Deck build - few questions

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#2851720 16-Jan-2022 21:07

Quick update. Asked for money back, Apparently there are installing 2 more rows of Nura Jack's either side of the middle bearer.

Deck will be flush with ranch slider door step, couldn't go lower cos of ventilation bricks...

He wants to come tomorrow to discuss (eg try and persuade us to carry on).
Not keen but quite hard to counter their so called knowledge without knowing exactly what's correct/acceptable.

Will continue to ask for money back, here comes the battle...

eracode

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#2851724 16-Jan-2022 21:14

33coupe:

Quick update. Asked for money back, Apparently there are installing 2 more rows of Nura Jack's either side of the middle bearer.

As was said earlier, unfortunately putting in two more rows of bearers will not solve the problems with this build - there are too many others.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

Jase2985

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#2851780 16-Jan-2022 21:30

what are the nura jacks sitting on?

33coupe

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#2851785 16-Jan-2022 21:50

Jase2985:
what are the nura jacks sitting on?

At the moment nothing.

Am compiling a list of issues as per below

Piles should be 125x125 h5 (currently 100 X 100 h4)

Bearers should be 100 X 100 (currently 100 X 50)
(Also nailed either side of some Piles and also fence post)

Bearers bowed

unless on concrete, Nura Jack's need nuraspikes,

Deck is too high

Polyurethane no good, will cause moisture damage from underneath

Anything else to add please?

Thanks

wally22

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#2851794 16-Jan-2022 22:08

33coupe: Quick update. Asked for money back, Apparently there are installing 2 more rows of Nura Jack's either side of the middle bearer.
Is this including bearers as well? What are the jacks sitting on?

Deck will be flush with ranch slider door step, couldn't go lower cos of ventilation bricks...
Couldn't see the ventilation bricks in your photos but that sounds like a load of tripe. The deck is not attached to the house.

He wants to come tomorrow to discuss (eg try and persuade us to carry on).
Not keen but quite hard to counter their so called knowledge without knowing exactly what's correct/acceptable.
I am happy for him to call me and discuss items of concern. I will pm my number to you. I will be working but will fit it in

One of your photos (10) shows a tag on the end of a bearer and also on a length of timber. Read that tag and tell us what is on it.

Why the polythene? Joists (75x50 H3.2) would still need to be doubled and closed up for strength, or just closed to 150 centres singly.

I have had nura jacks pass inspection compliance (were in the plans) for balcony decks, with a sloping membrane roof under them, very similar to @eracode 's example except on a timber framed structure, not concrete, so they have their place.

Am compiling a list of issues as per below

Piles should be 125x125 h5 (currently 100 X 100 h4)     Check Whaat! H4 piles! Cowboy! They rot out after a few years!

Bearers should be 100 X 100 (currently 100 X 50)                H4! Because less than 150mm above ground
(Also nailed either side of some Piles and also fence post)

Bearers bowed Check

unless on concrete, Nura Jack's need nuraspikes,    Check, or piles?

Deck is too high Check

Polyurethane no good, will cause moisture damage from underneath Check

I'll leave it there, too late now.

33coupe

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#2852052 17-Jan-2022 11:02

I've just added a few more photos.

H3.2 is being used for the bearers

Builder is claiming that H4 timber is ok for piles/posts, and provided details of timber sizes on quote to the friend of a friend (we haven't seen quote), so builder is denying any liability.....

One or both are due to come tomorrow to view/discuss. We are hoping to find someone who has experience in this field to also be there, but proving difficult as people are busy working etc and not want to get involved in conflict (totally understandable)

Will keep pursuing for a refund though.
Thanks

eracode

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#2852064 17-Jan-2022 11:31

The minimum treatment for deck piles is H5.

https://www.buildmagazine.org.nz/assets/PDF/Build128-19-BuildRight-TimberTreatment.pdf

The top of timber deck piles must be at least 150mm above ground level - yours look a lot lower than that.

Bearers that are closer to ground level than 150mm need to be H4.

https://www.standards.govt.nz/news-and-updates/branz-guideline-december-2012-ground-clearance-for-deck-bearers/

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

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Bung

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#2852078 17-Jan-2022 11:59

Maybe the guy should stick to putting up fences. H4 is ok for fence posts but they aren't classed as structural.

I may be wrong but I don't think the H4 CCA of today is as good as it used to be. I have H4 posts put up in 1980s still good yet have recently had to replace fence posts only about 15 years old.

insane

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#2852242 17-Jan-2022 12:56

As an owner of 60+sqm of decking and 30odd sqm of paving, I'll go out on a bearer here and say that this site seems perfect for paving given how close to the ground it is.

eracode

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#2852243 17-Jan-2022 12:58

insane:

As an owner of 60+sqm of decking and 30odd sqm of paving, I'll go out on a bearer here and say that this site seems perfect for paving given how close to the ground it is.

Seriously great idea. Yes.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

insane

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#2852296 17-Jan-2022 15:12

I'd happily replace all my decking with paving if I could. Decking is great in the beginning, but then you have to maintain it at great effort and replace it sooner than you wish you had to. Yes composite will last as long as your posts, bearers, joists etc, but with the added cost you may as well go with nice pavers and be done with it. You just need an occasional spray with 30 seconds and a hose or water blast off and you're back to years to beautiful paving :)

- Usual caveat around having sufficient % of permeable surface at your property..

eracode

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#2852306 17-Jan-2022 15:31

Yes but decking is much nicer underfoot and looks better - more ‘friendly’ and ‘softer’.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

JayADee

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#2852805 18-Jan-2022 13:01

I like the paving idea. I have two nice decks but had my doors been lower I'd take paving any day!

I feel for you. Hope you get it sorted.

33coupe

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#2853423 19-Jan-2022 13:12

Thanks all. Before we went ahead with the deck we did consider paving as it's a little bit more cost effective.
But even with the hassle of maintenance and cost, I can only envisage a deck being there. Think it will look really good. Having wood flooring (vinyl) inside the house should help make the floor plan look bigger as well.

Last night The friend of friend came with someone else who is a LBP builder and confirmed our concerns.

We requested refund or the kwila to be delivered. The kwila has been promised but will wait and see what happens as I disbelieve everything that's been said and done so far.

Will keep you updated.
Thanks

eracode

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#2853432 19-Jan-2022 13:16

That’s really great. Getting an LBP involved as an advisor is a Very Smart Move because they are pretty much obligated to do the right thing - their registration and livelihood is on the line if they don’t. This might also put the frighteners on your cowboy.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

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