Recent Posts

1

Snagging and defects / Re: Noise issues

« Last Post by Maxell on December 05, 2020, 04:22:03 pm »

Hi , I am not an expert but there are companies offering acoustic surveys ( goggle ) I would check their accreditations and what report you would receive.
They should be able to give you a cost as the there is a standard.
However some noise is acceptable and you could be wasting your money .If it fails you then you still have a fight for the developer to accept it. Also I would guess if you decided to sell you would be obliged to inform the purchaser .
Regards

2

Snagging and defects / Re: Patio Slab Question

« Last Post by AOIS on December 04, 2020, 06:12:38 pm »

I would use a pressure washer and perhaps use some ALGON as well to kill off anything living.
It is because they are wet and don't dry out to stop mould/mildew.

Thank you, I appreciate you advice.

3

Do It Yourself / Alternative to suporex

« Last Post by Harmony on December 02, 2020, 11:27:16 am »

Hi!
I am finalizing all the paperwork essential before starting the building of my house. In a few days works with begin on foundations. However I have some last minute thoughts on the entire construction. I want it to be lightweight but I am not very fond of suporex. Is there an alternative to that? I don't mind paying a bit more as long as we are talking about quality.

4

Snagging and defects / Re: Patio Slab Question

« Last Post by New Home Expert on December 02, 2020, 10:56:16 am »

I would use a pressure washer and perhaps use some ALGON as well to kill off anything living.
It is because they are wet and don't dry out to stop mould/mildew.

5

Snagging and defects / Re: Patio Slab Question

« Last Post by AOIS on December 02, 2020, 07:53:46 am »

Will this likely come off with a pressure washer?

6

Snagging and defects / Re: Patio Slab Question

« Last Post by Maxell on December 01, 2020, 07:08:05 am »

I can't see from times they have a a paper on them which goes mouldy or they are just more porous.

Thanks

7

Snagging and defects / Noise issues

« Last Post by Ahimsa on November 30, 2020, 07:36:56 pm »

Evening all,

I have been in my new build Taylor Wimpey semi-detached house for just over 1 year now and since day one we've had issues with noise coming from the neighbour.

The neighbour likes to play their music which is no problem however I can hear the bass thumping in our living room, and all 3 bedrooms upstairs, I can also, depending on the song understand the lyrics clear as day, I initially thought this just because the music was too loud and kindly asked the neighbour to lower the bass.

I can also hear, sometimes clear as day, the neighbours conversations when they have visitors round and can also hear the TV from their living room in my bedroom and have even heard conversations being had in their living room in my bedroom!

I am constantly hearing them walking round their living room and what I would assume is the hallway and have heard them draw their curtains in the living room!!

I am convinced this is not normal, it's like I'm living with my neighbours and initially I thought they were being a little too loud but i'm convinced something isn't quite right.When visiting my parents home and my mother in law, both who live in semi-detached houses the soundproofing seems SO much better, I do not hear foot steps, curtains being drawn, doors opening conversations etc it feels like the house has been built very poorly.

I did initially raise the issue with Taylor Wimpey approx 6 months in but they just said it was built to housing regulations and to have a word with the neighbour.

Is there anything that can be done? I am happy to pay for any inspections myself if Taylor Wimpey are not willing to do so, but who would I even contact?

Any comments would be much appreciated.

8

Snagging and defects / Patio Slab Question

« Last Post by AOIS on November 30, 2020, 04:38:48 pm »

Please could someone advise why some of the patio slabs in our new property like the attached photo?

Thanks in advance.

9

Snagging and defects / Re: Creaking Floors

« Last Post by New Home Expert on November 28, 2020, 11:22:23 am »

Hardly a week goes by when I don't re post this link JOINT STATEMENT which is a definitive answer to the problem of cracking ceilings.
Given that the NHBC were in on the research, I am appalled that no inspector is checking to ensure the joists and ceiling boards are isolated from the wall boarding.

Re the proposals, it is highly likely you have what is commonly referred to as TJI joists.
These often do not require herring bone strutting mid span.  However, they are commonly under designed (to save money) for the spans involved which mean the deflect under load (you walking across the room) far more than is acceptable. This alone would cause the floor and ceilings to creak and crack.  I doubt the addition of more noggins or missing noggins the purpose of which is to "stiffen and support" would make any difference.

Regarding gluing the chipboard to the joists, I really think this could even make the situation worse in that the chipboard would be restrained but the floor joist could still flex.  In addition, if the chipboard ever required to be removed due to getting wet from a leak or for access to pipework, it would mean the joist top flange would be damaged and weakened.

Re resilient bar these will isolate the plasterboard ceiling from the floor joist to an extent, but will not take up excessive deflection of the floor joists. Resilient bars work sometimes, but installing them involves removing all your downstairs ceilings  and then reboarding after the bars are fitted, jointing and them re decoration - all whilst you are living there or in temporary accommodation. Perhaps given the upheaval involved, few buyers ever complain about the issue again even if it is not fixed.

At least the site team are aware of the need to isolating the all board from the ceiling board as suggested in the Joint Statement.

You will need to decide a level of compensation you will need for putting up with all this remedial works. 
At least Barratt are not shying away from carrying out what is extensive works to a completed home.

10

Landscaping and Gardening / Re: Mole problem

« Last Post by New Home Expert on November 28, 2020, 09:33:55 am »

I am sure there are ways to kill them yourself (check on Google) but I would think it would be money well spent by bringing in an expert contractor.