What Does First Fix Include? Am i being taken for a ride

limamichelle

Hello
I've been having problems with my extension builder. First was extra charges that seemed to come out of nowhere with no prewarning, Jobs that were agreed in email (but he says were not put word-for-word in the contact so he doesn't have to abide by them). And the fact that the contracts say they have the right to change costs.
Already paid about 60%, but the next 30% is being demanded, which should be paid after the first fix and here is where we have our issue. These things are not done

1. Building wall to a house fireplace/ installation of fireplace
2. installation of underfloor heating
3. Manhole access
4. No Roof Window installed yet (space empty and boarded up, they supply)
5. Some plastering jobs have not been completed
6. Some 3 electrical light points/sockets have not been installed
7. Kitchen installation
8. Tiling
9. Decorating/painting etc

I think at least 1-6 should be completed as part of the first fix.  We can debate the kitchen install(maybe units counts as first fix?), tiling and actually putting a fireplace in its housing. Am I being unreasonable- any opinions? What exactly is "First Fix"? also I don't want to pay over 90% of a job when we're still at this stage, with only the 10% snagging payment left.
Thanks in advance

EssexExile

To me first fix is putting the building up and running cables & pipes. Second fix is putting things on the end of those cables & pipes & finishing off. Google it for more details.

phill99

First and second fix is typically relayed to carpentry, plumbing and electrics. First fix carpentry would be all structural timbetr work such as joists, floors, roof trusses etc. Second fix would then be once the walls etc have been finished such as doors, skirting, architraves and kitchen. First fix plumbing would be all drainage, hot and cold water feeds, pipework for radiators. Second fix plumbing would be installing bath, shower, toilets, basin, kitchen sink, radiators and boiler. First fix electrics would be installation of all cables, back boxes, lighting feeds etc. Second fix would then be putting on all face plates, lights, switches, connection of cooker, fixed appliances, electric shower etc.      

limamichelle

phill99 said:

First and second fix is typically relayed to carpentry, plumbing and electrics. First fix carpentry would be all structural timbetr work such as joists, floors, roof trusses etc. Second fix would then be once the walls etc have been finished such as doors, skirting, architraves and kitchen. First fix plumbing would be all drainage, hot and cold water feeds, pipework for radiators. Second fix plumbing would be installing bath, shower, toilets, basin, kitchen sink, radiators and boiler. First fix electrics would be installation of all cables, back boxes, lighting feeds etc. Second fix would then be putting on all face plates, lights, switches, connection of cooker, fixed appliances, electric shower etc.      

Thanks
So out of my list , I think at least the underfloor heating, housing for the fireplace and roof windows should be installed? 

theonlywayisup

I would say 1-4 are first fix.  I concur with phill99 - those are exactly as I would expect first and second to be explained.  

artform_london

Regardless of what is and is not first fix, you should not be paying anything like 90% of the total until you have every last item on your site and in your possession and most of it fitted.