Recent Posts

1

General discussion / Re: Different colour mortar

« Last Post by New Home Expert on Today at 06:45:40 am »

This is what is known as banding.
The mortar used on that day was different.
It looks like it could be a weaker mix which is potentially serious.

'Jonny jet wash' couldn't sort it that's for sure!

The explanation of laying bricks in wet weather is ridiculous, as no bricklayer lays bricks in the rain. 
It could have rained after the bricks were laid, or the bricks were damp when laid, but that would have caused efflorescence on both bricks and mortar. This is a white powder from salts leaching out of the wall as it dries.

You should name the housebuilder! The quality looks like Persimmon to me.

Write to the housebuilder and suggest it is a different mix and ask that a sample to tested at an independent laboratory. If the mortar is durable (correct mix) , then I would suggest the joints are tinted by a professional "brick doctor" as any repointing will also be of a different colour unless the whole elevation is re pointed.

2

General discussion / Different colour mortar

« Last Post by nick987 on August 15, 2018, 04:03:18 pm »

Please see images attached.
Our builders first said all this needs is a jet wash, now they're saying that the bricks were laid in damp/wet conditions.
Are there consequences to laying bricks in wet weather conditions?
Is anyone able to advise what the best next step is?

3

General discussion / Re: Replacing exterior brickwork

« Last Post by New Home Expert on August 15, 2018, 07:37:16 am »

Firstly who is the housebuilder. I always insist on 'name and shame' so others can find out and research.

The good news is the work is being carried out and is badly needed to be. It is also not being half done just the bulge removed.

Things to consider:
1) What was the cause of the bulge., If just bad workmanship then no problem.
2) Get the builder to state exactly how long the work will take from start to finish.
3) Get assurances that the mortar will be of the correct required mix.
4) Get assurances that the same type of bricks is still available and will be used.
5) Get it in writing that the housebuilder (not their contractor) is 100% fully liable for any and all damage and remedial costs that occur to the property and contents during the course of the works. There is a high chance that your newly decorated internals will have cracks in them!
6) That the works will be manged and periodically inspected by a qualified senior manager or appointed surveyor or warranty inspector.
7) That the remedial works (ie the new wall) is fully warrantied for 10 years.

Finally compensation.  This will depend on the level of disruption and duration of the works.

4

General discussion / Replacing exterior brickwork

« Last Post by thrash on August 14, 2018, 09:12:40 am »

I moved into a new build property 2 years ago, it has turned out the exterior wall of the property is bulging in places and is out of plumb by more than the tolerances outlined in the NHBC cover. After fighting with the housing developer, they have finally agreed to carry out the remedial work, this will involve removing all of the exterior brickwork for the one wall - corner to corner, so this can be corrected.

I'm extremely concerned about having this work done, it seems like a major task to essentially rebuild the exterior wall and ensure the wall ties and insulation are put right to the required standard, especially when everything else is in place and the property has been decorated and is being lived in. As far as I know there has been no involvement from a structural engineer.
I don't know if there needs to be just to make sure?

Does this warrant any sort of compensation? I have been stressing over this for a few weeks now, whilst I have been told I don't need to take any time off work, I will still have to leave work early to try and catch them before they finish for the day, just to get an update on what's happening.

Any advice would be gratefully received. Thank you

5

General discussion / Re: Brick Damage Advice

« Last Post by New Home Expert on August 08, 2018, 06:52:12 am »

Yes it is minor spalling.
It is caused by tiny impurities in the bricks as you can see during firing.
The remedy, replacing the bricks would look far worse, even if done properly!

6

Snagging and defects / Re: Going Legal against Redrow

« Last Post by pandamonia on August 07, 2018, 05:48:33 pm »

You have a weak mortar issue. Read this for more information:
http://www.new-home-blog.co.uk/weak-mortar-new-homes-scandal/

I don't so much as have weak mortar I think that the mortar is just poorly laid and only faced up and not fully filled.

I also have pooly laid bricks which don't line up with the ones next to them and below etc.

7

General discussion / Brick Damage Advice

« Last Post by horhif on August 07, 2018, 03:24:38 pm »

Has anyone any ideas what would cause the brick damage in the attached photo?

Is it spalling?


thanks!

8

Snagging and defects / Re: Going Legal against Redrow

« Last Post by New Home Expert on August 07, 2018, 01:31:38 pm »

You have a weak mortar issue. Read this for more information:
http://www.new-home-blog.co.uk/weak-mortar-new-homes-scandal/

9

Snagging and defects / Re: Going Legal against Redrow

« Last Post by pandamonia on August 07, 2018, 11:32:11 am »

Can anyone tell me what the details are for the BS standards for brick laying and mortar are? Also Building regulations?

10

Bovis Homes / Bovis Homes Victims Group taken down

« Last Post by New Home Expert on August 07, 2018, 06:56:07 am »

Bovis Homes Victims Facebook Group (BHVG) CLOSED

As announced on their website, Bovis Homes Victims Group has closed down.

Following the original Unhappy New Homebuyers Facebook Group launched in February 2014, Dave Howard set up his "Bovis Homes Victims Group" spin-off in January 2016.

With around 3,200 members at peak, it gave a platform for Bovis buyers to collectively vent their spleens and share information, tips and tactics regarding defects in their new homes. Given the relatively low number of homes built by Bovis, around 3,900 a year, it was surprising that such a huge number of their buyers had issues, and more importantly, these weren't being addressed!

In the wake of scandal of Bovis buyers being given cash "bribes" to move into unfinished homes for Bovis' year-end figures and the then CEO David Ritchie "resignation" following a profit warning,   many of the BHVG members were approached by the media.

The subsequent national press coverage encouraged homebuyers from other plc housebuilders to go public, indeed helping to raise awareness of the need for improved quality standards in new homes.

It remains to be seen if Dave's confidence that the government has "taken note and will, in time, implement a truly independent Ombudsman." is well placed.

One thing is certain, removal of this group isn't going to help force through the necessary change that every new homebuyer desperately needs namely the New Homes Ombudsman I have been campaigning for since May 2014.

In deleting the Bovis Homes Victims Group, a wealth of knowledge and consumer information has been lost forever. If as Dave says, it became too much effort and too risky legally to continue, perhaps he could have simply deleted his own membership and handed over the reigns.

I would think that glasses will be raised in the regional offices and boardroom of Bovis Homes and on many of their sites on the news that BHVG is no more.

A sad day, but the campaign will continue where it started at Unhappy New Homebuyers Group! .