Good morning everyone,
Apologies if this has been answered previously, I have searched for answers prior to posting this.
I have recently entered a Share to Buy arrangement with a local housing association and because of this, I cannot go directly to the building company with any issues I have. The process I need to follow is to submit a 'defect' request via the housing association which does cause delays and some confusion. It is also worth noting that the housing association have conducted their own QC and accepted the handover from the builder to them, which should mean there are no snagging issues!? (This does not include settlement defects)
First issue
I started to notice cracks/movements on the wall next to the stairs and after lots of onsite meetings, it looked like the floor level was causing this. An 'operative' was assigned, and they admitted that there were no movement joints, so cut one into the wall and then placed a plank of wood on top of it (approx 10ft long by 1ft wide) and painted it. This has been 'signed off' as complete and no acknowledgement of what caused it. I have expressed my dissatisfaction and this is being investigated!
Question - Has anyone else experienced this and any guidance on what my next steps should be if the investigation shows that this is acceptable? (no other houses have this and also could it be structural, but now hidden by this plank of wood)
Second issue
The bathroom/shower tiling is not up to standard and the silicone joints are not covering the expansion joints and already peeling away, allowing water to pass them. My previous trade was as a Ceramic and Natural stone tiler, so I have some knowledge in this area and can tell them what is wrong.
Question - It has been a long time since I was in this profession, but even then we would waterproof the wet areas before tiling and this does not seem to have been done. I checked Building Standards and this is now a requirement, but does not provide much detail on to what standard it should be done to? Anyone have experience or knowledge of this area?
Third issue(s)
The rest of the issues are the 'usual' finish of walls and woodwork, door seals, faulty items etc. I am managing these separately.
Thanks for reading and any help/guidance is welcome