siteworks - do some yourself or all to builder

hi,

just wondering what most people do when developing grouped dwellings.

do you let builder do all site related works? (demolition, earthworks, headworks, retaining) OR do you organize some yourself to save on builder margins?

Are there risks in doing some of the works yourself, in particular retaining/earthworks (builder refuse to acknowledge liability as a result of something going wrong??? )

 

Demolition I would do yourself.

Earthworks, headworks and retaining, only if you are confident.

As you mentioned, it leaves a large loophole open for the builder to deny responsibility for some issues. (Protip, if you ever want to settle the cornice cracking as "settling" score, take photos at roof carpentry stage. The wall plate atop the brickwork should sit perfectly flush with the top of the brickwork. If not, this is where and why cornice cracking happens).

 

I think you need to look at the risk and opportunities.

Opportunities
Cost saving, especially if you're in the game
Time saving potentially

Risks
Builder refusing to take site if not to standard, also potential easy excuse if they are held up on other jobs
Settlement issues as mentioned
You delay you're own job
You hit rock or buried surprises

If you can diy and save a substantial amount then may be worth having a crack. Otherwise you may just add a lot of stress at the start of the job. Best to start with hugs all round

 

Demolition I did myself through a self organised contractor. I organised the engineering contractors to do geotech/hydro works. I used the builders earthworks contractor and used my engineer to verify. I found this approach low risk and it gave me piece of mind that the earthworks was completed correctly. It also helped that I have a pretty good understanding of geotechnical engineering and soils.

 

Not necessarily. I am not a builder, but I know cornice cracking happens (and may keep happening) as a new house settles.

 

We did the site works on our first granny flat build - actually we were going to owner build the whole thing.

After an incorrect interpretation of level for some excavation the job got shut down by the certifier - we then had to be rescued by a builder.

We were a bit naïve - but a little mistake can cost a lot of time and money. The savings would be pretty significant for us to try that again !

 

I do demolition and clearing but leave the rest for the builder to manage for reasons above. Especially because they usually have a contractor that they like and work well with and that contractor shouldn't do a **** job and cut corners

 

We demolished multiple sheds (one being a big bugger too) along with removing driveways, shed slabs and did all retaining ourselves prior to builder coming on site and while application was going through council. Also chopped all trees and pretty much cleared the block ready to go. We saved ourselves a bunch.

found a local bobcat/tipper bloke who carted near on 20T of conc for $1500, scrap metal removalist took all the shed sheeting, and and I got $100 and a carton of beer for the frame of the big shed from some random who saw it laying there before the scrappy grabbed it.

 

So the roof stays in place as the house moves under it, or vice versa?

 

You are the one giving pro tips, so you would know ? I googled it for you and have a read through these links - hope they help

Cornice cracking and wall cracking - Houspect Building Inspections Western Australia - Pre purchase, Construction, House: WA Blog
Wall cracking - BGC Homes
Cracking Cornices and Plaster Cracks - Master Builders WAMaster Builders WA

 

Gravity sux.

 

Trust me, if the wallplate is flush with the brickwork the ongoing "settling" cornice cracking will not occur. Anyway, we are off topic.

 

Knowing who @boeman works for and how exacting their clients would be makes me think he might have a case

 

I am getting quotes from someone I have used before and also from the builder for clearing and earthworks. The risk is that the works don't get done to the correct specification and need to be redone (for example, your site clearer make rake to 400mm but the builders wants it raked to 800mm). We are trying to get the exact specs from our builder to get quotes.

 

Rakes. ...Over east they use excavators

 

This is what we rake with in Perth

 

Hmmmmm......

 

Push paper, not dirt