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Author Topic: New build - squeaky floorboards? Where do I start?  (Read 15484 times)

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otbc

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New build - squeaky floorboards? Where do I start?
« on: January 23, 2019, 07:17:37 am »
Hi all

Hoping someone might be able to help. My partner and I moved in to a new build home last May and we've noticed the floorboards are squeaking quite loudly in several places - on the stairs, upstairs landing and in the bedroom.

We recently had our 'end of first year' meeting with them for the house where we had to raise any defects and after raising this with the builder/housing company they both seem to be passing the buck. I've been advised that they will fix the floorboards if we want (!), but they will not take responsibility for bringing the carpet up, and it'll be our responsibility to re-lay the carpet once they're done.

Is this right? I'm not particularly happy that we'd essentially be out of pocket for them having to rectify this issue - they just came out and said 'well this is why we recommend you don't fix anything such as carpets to the floors for the first year'....

Really hope someone can help!

Regards


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Re: New build - squeaky floorboards? Where do I start?
« Reply #1 on: January 26, 2019, 06:33:09 am »
It is quite common disclaimer as the contractors don't want to be held responsible for damaging the homeowner's carpet.  Note this should only apply if you provided and paid privately for your own carpets and floor coverings and they were not included when you bought the house.

Please also be aware that some carpets are glued to the flooring and removal means they will be damaged and need replacing. I would check you have traditional gripper rods and underlay before taking this further.
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otbc

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Re: New build - squeaky floorboards? Where do I start?
« Reply #2 on: January 27, 2019, 09:47:53 am »
Thanks - I did have to get the carpets privately done and they're done with gripper rather than glue.

They've said they'll take up and re-lay the carpets now which is good - the creaking is on the stairs as well as the upstairs landing; should I be asking them anything in particular to check or do?

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Re: New build - squeaky floorboards? Where do I start?
« Reply #3 on: January 30, 2019, 09:05:45 am »
Stairs creaking could be:
1) Detached risers due to gripper rods being hammered on the treads - builder will claim defect caused by your carpet contractor.
2) Insufficient fixing of loose components at kite winders, half landings in the flight. They should have been glued and screwed by site carpenters using blocks supplied with staircase. Removing the plasterboard under the stairs will reveal.
Landing.
1) Probably made worse by central heating and mains pipework coming form the airing cupboard.
2) Floorboards need taking up to inspect and diagnose. Could be trimmer, joist spacing, hangers, or the flooring itself.

Finally, I would suggest your original carpet contractor relays the carpet as it will need re stretching.
New Home Blog - New Home Expert is committed to providing help and advice for people having issues with their new homes and difficulties with house builders as well as helping potential buyers reduce the risk of possible problems if they do buy.