tmurray
SAWHORSE
I've kicked subs off my job site for better work than that. Calling it a "mess" might be too high of credit.Yes you're right. The code is a minimum standard. What a mess.
I've kicked subs off my job site for better work than that. Calling it a "mess" might be too high of credit.Yes you're right. The code is a minimum standard. What a mess.
Here in NC the foundation subs need no licence. Seems like they would........or maybe they weren't even foundation guys.When I ran jobs the office would give contracts to some sketchy subs. Now and then I would ask the office to buy out a rotten sub and get a new sub. It makes sense when you factor in the lousy outcome otherwise.
Better to lose $3,000.00 and get a decent building.
Buck:Got about $3K into the builder and $5200 in lot prep. I don't want this to get legal. I got a text from him. He wants a couple days to get his head clear....I said OK. It would be good to work it out. Just in case, I found a construction attorney but better to try and resolve it.
Yes Conard, I'd better be open to resolution. I was thinking this afternoon that I could knock down that foundation myself with a sledge hammer....probably have it apart and disposed of in a couple of weeks. I think the blocks would come apart easily. The hard part would be the footing with the continuous rebar fused into the concrete. To be honest, it would be a great challenge and the end result would be worth the effort......better follow due process though.Buck:
You are definitely right, in litigation everybody losses except the lawyers, and if there is money there they'll milk it for all it's worth.
Good advice on keeping the running log Keystone. I have it going now. I sent the engineer some more photos for him to consider along with his own. I also spoke to him on the phone. I believe he will be objective and honest. I hope to get the report in a couple of days. The workmanship or lack of is my main issue as it has contributed entirely to the problem. I will stay on track with this thought.Buck, it shouldn't take a couple days to clear his head. You could do that with a two by!!!
I'd ask for a meeting ASAP to bring closure, keep a running log of all events but in the end if the Engineer signed off on the structural stability your sole avenue appears to be based on workmanship which would either have to be litigated in a court or possibly an arbitrator or even a third party consumer protection of some type.
From my view as an inspector, if revised plans are submitted that match what's in the field prepared by an engineer there's not much more one can seek from an inspection standpoint.
Makes good sense.If you plan on removal, have a backhoe delivered for a few days and set up dump truck either rental or hauling company.
Many thanks for the good information. I will get things lined up for sure. Pretty excited about getting started. I won't make a move until all is settled. I think things will work out OK.Buck:
The proper equipment to remove that foundation is not a backhoe but a track loader with a 4 in 1 bucket, the loader can open it's bucket and grab large sections, lift them up drop them in a dump truck. Some equipment operators own their own dump trucks, other small guys use common carrier dump trucks, either is fine. A good operator will probably line up a couple of dump trucks and have that foundation out of their in a couple of hours.
As I said above don't touch anything until this is settled, but you can start calling around to get prices from an owner/operator of a loader, he will arrange for the trucks. An excavator can also do the job a little faster but they are large and more expensive and usually only owned by larger companies.
Ok buck
Need an update
No CDA, I don't owe him....he has $2K of mine. He will not remove his foundation. He only wants to buy my lot and cheap.. Without a lawyer I'm near the end of the road. A lawyer is expensive. The builder has deep roots here. I'm not through yet but my options are running out. I do have another card to play.do you only have 3000 in??
Do you owe the guy any more money??
Its not that easy. He would claim I owe him for all labor and materials, and has told me this. I'm not sure I want to end up in a court battle. The chips are stacked against me here.So can you say to him you go your way and I will go mine??
Or the media always likes a good shoddy contractor story
Especially the tv investigative reporters
Buck:Its not that easy. He would claim I owe him for all labor and materials, and has told me this. I'm not sure I want to end up in a court battle. The chips are stacked against me here.
Buck:
You've told us what your private engineer has said, what has your local building official said, has it passed inspection?
Buck said:I am sorry the photos will not load. I have them on Flckr and tried to copy the address without success. A building inspector did sign off on the foundation but I for some reason question it. I will keep trying on the photos. Thank you.
Thanks CDA:
Buck:
Why not print out the pictures you posted here, take them into the building department and ask for the Chief Building Inspector, show him the pictures telling him you posted them here and we all think the workmanship is terrible?
Well go over his head, one-horse towns always have a mayor or someone who runs them.Might be a one horse town??
In one of the threads;;;;
Building inspector and builder are close friends, maybe bowling buddies??
Buck, I agree with Conarb on this. If you own lot then move forward with seeking help. Find the food chain of inspector, mayor, county and state officials that deal with this, get your list together of contact information and itemize your thoughts to paper and send em out including the media.
Is there a contract between you two, if so what does it say?