Building a Home Renovating Design Dilemma

Basement waterproofing

4 years ago

Hello,

Can someone please advise on how to figure out the following dilemma? We have a new-build house, and need to find out which company did waterproofing of the basement. Solicitors only know name of the insurer for above lower ground floor. The developer says they do not have anything on files as construction started back in 2013, it was a long time ago. The developer says all the documents were left in a cupboard couple of years ago when the house was sold. However, we cannot find any information in the documents that are in the house.

Can someone please advise where to go from here? How can I find the name of the company? I am trying to find who issued the certificate for the basement.

Thank you in advance!

Comments (5)

minnie101
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
I know absolutely nothing about this but have just googled and architects are required to keep records for a minimum of 15 years so whether they used in-house or external architects they should have the records.

It all feels a bit odd though, I would have thought the builder would hold records for the NHBC guarantee (can't find out how long they need to hold records but im sure it would be a minimum of 10 years to coincide with guarantee) . Your solicitor should also have had the warranty for the tanking as part of your house purchase??

good luck, hopefully someone else can be of more help. Is there an issue with it or are you looking to move?
PRO
Metos Design & Build
4 years ago
I would go after the developer in this case as he should keep records of all contractors and guarantees issued for minimum of 10 years. 2013 is not long time ago and you are within the guarantee period.
Cubika Design thanked Metos Design & Build
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Hi. I'm not sure if you're wanting to properly waterproof it or not? If so would just look at the interior waterproofing sealant options although would first check out where the damp is coming in. We had ours properly tanked last year to create a boy ( and girl!) room but you need drainage for that. If the room is literally head height I would spend as little as possible IF it won't add value to the house. My brothers old basement wasn't waterproofed and it was fine. Do be careful of the type of plaster used though and you may need to use ventilation grids. ( you may be better checking all this out on a building website). The ceiling won't be high enough for any type of lighting I suspect so would look at ŵall lights and using table/floor lights. You also want to minimise depth of flooring so as not to lose height. I think (?) if it's level you can put vinyl directly on concrete so maybe a wood effect? If you want laminate I think it will need a DPM and then underlay although you may be able to buy a combined one to save some millimetres! I wouldn't fight the dark so would use dark inky colours and perhaps give it a slight industriał/ gentlemens club ( clean type) vibe. Perhaps on one ŵall create your own wood panelling effect using beading. I would create one ŵall for storage and the tv. You may be lucky and find an ikea system to fit that will also house a small beer fridge at the bottom. If so, would paint the unit with chalk paint to take away the glossy look. You could also add some under shelf lighting. Maybe a small 2 seater sofa opposite the tv with a small chair in the corner in front of the storage unit (my patio had to come up to get my Chesterfield in the basement via a window as I didn't quite do my measurements properly ..) You can also add a slim trunk to use as a coffee table storage. You could look at adding a small drinks trolley or drinks cabinet against one of the spare ŵalls. I'd add a floor lamp and maybe a large mirror to increase the feeling of space. I'd also just bear in mind the size of the tv, once you're sat on a sofa you will be quite close
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PRO
Cubika Design
Original Author
4 years ago
The developer has been useless so far. She says they do not keep anything on files, and that they passed all documentation to a solicitor when selling the house. Although we found out that the developer themselves were building a tank of the basement and that tank warranty was not required. However, we are not sure how this was allowed by the building control (not to have a warranty), as the basement is originally designed as a living space.
PRO
We Love Build
4 years ago
The developer must have the contract with all the works or maybe the architects were nominated contract administrators hence they could have some more answers for you..
PRO
Cubika Design
Original Author
4 years ago
We are chasing building control to find out who the architect was. As the developer does not disclose this information.

Basement waterproofing

Comments (5)

minnie101

Metos Design & Build

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Basement waterproofing

Comments (5)

minnie101

Metos Design & Build

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Cubika DesignOriginal Author

We Love Build

Cubika DesignOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Cubika Design
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