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Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 7:32 am
by hotspot
Hi everyone.
I'm just about to buy a new build property (signing tomorrow morning). I went to look at the property yesterday from the outside..and I noticed the whole patio area (back and side to the house,maybe 30m2) and the path to the front are all laid to the same height...which looks like to me to the DPC. I could only find a little section poking through the mortar,but basically it is laid to the base of the front door and the rear patio doors (so no step.) this is the level I saw the DPC membrane. Then I went around the site...30 new build houses...and every house is the same! Surely I must be wrong....surely the site manager,the building inspector and the NHBC building person wouldn't have signed it off?
If I am right...is the only option to lift and relay...with the 150mm below. This is going to be a huge job so I know the builders etc are gonna try and bomboozle me with all sorts of ideas etc ....with a lot of finger pointing going on!
What should I do?
Thanks guys 
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 7:53 am
by seanandruby
ask why it is like it and don't sign anything unless they agree to put it right, in writing.
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 8:29 am
by mickg
like sean has already said don't sign for the property until this has been sorted out otherwise you will have a difficult job getting it rectified plus if it has been installed to the incorrect height you don't want all the mess of having it removed and lowered once you have moved in
a photo showing the paving level with the DPC would be good
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 8:36 am
by hotspot
I have to sign...long story short - my mortgage offer expires in 1 week and I can not get the deal im on anywhere else,and so would lose the house! It's something I'm gonna have to sort once purchased.
I mentioned the the building officer..and NHBC person. Won't they make the builders put it right if it's not to regs? Just seems a huge task...all ground works match the path-patio height. Ie garden level,driveway.
I just dnt wanna end up with a channel all the way around the house (
Maybe like linear drain setup)
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 10:26 am
by mickg
that's your call then we can only advise you with the correct procedure
there is an up side though, you will never be short of mushrooms for your Sunday morning fry up 
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 11:08 am
by hotspot
Haha..I know 
So this is where I need the advice....is the advice to stick to my guns and get them to lower the lot to the correct level. Or is a linear drain or any other kind of channel down the edge 'acceptable'..with regards to building regs standard and/or NHBC standards...this is all assuming of course that I've got my facts right :-\
I shall visit it later for some pics 
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 11:49 am
by Bob_A
I've no first hand experience but I can't see them lowering the whole lot they'll go for the cheapest option such as digging a 8" deep channel and putting a couple of inches of gravel in.
You can try to get them to relay but what about all the other houses if you set a precedent
It depends how important it is to you, how about calling their bluff and only conceding to sign at the last minute if they don't budge on your demands.
If they on the other hand they come with some sort of linear drain solution that meets regs then I can't see you being able to effectively argue against it.
Have you rang the local building inspector?
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 12:08 pm
by mickg
NHBC Publication
just over half way down is
Section 10 page 19
Damp-proof courses, air bricks and other ventilators
The level of soil around your home should be kept around
150mm or two brick courses below the damp proof course.
Paths should also generally be kept around 150mm or two
brick courses below the damp-proof course, except where
these have been designed to provide level access into
the home.
-------------------------------
you need to post a photo showing the height of the paving in relation to the damp course level
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 1:09 pm
by lutonlagerlout
whoa!
chances are as a new build it has to meet accessibility regulations which demand flush thresholds to doors
in this instance. there may be 2 damp courses and a tray built into the wall
I have done it this way
ask the question,hotspot
LLL
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 4:19 pm
by hotspot
THanks guys. I'll speak with them tomorrow. But I'll visit later and take some pics. I'll also look for a second membrane above the 1 I've found if your saying they could have put 2 in
I'll get back to you
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 7:11 pm
by hotspot
Well got some pics on my phone....but can't upload them. Does anyone know how? 
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 7:32 pm
by mickg
how to upload photos
or send them to my email address and i will upload them for you or send them to any of the moderators and they will do the same favour
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 8:41 pm
by hotspot
Thanks mick...I've sent 1 now.
The pics show the front,back and side.
The front slopes from the door to the right edge...this drops 1 brick from DPC (pic where you can see the water trap and DPC membrane). The side of the building drops from 1/4 brick below DPC to the full brick at the front...as mentioned. The back is pretty level right across...level with the bottom of the patio door.
I looked all over for another membrane..and couldn't find anything.
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 9:31 pm
by seanandruby
...think photos must still be in cyberspace :laugh:
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 9:38 pm
by mickg
hey gimme chance I am on with it now :p
