Inspector defect identification, determination of window installation

Would always report errors as quickly as possible when I notice them. Ideally, right on site - that makes it easier to fix them. Also, most craftsmen don’t get upset if you tell them about errors directly, without going through their boss.

Hello,

Short final report. After I informed our site manager about the defect by email last night, I received feedback today that the error will be corrected by the structural builder. I will take a look tomorrow and, if necessary, have it explained to me how this works.

That's how I like it. Clear instructions and announcements.

You MUST learn to calm down! Not every corner hides the wicked craftsman who requires expert upbringing; talking usually helps. Your house will hardly be built without defects, it just needs to be handed over without defects.

You have commissioned an expert, I assume at times when an inspection makes sense. For your personal peace of mind, you should extend his commission to include the part of the telephone "consultation option." I am quite sure that he can take many unnecessary worries away from you; that should be worth "x" additional costs to you.

Rhineland regards

You MUST learn to calm down!

You are probably right. On the other hand, today the foreman of the shell builders said: "Good that it was noticed so early, then something can still be done."

Not around every corner lurks the evil craftsman who requires expert education; talking should mostly help. Your house will hardly be built without defects, it just has to be handed over defect-free

Here I believe you somewhat misjudge me. I have great respect for the craftsmen who know things I have no (or too little) knowledge of and who work under climatic conditions where I would rather retreat indoors.
Generally, I also hold the view: mistakes can happen. It does not matter who is responsible. The only important thing is that mistakes that have occurred are also resolved quickly and satisfactorily – as happened here.

This post was based on my assumption that the solution to the defect would be considerably more difficult.
Moreover, it was the first defect (acid test) that occurred after we signed the contract with the general contractor. It could have been that the previously shown goodwill/flexibility would suffer significantly after signing. The hint by the construction supervision would have had a much greater effect in such a case.

But here, we were shown a case where the general contractor and probably also his subcontractors react flexibly and promptly. That is how it should be and it confirmed our choice of general contractor.

Hello f-pNo,

On the other hand, today the foreman from the shell builders said: "Good that it was noticed so early, so something can still be done."

Of course, if the windows had been ordered to the wrong size, the shell builder would have had to pay for it.

This post was based on my assumption that solving the defect would be significantly more difficult.

That was the basis of my response and also that you initially asked in the forum instead of asking your general contractor, site manager, or your expert. It is always difficult for me to grasp emotions via the forum, but with you I did sense the fear that mistakes had been made that could no longer be corrected. That is practically impossible in the shell construction unless, for example, the shell was built too small from the start or the foil above the first row of bricks was forgotten, etc.; that would be a severe test.

If you do not convince yourself to develop trust – especially since you chose a reputable builder – you will be a nervous wreck with further proceedings as before; that is not worth a construction project! This also includes, when deviations (defects would be after handover) become apparent, first seeking a conversation with your site manager. If you believe you cannot fully trust him, consult your expert.

In one of our construction projects, a window opening was completely forgotten. It can happen since many people work towards the success of a single-family house. The question is – as you rightly wrote – how one deals with it. That really reads well with you

Rhenish greetings

You are right, the fear of (uncorrectable mistakes) always exists. That is why I try to prevent errors through "preliminary checks" and careful (layman’s) observation on the construction site. Maybe that makes me an inconvenient client, but better to have it than to wish for it.
Moreover, one occasionally hears that after signing, some general contractors change their behavior and react allergically to error reports.

We have now seen that the general contractor has maintained his previous approach here and hopefully face the rarely occurring errors much more calmly.