns they will be able to put your worries to rest and may even go out to inspect. Your new home will be NHBC approved and it will come with a NHBC 10 year gaurentee against building defects etc. Any problems (if any) should arise in that time and these can be rectified. Better to nip in this in the butt now as I have heard that it can be hard and time consuming trying to claim on the NHBC Gaurentee!

TJ27

I used to do claims work on behalf of the NHBC and have got their standards on my desk. Unfortunately the relevant section is missing from my copy!

If the DPC really is below that airbrick then I think you are absolutely correct. I am assuming that the DPM is lapped through the wall to form the DPC.

I think I would do exactly what you're proposing and speak to the NHBC local office.

clutton_2

why not ask to speak to the site manager ?

Doozergirl

mm93fm wrote:

I spoke to the builders about this, and they said everything was fine! The house meets all the regulations because you are not meant to count the paving slab, and only the "real ground"

:eek: I can't believe they told you this! Of course you're right and building control will agree with you. No need to speak to NHBC but you do need to speak to your sales representative and ensure that the path is relaid allowing sufficient clearance for the DPM.

Water will sit on the paving slabs and will penetrate the wall above the DPM, so you're at risk from damp. The builders are simply being lazy as they know that they should be relaying the path.

I'm shocked. I think you should also get a professional snagger in to check the house over!