What should be known preventively about botched construction?

Hello everyone,

We are planning to build a house. Unfortunately, one often hears about botched construction work. Therefore, we have decided to involve an independent expert in the project.
In the meantime, we have done some reading and realized that a lot can go wrong. Attached are a few questions, and we hope for answers.

1. Suppose you sign a contract with a construction company. During the construction, you then find out that they are doing a sloppy job, e.g., not installing expansion sleeves around the heating supply pipes in the screed. What can you then rely on? Is there a binding regulation DIN or something similar in Germany that all construction companies have to comply with? Not that the builder then says we always do it without expansion sleeves and that’s that? Or do you have to fix something like that in the contract? Then you would have to mention every screw and joint? There will always be plenty of excuses.

2. Slightly off-topic. Can someone explain to us the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of clay versus concrete roof tiles? What is the price difference based on?

Thanks for the answers.

Hello,

We plan to build a house. Unfortunately, you often hear about botched construction. Therefore, we have decided to involve an independent expert in the project.

A wise decision and well-invested money

1. Suppose you sign a contract with a construction company. During construction, you notice that they are cutting corners, e.g., not installing expansion joints around the heating pipes in the screed. What can you then rely on? Is there a binding regulation, DIN standard, or something similar in Germany…

Germany is "basically swimming" in regulations and DIN standards. Searching for each one here would take too long; ask your expert at the appropriate time. It is important that the contract clearly regulates that the new construction project will be carried out according to the currently valid and recognized rules of technology.

2. Slightly off-topic. Can someone explain the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of clay vs. concrete roof tiles? What is the reason for the price difference?

You can find good information at the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Ziegeldach e. V.; just feed a bit to Aunt Google

In layman's terms, clay tiles are used where builders want to prevent premature moss growth on their roofs; funnily enough, green roofs are very trendy. They are more expensive, among other reasons, because you have to account for more breakage during roof covering.

Concrete roof tiles are less sensitive in this regard, and with double glazing—a cost-effective alternative to clay tiles—the effect is the same.

Best regards

Thank you for the quick response. This is working great here

We will definitely have more questions.

Best regards and have a nice Sunday.

Hello,

definitely have construction supervision carried out by an engineer or, as you think, an expert. Better to spend a little more money on the site manager than to have to deal with defects beforehand. With a site manager, the first impression, the "chemistry," should be right. He is your extended arm during the construction and should have your trust.

We are also currently in the middle of building a house and have decided on an independent expert. He is very familiar with DIN standards and legislation. I came across your post because we are currently dealing with the topic of the roof. Just google "Unterschied Dachsteine Dachziegel". There are even studies on the subject. In any case, both products are extremely durable. Dachsteine score points in terms of environmental friendliness. Since they are made of concrete, they become harder and safer over the years. With Dachziegel, there is a greater variety of colors and products.

Hello,

my experience with my own house:

built in 1969 concrete roof tiles; are still on it today

heavy deposits of moss and thatch; as the surface has dissolved or sanded off over the years. The gutter was often full of sand and moss in the last four years - so a lot of maintenance effort.

Regards