New House - Concrete Driveway Issues (Please Help)

Discussion in 'Repairs & Maintenance' started by Lea, 19th Nov, 2016.

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  1. Lea

    Lea Member

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    Hi all,

    I'm building a new house and we are at its final stages. The driveway concrete was laid 17/11/2016 (two days ago). I went to see the property the day the concrete was poured and can already see multiple long cracks. I understand there is always a possibility of cracks occurring but so many?!

    I just wanted to get everyone's opinion on what you think about the driveway.

    Does it look like it was done by an experienced and licensed contractor?
    Does it look straight to you? From one point to the same point on the other side. Left to right
    Is the slope even or pour to standard?
    Is this the standard thickness for a driveway?

    My gut is telling me to get other licensed contractors (around 3) to inspect and offer their opinions for support when I ask the builders to fix any issues.

    Any opinions are appreciated.

    Thank you
    15064910_10154521645431013_1451462114_o.jpg Full.jpg Front.jpg 15127466_10154521645391013_962474713_o.jpg 15146904_10154521645961013_1979124796_o.jpg 15146674_10154521646796013_992707506_o.jpg 15152341_10154521646601013_1135195143_o.jpg
     
  2. D.T.

    D.T. Specialist Property Manager Business Member

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    Was it hot there? Maybe dried too quickly
     
  3. Lea

    Lea Member

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    Thank you for your comment!
    It was around 24 degrees. In your opinion, do I have the right to ask the builder to fix these cracks?
     
  4. Joynz

    Joynz Well-Known Member

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  5. Lea

    Lea Member

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    Thanks for replying.

    I have gone out to the builder yesterday and they have replied. I will send them another email with my concerns and hopefully be able to get some closure on this. However currently, I still feel uneasy and would like to seek other opinions (in case I am just paranoid) before sending a second email.
     
  6. wombat777

    wombat777 Well-Known Member

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    That's concrete evidence :p
     
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  7. Joynz

    Joynz Well-Known Member

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    Let us know what the builder said.

    Also, are you having the whole build independently inspected - ( lots of pointers about this on the Homeone forum)
     
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  8. Lea

    Lea Member

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    Hi Joynz,

    Yes I've engaged in a pre-handover inspection. However waiting confirmation if the driveway is included in their inspection.

    Thank you for referring the Homeone forum. I'll post there too.

    Below were the questions I've asked and what the builder replied with in italics:

    My next email will ask them for the standard regarding slopes and fixing cracks. It just doesn't make sense to accept a handover, when there are cracks in a new driveway.
    • The driveway is missing the concreting from the Front door to the foot path. Only a small patch on the front was laid.
    I met the concreter on site today and showed him is error, it’s been a simple case of mistaken identity. The concreter has worked of plans from a different job resulting in the incorrect driveway layout. The small concrete path in front of the entry step will be removed, formed and poured as per plan. This quantity of concrete would have required a construction joint in this location regardless anyway. So this will not affect the end result
    • Is the retaining wall completed? If so, it look very incomplete. Please find attached pictures of what I expected and what was shown to me.
    Please see above comments regarding concrete error this will be rectified as per plan.

    15152877_10154521646821013_984828727_o.jpg

    • I've noticed the driveway looks very uneven in slope, width-wise and lengthwise, from one end to the other end. From the example I've attached their drive is even all around.
    The driveway and crossover levels are determined by council and we must conform with their requirements.

    15126293_10154521646946013_267724413_o.jpg

    • There are also cracks showing up.
    This is considered to be shrinkage cracking, this is very normal for all types of concrete works. If you wish you can monitor this over the next year or two. If the cracks open up more than 3 mm wide. Please let us known so we can return for an inspection.

     
  9. herenow

    herenow Well-Known Member

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    Looks like you're in a new estate. Have a look at your neighbours concrete too. See if cracks are common. I've no idea if it's ok or not.
    But their offer to monitor 'for a year or two' and potentially return for a re inspection is, in my opinion, completely worthless.
    If there is an issue, get it fixed now.
     
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  10. Lea

    Lea Member

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    Thanks!
    Luckily they are also building my neighbor's house too. One on the left and behind my house. Will definitely be checking their driveway out.
     
  11. Westminster

    Westminster Tigress at Tiger Developments Business Member

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    It looks like there is a slope on the street therefore it would be impossible for the driveway and the crossover to be 'flat' to join to the road. So the driveway will tip to one side to accomodate that.
    Your driveway and crossover will have engineer plans to ensure it complies with the Building Code of Australia. You can ask to see them to ensure that your driveway matches what was instructed to be built.
    As to the cracks. I can't say if they will be an issue or not. There is tolerances for things like that and it looks like the Builder is saying that as the cracks are under 3mm they are ok.
     
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  12. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    Why hasn't the builder installed a grated drain across your driveway to prevent water running from your property onto the council footpath?

    There is no bracing bay on that scaffold.
     
  13. vbplease

    vbplease Well-Known Member

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    Hi Lea,
    Unfortunately its very common for builders to have a disregard to the Australian Standard and industry recommendations when building.. Their excuse is "that's how I've been doing it for 20 years and I've never had a problem" :rolleyes:

    Technically its not a building defect until the crack width is greater than 1.5mm (as per AS3727 and 'guide to standards and tolerances'), but the fact they haven't followed the standard which has caused the cracks provides a good case for them to repair the cracks or replace the slab if needed.

    The most common cause of cracking to concrete is from plastic shrinkage cracking, from inadequate provision of control joints.. The photos show the control joints greater than 3m.. If you want to educate yourself have a read of this http://www.ccaa.com.au/imis_prod/do.../Residential Concrete Driveways and Paths.pdf

    and this

    Temporary Unavailable

    There are quite a few possible defects you could identify after the concrete is poured, and get the builder to provide photos just before the pour to identify more..

    If you'd like someone to fight your case for you contact your states building commission.
     
  14. Brian84

    Brian84 Well-Known Member

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    Who is the builder and where are you building?
     
  15. LifesGood

    LifesGood Well-Known Member

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    Was there any reinforcement mesh specified in your contracts?
     
  16. Lea

    Lea Member

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    Thank you so much for your input!
    I have sent them a second email addressing my concerns and asking questions.
    I've also received confirmation from my inspector that they will inspect the driveway.
    I so hope all of this ends well.

    It's just upsetting that we are at the final stages and it seems the builders have hire someone who is cutting cost.
     
  17. Lea

    Lea Member

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    Thank you so much for your time!
    It was a house and land package that stated it included the driveway. There was no specific details on how they will construct the driveway.
    Honestly, it was overlooked on my end, expecting them to install a driveway according to standards. I had many referrals about this company. So I trusted them.
    I have now requested if pre-pouring photos where taken to show that they did take precautions regarding driveway concreting.
     
  18. Lea

    Lea Member

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    Thank you for your insight!
    I think my driveway doesn't meet the necessary standards that it would require drainage.
    I will now rely on my pre-handover inspector to check the driveway accordingly.
     
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  19. WallyB66

    WallyB66 Well-Known Member

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    As a sanity check may be worth checking out your inspector is independent, certified to do his job and I'd be there when he does inspection

    Good luck
     
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