After a false start, we have finally been told that we have walls, and the ‘plate height’ stage is complete. This was to be the second time we had been informed the stage was complete. On the 30th of June we were told bricklaying had been completed. As I posted earlier we had appointed an independent inspector to make sure Smart Homes were not building anything dodgy. Colin from Houspect attended in July and didn’t bother to do the inspection. The brickwork was incomplete. Smart Homes were wrong. Admin told us that our brickwork had been marked complete by the Supervisor, even though it wasn’t. Apparently, the Supervisor had simply “trusted the bricklayer” who told him they had completed the work. What kind of Supervisor just ‘trusts the brickie’? Without checking? It’s the antithesis of supervision. I’d like to see the Supervisor’s job description: ‘Must float about a bit, but does not need to check the quality or completion of any work’. Good money if you can get it.
After that, we waited for Smart Homes to direct the alleged bricklayer to complete the work. The additional 3 layers of bricks and two walls were duly completed 6 weeks later, when we were again informed our walls were erect. Again, we booked an inspection. This time, Colin told us that yes, the brickwork was complete, but of extremely poor quality. The very comprehensive report included:
- Damaged bricks
- Mortar holes and voids
- Mortar too narrow (less than 3mm in places)
- Brickwork finish poor
- Gaps between window frames and walls
- Bowing walls
- Wall wire ties not included in cavities
- Defective cavity closures
- A Window put in the wrong place
- The laundry door in the wrong place
- The garage wall is 10cm too long at the rear and is encroaching on the adjoining property
- A damaged door frame.
We’re meeting the Supervisor on site soon. I say soon, as Smart Homes seem to be incapable of committing to a schedule. If they have, they certainly keep it secret from us. I’ve had more luck fishing with no bait than getting dates out of them. When we do meet, it’s important that I’m not shouty or overbearing. But I do want to know, how can a supervisor look at our house and say yes, we have completed our work satisfactorily, and we can move on to the next stage? It’s a bit of a stretch.
I have received some ‘positive feedback’ (i.e. criticism) that my posts are too long. I agree. There’s so much I want to say though. I’m trying to keep them shorter, and from now on with more frequent updates. Bear with…
Holy cow . Blind Freddy can see the mortar is all different thicknesses , that’s shocking . I actually thought your house would be finished or close to it by now . Shocking . Hope the mongrels can sort the problems out quickly !!!
@Maree: We did have a whip-round up the street and we bought the bricklayer a new guide dog.
I’d like the posts to be longer.
@Chrisso: So would I !