House construction delay, how to respond?

Hello everyone,

the construction of our single-family house is delayed. According to the contract, 12 months construction time was guaranteed from the "pouring of the floor slab." The floor slab was poured at the beginning of August 2012. Now there are still some works to be done (subsequent basement insulation, adjusting windows, remaining exterior plaster work, etc.), but there is silence at the construction site. What can we do to finally get it finished? Should we set a deadline for the general contractor? If yes, can someone give us an example of a deadline notice?
Thank you very much in advance.

Family Kaschuba

Subsequent basement insulation? Supplement after construction has started?

Retroactive basement insulation? Addendum after construction started?

During the construction phase (the shell was finished, before the screed) we had water ingress in the basement area. Therefore, the spot where the water had entered was excavated and sealed again. However, the company did not manage to refill the spot before the craftsmen's vacation. Now we have a huge trench in the garden for about 5 weeks.

I would set a deadline of max. 14 days to remedy all defects

Could you maybe give me an example of such a letter, I have never written a letter regarding a deadline before.
Thank you very much in advance.

phew.. me neither^^

I would just write a normal cover letter, then refer to the issue of the construction delay. Then, with reference to the contract, set a 14-day deadline for the house provider (keeping in mind the time frame for postal delivery) and at the same time point out that according to the contract, from the 15th day onward, you will retroactively withhold the penalty fee in the amount of -xy- from the still outstanding installment for the entire delay period.

Please also check beforehand whether you share any responsibility for the delay, as that must not be withheld.

Have you gotten builder's insurance? If yes, contact the insurance company and have it done