Snag list - where do I go from here?

A

Abbica

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Hi, we got our engineer out to do a final inspection on our house and we hence got a snag list of things to be done. Can I just ask a few things from this list that I just want to clarify please:-
a) Ramped approach access at the front in accordance with Part M of bulinding regs. Now we put a ramp at the back of the house which you can drive to, so we didn't think we needed one at the front as well. Do you not just have to have one access that is wheelchair accessible?
b) our house is a passive air tight house and they want the cavity in the timber frame to be venilated using proprietary ventilators? Who would we employ to this, would we get the timber frame co. back? Will this cost a lot?
c) We need more insulation in the roof which was included in total price with Timberframe co., Should they give us the remainder for nothing?
And Finally....
d)the roof timbers should not butt up to the chimney breast, there has to be a minimum gap of 40mm between roof and blockwork, is this the timberframe companies fault also. Get them back?

Sorry, just need to figure out some of this before I ring the engineer and also the timberframe co. Want to sound like I know what I am doing instead of blagging it!!
 

a. sloped access should be at the main access to the dwelling unless not physically possible ie split level etc. The engineer is correct. It is discriminatory not to expect a disabled person to use teh same access as everyone else. This is a building regulation and not a snagging issue

b. a cavity in a timber frame build must be ventilated. this will not alter your insulation / airtightness levels if constructed property. Your builder should have put these in. again, this is a building regulation.

c. if they quoted you, and charged you, then they should put it in. If the amount of insulation doesnt comply with building regs, it must be increased.

d. there must be a 40mm gap between the chimney and timberwork if the thickness of the blockwork is 100mm or less, or there is less than 200mm to the flue. Did the TF company cut the ope for the chimney... normally they dont, was it your builer??!!!

well done to your engineer for picking up on these issues....
 
Thanks for your advice Sydthebeat.
a) So, do you think we could get away with having the slope access at the back as it is still accessible? It is just that we have a lovely 2 semi circled layered access at the front.
b) should the builder come back and put the cavity in free of charge?
c) Thanks for that
d) What do you mean by cutting the OPE for the chimney, I haven't a clue who cut it?

Can I also ask, we have been given our last stage payment by our engineer. He has given us this snag list, do they come back in a few months time to check that we complied with the list acting as well on behalf of the building regulators or where does it go from here?
 
hi a prooduct called drillvent may help with cavity ventilation problem. Their website can be found on search engines. I Have no connection with them
 
Well, that is another problem solved, thanks Meathman, rang up drillvent there and he is a lovely man. going to pick up the cavity vents in a couple of days for insertion. Also, just for further info for anyone, I rang the building authorities and they told me as long as the house was accessible for wheelchair access by car and up a ramp in through wide enough doors to the main rooms with WC, it doesn't have to be at the front of the house.
 

a) i dont. The reg is the reg. If the engineer wont sign it off theres not much other option. I cannot advise on how NOT to meet a regulation.

b) i agree with meathman, drillvents are the option here, the builder should do it.

d) sometimes the timber frame is erect before the chimney is built, therefore the TF crew are gone of site so its left up to the builder to cut the openings at both ceiling level and at roof level to allow the chimney exit the roof.. if the builder did it hes responsible.
 
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