5 Likes
If you ask a builder to build something to a certain standard (a concrete slab in this scenario) and the trades they get to do the job deliver something not to the required standard (slab not hard enough, and not suitable for polishing).
Are trades people covered by insurance for mistakes their sub contractors or suppliers make?
The thing has to be pulled out. But I want to know if they just cop it in the neck, or they are covered to some degree.
They should have builders insurance, yes. If they’re a registered builder.
1 Like
Yeah, they’ve mentioned it, and they are legit.
It really sucks, but someone’s farked up the job, and it’s going to be more expensive than doing it night the first time.
Usually is.
Everyone will be pointing fingers , and the first port of call will be which MPa rating was ordered, and what was actually delivered.
Concrete Company sells decorative range starting at 32 MPA
Polisher says they recommend at least 32 MPA to get the desired look
Ordered 32 MPA
Receipt from concrete company says 32 MPA
Got delivered and put down. First cut (4-6 weeks later) by the grinder looks like ■■■■ with thousands of air pockets from 1-50mm. You can pick stones out of the air bubbles.
Work stops. Everyone scratching heads, fingers begin pointing. Weather, sun, too much water, too much vibration, not enough vibration….
Core samples tested in a lab says it’s 22MPA and ‘slab surface is of poor quality and not suitable for polishing’
It’s structurally sound, but not what we asked for.
As long as they’re insured, I don’t feel as bad as them being out of pocket. It’s also got heating and insulation in it, so it’s all or nothing…
1 Like
Yikes.
1 Like
Is the decorative concrete laid over a structural slab, or is the decorative concrete also the structural slab?
1 Like
It’s one slab poured at the same time.
The slab is structurally sound and could be ‘fixed’ to an extent or suitable for covering with timber flooring etc.
Could be a number reasons, but the most likely honeycombing culprit is lack of vibration. Not enough slump (water added to mix when concrete is poured) and the concrete curing too fast due to hot weather could also be reasons.
Any plumbers that can help?
This is under the mixer in the kitchen. The curved part is barely holding onto the MDF under the stone bench. After a bit of use, the tap/mixer comes loose, and I have to get under the bench and tighten it up. It’s in a bastard of a spot, so prefer to fix it for good. Where I have marked it pink doesn’t have much purchase.
1 what is this thing called?
2 can I replace the curved bit that will have a wider surface area?
3 if I do have to replace it, do I replace everything under the bench, or it’s the whole tap/mixer above bench?
It’s a c shape brass washer. You could replace just that with a larger one of your own making. It’s only shaped like that to allow room for the Easy Hookers (those braided hoses). Perhaps it’s just the nut becoming loose? Try some Loctite on the thread.
1 Like
Knock down rebuild commenced today.
Building a solar passive house. EER rating over 8. Designed by MrHeff and an architect - it is MrHeff dream to build a sustainable house. Technically shouldn’t need heating or cooling except for very extreme days. Using the orientation of the block, with a north facing rear to our advantage.
Costs are high, but I don’t imagine supplies coming down too much.
We salvaged parts of the old house - like the Canberra red brick, for the new house.
If anyone has had experiences with a knock down rebuild they’d like to share please let me know- the good, bad and ugly!
7 Likes
Wow sound like a huge project, good luck with it all and keep the updates coming.
1 Like
Wow! Finally started!
1 Like
It’s a pretty uncomplicated design. We thought a lot about how much space we actually needed so we aren’t building a big house for the sake of it. And we didn’t want a show room house, interior is simple and practical. The high spec is the slab, insulation and windows, heat pumps etc.
2 Likes
So long to find a builder and approvals.
1 Like
Design by a Magpie ! Hope you had input.
Designed by an engineer. Yes I did.
1 Like
If the products my Company made are any guide, Engineers over-engineer everything, make it bulletproof, costing more than needed.
2 Likes