Reaching Out To All Of You For Help!! 🙏🏼

[RLB454]

Subbed
I am partners in a general contracting company here in Western Co (with a full shop where I get to do some cool custom woodwork), and out here we are held to pretty high code enforcement. Nothing gets by unless it follows the code book to the letter (at least in our county). I haven't watched any of your vids yet, but I'll give them a look later. Sorry to hear you have to put up with this, no one should have to deal with shotty workmanship.

 

[Jerold]

My understanding is they had or have electricians inspecting plumbing, plumbers inspecting carpentry, etc. I wouldn't be surprised in a rumor mill if there were inaccurate rumors.

Totally on par here. We had the pool redone and they sent someone that an architect or something to inspect the electrical. He seemed pretty casual about the entire thing. Not to say he can't learn that stuff but architects outsource the mechanical and electrical for the most part.

We got dinged on the final inspection because they guy didn't like the property fence. So we had to drop $2K on the fence and pay for a re-inspection. Go figure, it hasn't change for the last 6 weeks but it's a problem now?

 

[CreepyQuarryCrawler]

I put up a Pole in the Community Section of my YT page. Toss a vote in and we'll see who is right

Subbed
I am partners in a general contracting company here in Western Co (with a full shop where I get to do some cool custom woodwork), and out here we are held to pretty high code enforcement. Nothing gets by unless it follows the code book to the letter (at least in our county). I haven't watched any of your vids yet, but I'll give them a look later. Sorry to hear you have to put up with this, no one should have to deal with shotty workmanship.

Thanks

Having access to a big space like a shop is awesome. I definitely miss that since really being on my own for the last x amount of years. Even when I worked at the Vocational School that giant shop never really felt like my space.

Going back to high standards or quality work, I feel that way about my own work; it's highly scrutinized! I don't know what it is but it always gets picked apart. I think the thing that's most frustrating is I thought I was already thoroughly doing that LOL

It seems in new home though the gas inspectors turn a blind eye. We have a code listing for Workmanship; I have never heard of anyone ever being called on it.
They just issue an infraction for something, whatever it is.

Usually homeowners are the judge and jury in some of those situations. I have seen people throw people's tools out of their home LOL
Well, I mean I was there to help calm the situation down after.

Totally on par here. We had the pool redone and they sent someone that an architect or something to inspect the electrical. He seemed pretty casual about the entire thing. Not to say he can't learn that stuff but architects outsource the mechanical and electrical for the most part.

We got dinged on the final inspection because they guy didn't like the property fence. So we had to drop $2K on the fence and pay for a re-inspection. Go figure, it hasn't change for the last 6 weeks but it's a problem now?

That's so bananas! It sucks to be in the receiving end of stuff like that; suddenly it costs more due to oversight that is completely out of your control.

I have had headaches like that myself, some more irritations than anything.

When we were developing the back yard we started the conversation about a year before it actually started. I had worked with these landscapers in the past running gas lines for outdoor fireplaces and stuff; awesome people on the tools! I didn't get any other quotes because I didn't want any.

Anyway, the designer sent us a few proofs for the deck, patio hard scaping and stuff like that.

The final design called for it to be high enough to require a permit. Thinking I am doing my due diligence I get all over it. Done, no problem.

I have everything on the window as they ask, plans, permit, etc,.etc.

Turns out we're rasing my back yard something like two feet at the house so suddenly our tall deck is walk out with one step.
That doesn't require railings or a permit.

With having paid and submitted drawings showing what was initially going to be there an inspection was required to clear it.

The cowboy they sent out was intent on going under and making sure it was legit. These carpenters had also built the fence, they were amazing. I knew there was a beam and everything in there.

I ended up digging it down just enough so he could get his phone in and take a few pictures.

I got my $175 back.

 

[CreepyQuarryCrawler]

After spending a lot of time looking at houses the last few days I think I have narrowed into what could be wrong with our house.

That's the guidelines for the joists that are in our home. Most of those giant holes are around thirty inches from the outside.

I also think we're missing a beam to support the front half of the house transferring down to the basement. It would explain the twisting and the feeling of the house sagging to the center.

The outsides look like high points in my community post pictures on my channel.

Man. I am now starting to get concerned we'll get told to move out

 

[CreepyQuarryCrawler]

I decided I should see if there are signs in the finishing that things are moving besides the floor...

Those are all around the central core of the house; the stairs.

After looking at a number of builds I have narrowed it down to what I feel are a few things.

Possible missing beams or structural members not installed properly, missing piles, missing piles and adjustable posts.
Add in the fact some of the joists are cut in and around areas where I highlighted two joists not locked together. Which I believe is supposed to be a either a beam or those joists bolted together to make one.

I also spoke with a realtor on Saturday who had some excellent advice for me as far as pursuing the plans for my home.
I have since submitted the online documents to request them from the city since it appears the builder is blocking other channels.

I am hoping they can show me where there were possible miss steps.

Absolute worst case scenario would be poor soil beneath the foundation.

If you haven't already, please take the time to fill out my pole @ Rebuilding This New House, it is in the Community area.

Do you think it's Minor? Major? Totally fine, or do you think we'll have to move out?


My gut says these repairs are going to be extensive and we may have to relocate temporarily.

I have a bunch of appointments this week and I am hoping now that everything is in a wait and see stage (or don't touch it because of possible legal ramifications) I can just relax.

Hopefully I can wrench on some stuff this week, that would be nice

 

[CreepyQuarryCrawler]

One more sleep, one more sleep!!!
It's like waiting for Christmas, a weird twisted Christmas. Tomorrow the Structural Engineers come by to asses the house.

Yesterday was a scary day for me. I can feel how much the house is moving but you can start to see it now. I knew in my gut that if I can see the structure move, it's just a matter of time before the finishing shows it.

This is right above that joist thats buckling in the basement, but the second floor roof line.

That wall divides my sons washroom from his playroom.

After his bath we were all hanging out in the playroom as per usual when it sounded like the rafters made a loud pop; it was unsettling.

We had a family meeting yesterday to establish our own ground rules around the house.

If that crack opens up to the point where I can get my hand in we'll have to leave.

It not only becomes a risk for collapse but a fire risk as electrical connections run out of slack.

I never thought I would have to run a family meeting surrounding something like this. It's not like we're in an active warzone where I need to be concerned with shelling the structure or anything. But it definitely feels like fighting an invisible enemy.

Squeeze some (RC) triggers for me in solidarity!

 

[Doom!]

I hope someone pays for all of this nonsense. Sucks when you can't even relax in your own home.

 

[CreepyQuarryCrawler]

Thanks Doom and others for the love.

This went from being frustrated while trying to repair the small, cosmetic things in the home, too being concerned for our safety.

You're right Doom, I find it almost impossible to relax here. Every sound the house makes, every new crack I document, it just chips away a bit at ya.

My wife and I went to see Project Hail Mary on the Big Ultimate So Huge You Can't See All Sides Screen. It was really good! Highly recommended!

Being able to relax and focus on something else was much needed.

Now, however, I need to find the energy to gear up for the RC Swap Meet this weekend!
Holy Schweaty Christmas Balls I don't feel like I have enough time now lol

Edit/Update:

I forgot to mention, I am beginning to think we're dealing with a piling failure, soil issue, or foundation issues.

I spent about an hour on the phone with the joist manufacturer, the rep was amazing. She ran calculations on the fly as I gave her measurements and diameters. Everything checked out. She gave me her contact for the design center here, locally.

I phoned, we discussed the problems with the house. He walked me through what structural members are supposed to be where and verified they're installed. What size beam, reinforcement here, etc.

Unless there is something hidden behind the drywall on the main floor (possible), I think the issue is below the house.

Sleeping is going to be hard tonight.

 

[RLB454]

Hopefully you can get some validation with your concerns when the structural engineer visits.

As far as the movie Project Hail Mary, my family was awaiting the movie since it was first announced that they were going to make it. I am the only one out of my wife, all three kids and their spouses, and probably even my border collie, that did not read the book. We all went to see it as a family on Saturday, such a fantastic movie! I too highly recomend it

 

[CreepyQuarryCrawler]

Hey Everyone!

I wanted to update you folks here because I have been quiet on the channel.

So the S/E came by on Wednesday afternoon/evening. He obviously expressed concern about the twisting joist and also raised an eyebrow at there only being one telepost.

He also made an interesting statement I have never thought of; "if they have only built one so far (part way through #2) perhaps there's a design flaw they aren't aware of?

I had never thought of that.

I ended up hearing back from the city on Friday. I had an excellent staff member. He was shocked at my story and was excited to pull everything together. He said the inspection report is interesting. Lots of failed, defects, garbage in foundation prior to pour, ect, ect.

It reads like a criminal wrap sheet.

We decided it was time to bring them in the loop (not on all the details).

Personally, Ican't talk to the owner anymore, I think we have a mutual dislike for each other now.

The builder told my wife he blocked us from getting the plans from the supplier "because he didn't know who was trying to access them"

Like some rando is going to be asking to see them. I am sure he knew why and why they were asking.

He was glazing my wife saying the garage door is no big deal, it was rejected at the other house over size and we should have called when it broke.

I said he lied to you again. The door would have been ordered off the plans

Even during an opportunity to come clean he still is choosing to lie.

Either way they said they'll either do the work to fix the house or pay someone of our choosing.

I don't believe him but it's something.

I focused on preparing for the RC Swap Meet on Sunday. Did a dry run on everything only to find the Redcat radio I tossed in the truck wouldn't bind again

I swapped it out for now. I guess I'll contact Redcat for warranty? It's not that old.

I'll post up in the swap meet thread when I get my table set up. It'll look good! Two vehicles, a boat and lot's of parts. I have a little mini For Sale sign to put by the boat and cars. A mirror and jack stands to elevate and display the CC-02 I'm selling; it should look awesome

 

[majin]

it makes me feel odd. my house is in MUCH worse shape, but i rent and my rent is relatively cheap so I'm locked in till it falls around our heads

 

[RLB454]

Sounds like things moving in a positive direction. Hopefully you can get some resolutions soon.

 

[Doom!]

At least now you've got a little forward momentum going.

 

[CreepyQuarryCrawler]

Thanks folks

It is moving in a positive direction. It sounds like they want to make it right. We don't know what that looks like but we're going to make a list.

We didn't know this in the beginning but this was a very early build for them, the company seems to have started around 2021 from what information I can find online.

It'll never be perfect, but if all the brains involved can figure out why the house is caving in and properly support it, it'll be a win.

I forgot to mention he's been watching my videos. That flapping Tyvek was fixed right quick and he referenced some of them to my wife so they are working

Edit/Update: Saturday Afternoon

My wife and I walked the house with the plans.

The basement main beam should be 4plys and it is 3. Around the stairs it shows beams in all three side, we only have beams on one.

I can feel the house collapsing in that area and that fatiguing joist points to it being overloaded

 

[CreepyQuarryCrawler]

We're so close!!!!

I finally got the floor drawings through the proper channels. The beams that have been substituted for joists were not assembled properly in the field. This is one of a few in the house, this one I can see.

It's missing the central core!

I bet they're all like that which is why she is sagging.

It's painful going one day at a time, getting one piece, then the next. We're circling the wagons though!

 

[Burnzone]

Eeeeyyyiiiyyyiii!!! Yes sir! Good luck to you! You're going to need it. Ain't safe for human habitation

 

[CreepyQuarryCrawler]

Eeeeyyyiiiyyyiii!!! Yes sir! Good luck to you! You're going to need it. Ain't safe for human habitation

I watch it closely, everyday unfortunately.

We have a ground rule. If I can stick my hand in this wall we need to find somewhere else to stay.

That's second floor in my sons washroom.
The wall is directly inline with the 2x6 wall that shouldn't be load bearing but is clearly load bearing now. I also believe it's not center of the joist and on the sheeting, maybe not completely but partly.

It has been awful to live through. I have lost sleep and hair over this but I genuinely think it turned a corner now. These drawings don't match what they pulled the permit under; they cheaped the structure but then didn't assemble it correctly.

On Monday I swung by the house where the garage door came from, had a conversation with the owner. They told me they rejected the door because it was the wrong style. They also explained that I am not alone in my issues but they wouldn't elaborate.

If I could have my way it would be to sign a contract with a better builder and have them also finish the basement like my in-laws did then the house is just turn key. It's more
that we don't have unless we can get out of this one.

I hope this ahole considers a buy back.

 

[WickedFog]

Those cracks are a sure sign things are moving. Doesn't look good. I'd be worried too after watching your video. They turned your floor joists into swiss cheese.

 

[CreepyQuarryCrawler]

Ughhh I just feel so helpless with this situation!!

So the Structural Engineering Firm I picked has been...umm.. how do I word this diplomatically..
Apathetic.

I am moving on.

I don't understand. I suppose this is small potatoes to some people? Whatever.

He kept coming back to money and I kept saying I'll pay so I can't help but read between the lines here.

Lately I have had a run with small businesses who say yes and then either ghost you, dust you, or take so long to reply you move on.

Coming from small business it drives me nuts.
Just say no. It looks better than not fulfilling requests.

 

[CreepyQuarryCrawler]

Alright folks, we have finally had some movement here (pun absolutely intended!).

So the beam (or lack there of) picture I posted, the designers and engineers acknowledged in writing that, the joists are inadequate in their current configuration! No kidding!!

They said that the stair system is currently only being supported on the inside joist only. The outside one, without the internal blocking, is not structurally connected.

That explains why it is sinking on that side of the staircase and not on the side with the 4 stack beam.

I have to give a round of applause to my wife.
She has picked up the public relations ball here and has been working with the design firm and the builder to have productive conversations where I am just no longer able too. The builder and I have had a few disagreements now so there is history.

That said he has yet to acknowledge the latest email LOL

We countered with concerns about the other on site manufactured beams in the house, we thought that it's completely reasonable to be concerned and want it inspected.

It has been painfully slow, but we finally, FINALLY have something about the structure in writing!

It's not just a used garage door anymore, poor finishings and opinion. We have a legit, undeniable problem.

Now, how are they going to fix it?!?!

I am going to make a YT follow up once he acknowledges what the engineers say.