So Im nearing the end of a significant build, and the builder and I have been having the classic conversation about funds and variations. I made sure that the builder provided a bill of materials and labour costs ahead of commencing work. He built into it sufficient contingency and fat, but unfortunately due to bad planning on his part, he is now through that. Whilst I don't have to sympathise as I have a contract, I've taken some things out of scope for his cost base by purchasing directly myself. This, I estimate, has cost me and saved him approx £4k. In general, his work has been really good.
Despite this, I'm convinced he's still taking short cuts but I can't be sure. Can anyone clarify from the two examples below if I have genuine reason to be concerned, or if I'm just over reacting.
1) new extension external walls do not have any plasterboard on the inside. Instead he has screeded the block work and applied plaster skim, with a coat of white paint to appear as if the wall is done.
2) he was about to tile the bathrooms before I stopped work. Firstly, the tiles are to be chosen and supplied by me, and secondly, the new external wall and old external wall, which form both of the long walla, have only a coating of screed on the inside. My understanding is bathrooms especially are to have plasterboard with waterproof sealing / tanking before applying tiles. This appears to be a short cut and an attempt to disguise the wall very quickly.
3) the new downstairs bathroom has only had screed applied to the block work. No plasterboard used.
These are the main concerns I have. Before I have a difficult conversation with him this week, I.e withhold further payment, I want to be sure I'm not being an idiot.
Thanks.
Despite this, I'm convinced he's still taking short cuts but I can't be sure. Can anyone clarify from the two examples below if I have genuine reason to be concerned, or if I'm just over reacting.
1) new extension external walls do not have any plasterboard on the inside. Instead he has screeded the block work and applied plaster skim, with a coat of white paint to appear as if the wall is done.
2) he was about to tile the bathrooms before I stopped work. Firstly, the tiles are to be chosen and supplied by me, and secondly, the new external wall and old external wall, which form both of the long walla, have only a coating of screed on the inside. My understanding is bathrooms especially are to have plasterboard with waterproof sealing / tanking before applying tiles. This appears to be a short cut and an attempt to disguise the wall very quickly.
3) the new downstairs bathroom has only had screed applied to the block work. No plasterboard used.
These are the main concerns I have. Before I have a difficult conversation with him this week, I.e withhold further payment, I want to be sure I'm not being an idiot.
Thanks.