Yes Sass73 you are right. I think it's called the Guild of Master I don't give a flying **** Craftsmen.

Sadly, standards are not what you will have been used to: many of the more generic houses that go up look great from the outside but within those walls lurk many problems! With trepidation we are about to embark on the building lark: we think we have a good builder who looks after his good tradesmen but watch this space!

My FIL is an Architectural Draughtsman and he originally saw the pics you posted of your frame because I had to show him. He said then 'Nothing in that house will be level if the frame isn't sorted...'...

Prophetic words indeed from the man in the know.


'You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to fraser again.'

From speaking to others I'm afraid it does seem typcal of most builders here.

Not sure whether we'd build again, but then we'd be wary of getting somewhere with hidden things, at least I know this house.

But if we'd bought somewhere and this and that wasn't level it probably wouldn't bother me that much, it's just when you've paid for the actual work you expect it to be of a certain standard.

But you are a plumber.

Yes, but all the pipe work is put in at frame stage, the pipes are run against the frame and the male irons that the taps connect to are drilled through a noggin, once they're in the only way to move them is to take the plaster down replace the noggin and re drill them.

The spark we had round last week was disgusted that all the sockets weren't level,he said he always puts a level on anything and so he should.

They left a junction box at either side of the alfresco for garden lights, they're at different heights.

They installed our rainwater tank a few days ago and used four different shades of plastic for the downpipe it looks appalling.

Everyday I'm phoning them up with new stuff.

A guy has to come round and do about 500 mm of silicone that he missed, the company phoned us and said they're busy and can't get anyone out for two weeks, it's a 30 second job.

The site manager did bring round a new shower mixer today to replace the scratched one.

Oh Fraser dont know what to say mate, what a nightmare its great to see you back online though

Thanks Kay, but don't worry we're good.

We just want to stop dealing with builders et al, not much more to go now so as soon as it's all sorted we can actually get on with living.

The only problem may be the fence as we need to find out who owns the empty block next door and track them down, the people who back on to them have had no joy.

I'm confused. You'd be wary of buying an established house which may have hidden problems (surveyor?), but you're quite happy to part with your hard earned on a new build which is full of problems?

I'm sorry Fraser...but thats a load of rot!!

I know LOADS of people who have had quality homes built and not had one bit the problems you have!!

You have been unfortunate with the experiences you have had, and I am not saying NO ONE else has them....but the MAJORITY of people definatly dont!!

I would hate anyone to come over and decide not to build just based on your experience.

In fact, I know a few people who have built with the same Company you have and have had not a single problem!!

I do hope you get everything sorted out....

Hels

ahhh good, thats all that matters mate

Most people we've spoke to round here have had problems, to be honest a lot of the problems that we've had other people wouldn't notice so they may be happy but they wouldn't know what to look for.

In fact I've often walked round estates here and seen the quality with my own eyes, some are very good most aren't.

In fact the building firm we used I've looked closely at every property they've built round here, I've walked round most and our brickwork was typical of the majority of them in fact the renderers told me that get nearly all their business covering up dodgy brickwork.

I'm sorry but it's not rot, I've been in the building trade most of my life but you're obviously better qualified to judge than me so maybe I should bow to your superior knowledge.

Nice one Fraser...resort to sarcasm and immature snipes....

Was just saying what I know to be true from ALOT of people that have built and who are also in the building game.

I am owner building as we speak, so trust me...I know ALOT of people in the game also...

I wont bother to comment any more.....

Hels

Rich