What is watertight stage of an extension?

*debbie*

I am sure one of you will be able to answer this, I am sure it is an easy one if you know!

We are having an extension and the builders have just told me we are now watertight (now they want another stage payment!) as we have felt on the roof. We don't have tiles (they are going on today and tomorrow) windows or a conservatory, just a series of big holes.

I am not worried about the speed of the progress, just want to know if they are being a little previous asking for the watertight payment before windows and conservatory. I always thought watertight meant that no water could get in, not that water couldn't come throught the roof rafters!

ormus

roof on and complete is waterproof.
with doors and windows inc is watertight.

pinkmami

I agree - roof & windows so you have no means of water entering the building.

SplanK

If it was me having building work done, and the term "watertight" was used... then you should in theory be able to take a hose pipe and direct it at the extension and no water should get in. So this would be windows in, roof on and any holes in a wall all bricked up!

Might be worth having a chat with them? Maybe half payment due to the roof been done, and the rest when the Windows are in?

Hintza

Is the saying not:- "wind and watertight"?

If they haven't got the windows they should at least board the openings surely?

*debbie*

Thanks everyone for your input. They are still insisting that come Friday they will have finished the tiling, cut the rafters and fitted the fascia, taken down the scaffolding at least on one side so that they can finish building the conservatory wall, finish said wall, fit conservatory, 4 windows and put the insulation and concrete on the floor. They have said they will wait until Friday for payment, I think all the work will take a little longer than they think!!

nickj_2

are they having time off over xmas ? it's always a tricky time of year if you are working for yourself as you're not getting any cash and you're having to fork out for xmas as well . i normally have to have a couple of weeks off over xmas as people don't usually want disturbing over the holiday period .
if you want a compromise , tell them that if it's done and you're happy with it , could you not do an online transfer so they get the money the same day