Is the builder pulling the wool over my eyes?

[AlanB1976]

Hi there
I'm having a double story extension being built on my home. It is a 1970's UK dormer window type semi-detached property. The builder has done a great job but I really don't feel like they are taking my requests in and just doing what is easiest for them, even at the expense of me losing what I wanted, so I just don't trust them to be telling me the truth. I was away for a week and when I got back I was pleasantly surprised to see how much progress they have made. However, when looking inside the top, I saw that they have added rafters to both sides of the extension and I am losing usable space (in an already tight area). I hate dormer windows as I feel we lose the use of a wall so this has really upset me. I thought there would only need to be those full rafters on the outer side and the inside would be connected up to the existing structure with existing eave removed. I've included 2 pictures, 1 from outside and 1 from inside where you can see the rafters on both sides.
So, the question is, am I just being an idiot and this is common practice for a property of this type/age; or are they just dong what is easiest for them and they could have perfectly attached to the side and given me one of my top priorities which was space in that room?
Thanks
Alan
Alan

 

[noseall]

the question is, am I just being an idiot and this is common practice for a property of this type/age; or are they just dong what is easiest for them and they could have perfectly attached to the side and given me one of my top priorities which was space in that room?

The obvious question is - what do the drawings say?

 

[AlanB1976]

I don't see anything in the plans but I'm not sure if this was something that could be required given the state of the house (since it's from the 1970's), etc.. The structural engineer never came round so I don't know if this is something the builder deemed necessary. I will speak to the builder tomorrow but I'm pretty sure he will just say something to make it sound as if necessary. It's the same every time I challenge him on something I wanted that they have just ignored.

 

[^woody^]

It would show on the elevation and roof plan.

 

[martygturner]

the drawing shows that the dormer is recessed from the outer wall and has been done according to the drawing, the inner edge against the old house is not shown, and is a mistake by whoever drew up these plans.. how was the dormer roof supposed to be supported ?

 

[AlanB1976]

the drawing shows that the dormer is recessed from the outer wall and has been done according to the drawing, the inner edge against the old house is not shown, and is a mistake by whoever drew up these plans.. how was the dormer roof supposed to be supported ?

OK, so you saying the builder is correct and they are not just taking a short cut. Thanks.

 

[Deluks]

Adding unnecessary timber wouldn't be a short cut.

Wait til they insulate, you might want to measure the snooker table to make sure it fits.

 

[AlanB1976]

Adding unnecessary timber wouldn't be a short cut.

Wait til they insulate, you might want to measure the snooker table to make sure it fits.

Well, I pay for everything in the end so by "shortcut" I meant that maybe it was just a lot easier doing it that way than connecting up to the existing structure, so they get an easier job, while I lose out.