Builder dug 1m foundations for our extension and a private inspector agreed it. However during the build unbeknown to us the inspection company went bust. Builder continued and finished the build and we had to revert the build to the council. Now the council are saying the foundations May not be deep enough (clay soil, tree 3m away). Who’s responsibility is it to rectify if it isn’t deep enough and what are the next steps?
Builder suggested the private inspector. We employed them based on his suggestion. Notice was given to the council
The tree in question is a holly tree and I know that doesn’t take in much water. The original building surveyor was from private firm Aedis that have gone bust so cant pursue them. There is also discrepancy between the inspectors measurements of foundations (1.2m) and the builders depth (1m) and so the Council have chosen to ignore all of the original inspectors findings. I don’t know why there were differences between the measurements. Probably why the company went bust
Is it right that the builder is responsible to meet building regs and so if deemed not deep enough he should rectify it to meet them?
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Very difficult situation.
At the start of the build - Building Control must have been informed. Permitted development or not, the local authority has to be notified. Only they can determine correct works & sign off.
Regards
Answered25 June 2020
0
Anonymous user
I am sorry to here of this very unusual problem. You state the ground is clay this should not be a problem if it was undisturbed ground you made need a trial hole to inspect it.There are two routes to take firstly If it was under permitted development then the tree location should have been picked up by your building control surveyor. If it was a a planning application then the tree should have been on the planning application. Confirm the species of the tree it may be one that does not have major roots.
You have stated that the building control officer inspected the excavation therefore at that point in time he or his business would have had professional indemnity insurance in force I would therefore recommend that you follow this route. Hope this is of help regards Mike
In addition to my last post and your update contact the council and ask them exactly what they want from you to agree to sign it off I am assuming that you employed the building control firm therefore although the builder introduce them he cannot be held responsible for them going bust. I am puzzled though why there is a discrepancy between the actual depth and building controls recorded depth of the foundation
Answered25 June 2020
0
Anonymous user
You should always go through the council building inspection otherwise it’s a private company goes bust you’re going to be held responsible council building control is always the way to go the builder is responsible for his build and if his foundations are deep enough he’d have to look into underpinning his foundations
The minimum depth of the foundation should be 450mm or to match the original house foundation which ever is greater .so if the original is less than 450 the new would need to be deeper.
I would always match the original.
This should have been specified by the engineer on the engineering drawings which are required by building control.
I'm in Scotland but I would assume the same rule applies
