Recent Posts

1

Snagging and defects / Part E Resistance to Sound & DIY Sound Test

« Last Post by Midwest on Today at 03:05:14 pm »

Purchased a Bloor Home in 2018. Quite pleased with it and their responce to snags. We have always been disappointed with the sound transference around the house, but accepted it I suppose as it being a new build.

I'm having them back to inspect some creaking flooring on the 1st floor (we have chipboard floors & TJI joists) and a creaking stair case. My floor layer says we would not be able to put back the stair carpet, and the landing carpet would not match if the stair carpet was replaced. In members experience, how are the creaking floors fixed in these instance, from above or below?

My main question is however, can I carry out a DIY test to see if my property is complying with Part E2. As I understand it, as our property was one of the first type built on the development, mine or my neighbours house would of been subject to an acoustic test. As I sit here at my PC on the first floor, I can hear someone using the WC below me.

I will probably carry out some sound proofing myself in due course, but I just want to verify things first.

2

Snagging and defects / Re: Mastic around windows

« Last Post by New Home Expert on Today at 12:32:26 pm »

Yes they could try and use upvc trim to cover the gaps. Its been done before.

No point of getting work done until you have won any court cases and have been awarded a settlement so get quotes and use these for your claim.

3

Snagging and defects / Re: concrete garage floor not sealed

« Last Post by New Home Expert on Today at 12:29:58 pm »

This isn't an issue.
Easy to get some red, grey or blue concrete floor paint from B&Q or Brewers and do it yourself with a roller in a day.

Over a lifetime, silica dust can cause breathing problems but I doubt you or your children could be sufficiently affected unless you and underlying conditions such as asthma.

4

Snagging and defects / Re: concrete garage floor not sealed

« Last Post by Matron on Today at 11:24:13 am »

My husband did ours. It took a few days but it wasn’t a problem

5

Snagging and defects / Re: concrete garage floor not sealed

« Last Post by Sick-of-it on January 24, 2020, 07:03:37 pm »

I honestly think you will have to do this yourself - you will find no piece of paper saying they will seal that floor.

Most garages are not sealed - it’s easy to do it yourself.

6

Snagging and defects / Re: Mastic around windows

« Last Post by Sick-of-it on January 24, 2020, 07:01:58 pm »

Many thanks,

I have submitted a claim now.

I have no faith in the NHBC at all, although I am not letting them away with it!

Could they try to use trim to fill the gap?

If they do, and I end up taking them to small claims (if I can keep the window replacement cost below £10,000), would I have to get the work done first, or would the court accept quotes?

Many thanks - only when we push back will anything change!

7

Snagging and defects / concrete garage floor not sealed

« Last Post by Tim McG on January 24, 2020, 03:11:56 pm »

Moved into our new build a few months ago and the garage floor has not been sealed by the builder so the concrete is constantly dusting. The show home garage was painted and shiny so assume ours would be the same. I have asked them to seal it using concrete sealant to stop the dusting but they seem reluctant to do this. Should I be concerned about the dust? Will it contain silica and can this be harmful to children if breathed in? Is there any building regulation about concrete garage floors? Are they meant to seal it?

8

Snagging and defects / Re: Mastic around windows

« Last Post by New Home Expert on January 24, 2020, 10:01:12 am »

Yes it is wrong and yes the gaps are too wide.
Barratt are playing hardball because to correct it would probably means taking down one side fo the wall and re building it to the frame. Or getting new frames made to fit the large openings which would be my choice and easier and quicker.

NHBC has standards and tolerances but neither matter a jot when a buyer like you wants poor quality way outside what is reasonable, remedied, One thing for sure, if you do nothing it will happen again  and again. Make a claim on you NHBC warranty if Barratt continue to refuse.

9

Snagging and defects / Mastic around windows

« Last Post by Sick-of-it on January 23, 2020, 11:27:04 pm »

Living a nightmare with Barratt.

I have noticed that the gaps between my window frame (and doors) and the bricks is between 15mm and 25mm, it look very large and is filled with white mastic.

I checked the NHBC standards, which quotes the British Standard (BS 8213) which recommends a maximum gap of 7.5mm for white PVC Windows. However it also states that NHBC will not accept a gap over 10mm wide.

Barretts are saying it’s fine and working as designed.

Any views? It’s clearly outside standard, how would they fix this? Should I push it?

Thanks!

10

Snagging and defects / Re: Second Hand Home Defects After 2yr Warranty

« Last Post by Ron Swanson on January 23, 2020, 09:47:01 pm »

and a few more.

I don't think this ensuite was installed to a decent standard. The main bathroom is much better quality than this.