ProblematicPanda15

We have a similar issue for a couple of the ceilings. In the case of a ceiling ruined by water, wouldn't it be best to strip that back first to remove any potential lingering damp issues rather than simply overboard?

Hi All, My builder is about to start work on plastering our ceiling, but he is looking to overboard the existing ceilings rather than strip the current ceiling and replaster from there. What is the best way to do it? Thanks.

Hi All, We are putting in new garden slabs as part of full home renovation. As we are putting bifold doors at the back of the house, we wanted to raise the level of the patio outside of the bifolds so that they are level with the bottom of the bifolds and that there is not a big step down to the outside. Rather than taking out the existing patio paving, my builder is looking to build onto of the existing patio (hardcore, mortar and then slabs). Is this ok to do? I suppose there aren't any issues in doing it this way, but it sounded like my builder want to take the easy way of doing it instead of doing or properly by removing everything first, and building up again from there? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

@Gus Potter Yup, and at no point was anything mentioned to be about the timbers, even when I was pointing out the issues prior to them being "completed". Related to the point above, but I believe the timber roof was ok as at no point was it mentioned that there was an issuer with the timber or that they needed replacing. This is part of the trouble now. The roofer is refusing to accept that this could have been done better, and now the builder is simply stating that (1) he can remove them (at no charge) and I find someone else to do it, or (2) that I accept them as they are (which will mean he demands payment for them). The issue I have with #1 is that I'm not sure how this impacts any guarantees that I receive from the builder on the roof. Do you have any advice on how I could deal with this?

@bassanclan Ahh got it. Yeah I see what you mean, they are straight but veering to the right, which explains why the roofer had bring it back to meet the ridge corner of the house. Seems like it was just wrong from the very beginning...

@Mr Punter This is also an argument of the roofer and builder but I do not think it's a justified response. I'm obviously paying close attention to it because it's my home, but it is still noticeable from the ground level. Also, just because "most people would not notice" does not legitimise the unsatisfactory nature of the work done. It should be done properly and right whether people will notice it or not. I do appreciate that it may be a lot of work to remedy, but a real pain point of mine is that I tried to address the issues numerous times before they completed the bonnets. Clearly this was not taken onboard and now I'm left with a shoddy product.

The builder is happy to remove them, but not willing to re-do them (not that I would want him to on this evidence!), stating that this is the "best you will get without replacing the ridge board and roof timbers" - but not sure how much this holds true? He thinks that this is the best finish I will get even if I go with another roofer, but I think he's just trying to justify the shoddy finish and receive payment.

Thanks for the suggestion. Will consider them instead once I resolve the removal of the current bonnet hip tiles.

@bassanclan Apologies, but what do you mean by wrong direction for the ridge point?

Thought so - reaching out to other roofers for their opinion and quotes. My builder has stated that he's willing to remove them all and not charge, which to me is him accepting that they are not satisfactory either!

Agreed - while I do appreciate that bonnets are not uniform, it should not amount to the poor finish that I've received. As you point out, the cement work looks extremely poor - clearly no care or attention to the cement used to set the bonnets, nor the willingness to clean them afterwards. There's also significant snaking, which is also a significant issue for me.

Hi All, We're currently going through a full home renovation of our family home, which included the replacement of the roof. We decided on some additional detailing on the ridges by going for bonnet hip tiles. My builder assured me that the contractor would be able to do this, but upon completion, I am not happy with the results at all. As you can see from the photos, there is no uniformity in the fitting, the finish looks messy and uncleaned, and it is not straight. I tried to have them address these issues throughout the installation of the roof bonnets, but clearly to no avail. I am not expecting it to be completely straight, and I understand that each tile will have a slightly different shape, but it does not look satisfactory to me. I am withholding part of the payment for the roof until the roof bonnets are re-done to a better standard, but my builder is demanding the payment stating the job is complete and that this is the best that can be done. I'm currently feeling like this detailing was completely oversold and underdelivered by the builder, but wanted to check in to see if I am overreacting in my unhappiness with the finish, or if I'm right to demand them to be re-done. Any advice or thoughts welcome!! Thank you!