Inspector defect identification, determination of window installation

Hello everyone,

I just came from the construction site. There I found that the window parapet on the upper floor was built too high. In total, the entire walls of the upper floor have already been erected – the ring beam is supposed to be placed on top early next week.

I measured a parapet height of 127 cm (from the top edge of the RFB). According to the agreement and execution plans, it should be 113.5 cm. This affects a total of 3 windows.

I would prefer to leave the pointing out of the defect to the expert who is supposed to come in about 2 weeks – in other words: official defect determination.

On the other hand, I know that the general contractor already ordered the windows three weeks ago. Therefore, at the latest when installing the windows, there could be an unpleasant surprise, which would have even greater consequences. --> higher effort for defect correction as well as longer time required + delay in moving in

What can still be done now? I hardly believe that the general contractor will give the structural engineer the order to tear down and rebuild everything from scratch. Possibly the window order can still be changed. In that case, however, we would have to accept the defect as is.

I would report it to the [GU] and ask for prompt correction of the error. It should be in his interest as well.

Really stupid question: are you sure that the parapet height is measured from the RFB and not from the finished floor level?

But cutting out a few bricks isn’t a big deal...? It would be bad if the windows were too low, because you can’t just raise the lintels easily. We’re currently remodeling our house; instead of the normal parapet height of 85 cm, we had several floor-to-ceiling windows installed, and enlarging the window openings downward was no problem and went quickly.

Really silly question: are you sure that the parapet height is measured from the RFB and not from the finished floor level?

I am sure. On the other floor, the correct parapet height was taken into account, which is also 113.5 cm above the RFB (accordingly, the measurement was also correct).

But cutting out a few bricks isn't a big deal...?
It would be bad if the windows were too low, because you can't just raise the lintels like that.

If it really is that easy, then I would be relieved. Well – let's see what the site manager says about it.

Short final report. After I informed our site manager of the defect by email last night, I received feedback today that the error will be corrected by the [Rohbauer]. I will take a look at it tomorrow and, if necessary, have it explained to me how this works. That’s how I like it. Clear messages and instructions.