Slab Issues - That's better!

After the disappointing repair job applied to our slab last week (Photos), phone calls with our BC, PD's head of construction and finally an on-site meeting our slab has finally been repaired to an acceptable standard.

I am very pleased with the latest repair job. Everything that we requested was done. There were some limitations to how much they could box up the slab but overall I am very happy with the job.

Much better workmanship!

Slab Issues - Meeting with Slab Supervisor

Many of you would have already read my post on Friday regarding the slab 'repairs' that we applied to our home to be. Click here to view it.

I was quite disappointed with the quality of the repairs and as soon as I got home I sent an email to the Slab Supervisor raising my concerns. Even though I did not receive an email back from him. Fortunately, my BC was onto it first thing Monday morning and raised this to management.

Without going into too much detail, this morning I got a call from our Slab Supervisor which was soon followed by PD's head of construction to discuss the issues I have raised. I was already meeting our Site Supervisor on site so the Slab Supervisor agreed to join.

After a lengthy discussion, PD have agreed to 'redo' all the repair work. The repairs will be conducted first thing in the morning and include the following:

• Remove old concrete
• Prep the area for inspection
• Fix the Slab Membrane - Garage corner
• Surveyor to inspect again and provide a report for sign off
• Areas of repair to be boxed and then poured

I am hoping that this time around the repairs are done to that of an acceptable standard. 

A big thank you to all those on the homeone forum that helped me through various posts and PMs. Specifically one member who sent me a message with some great 'ammunition' for the discussion. 

Looking forward to moving on for these issues and continuing our build! 

Slab Repairs

There were 3 issues outstanding on our slab which have now delayed our build. During our inspection today we saw that the slab was being 'prepared' for some repairs. They have added some reo bars in the areas that need repair and will pour some more concrete to the affected areas today or tomorrow. 

 

The reo bars look like they have some surface rust on them and I'm not sure if these repair jobs are done correctly so I will be asking our independent inspector on his thoughts and requesting engineering reports for the work being completed. 

As for the bathtub plumbing recess, we are still waiting for Termguard to come out and treat the area before it is filled with concrete. 

Below are some photos of the slab being prepared for some more concrete. More updates to follow.... 

Meeting with Site Supervisor(s) - Faith restored!

Hi all,

You might have noticed that I haven't posted in a while. I have been working overseas for 3 weeks and didn't have much time to spend on the build.

We have both been quite stressed about the status of our build, especially after the frame and slab inspection. Our (old) site supervisor suggested we meet on site and go through all the issues one by one.

I managed to get a day off work today and arranged a site meeting. To our surprise this was also a 'hand-over' walk through as our file has been transferred to a new site supervisor. This was quite concerning at first and seemed like it would just add to the stress. Fortunately, after meeting our new SS we are quite confident that he want's to do the right thing by us.

Without going into too much detail, ALL the items raised in our report will be rectified before the build progresses any further. Our SS called a stop to all works (which we appreciated) to ensure that we are happy with the quality of work done before going ahead.

We are much more relaxed and confident about the future of our build after today's meeting.

The gutters are on and the roof is due on the 21/04/2015.

Onwards and upwards.. We hope!

Slab - Areas of concern marked

Hi all,

Just a few photos showing the marking I did on the slab today. Our Slab Supervisor agreed that I go on-site and mark the areas I would like repaired. I bought a 'Spay & Mark' can from burnings which is commonly used in the construction and surveying industry. 

I also noticed a few more areas that needs attention. I will add those pictures at the end of this post.

Cracked slab edge near garage entry roller door.

Foam pod showing through bath tub hole in the slab. 

Slab Issues - Update

Last Friday, I was promised that our Slab Supervisor would go out to our site and provide feedback on the issues I have raised against the foundation. 

It took 2-3 days of constant pressure from our BC (She's awesome!) to get the issues rectified and get a call from our Slab Supervisor.

Finally, this morning I received a call from our Slab Supervisor. He has confirmed the following:

• All honeycombing will be rectified and repaired using structural grout. The company conducting this repair is booked in for Tuesday. Our Slab Supervisor has agreed that I go on-site and mark all the areas I am concerned and would like repaired. I'm more than happy to do this as it saves them digging around the entire slab perimeter to uncover the honeycombing. 
• 2x Damaged storm water pipes will be repaired and inspected today
• Storm water pipe encased into the portico slab portion will be relocated to 150 mm away from the slab. The concrete will be cut away and 'refilled'. Just before handover we will have the portico area covered with a material that will keep the colour consistent. 

I'm quite happy with the way PD staff have responded to the issues I have raised. I can't comment on the quality and accuracy of the repair work yet but I will do when it eventuates....

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend :) 

Foundation Inspection

This afternoon @ 3 pm we had our 'pre-pour/foundation' inspection conducted by Darren from Darbecca Pty Ltd.

When we arrived, the slab team were still completing the final touches. The inspector went ahead to inspect the works that have been completed so far. Communication from the Slab Supervisor was very poor. I had text him photos of the damaged pipes this morning and no response. Fortunately, the drain for the laundry that was broken had been temporarily repaired by a plumber as it would have held up the pour. The broken downpipe drain is still to be repaired and the inspector picked up on that and marked it. 

Even though most issues were rectified on the spot as the inspector pointed them out (nothing major), we still received a full report from him.

Rememberer my concern about the reduced FL of the house and site drainage? Turns out I was right! Here is what the inspector had to say in the report. 

Finally, the exciting part.... Some more photos, enjoy :)

Brother's site visit

I mentioned a few weeks back that my brother and his fiancé are also building their first home. As I was visiting my parents in Bendigo for the weekend I decided to go on site and check out his build so far.

I was VERY impressed with the quality of work on his slab. JG have really done a top notch job. Here are some photos I took of his site. He is right across a reserve park, providing stunning view.

P.S This is going to be a metal frame house.