Deck build - few questions

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#2854200 20-Jan-2022 15:10

Let us know how you get on.

eracode

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#2858181 29-Jan-2022 17:49

@33coupe Interested to know how you have got on and what’s happening.

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

33coupe

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#2858224 29-Jan-2022 20:07

Sorry I haven't updated, has been a frustrating couple of weeks. Plenty of excuses as to why the kwila can't be delivered here yet.....
We've asked for money back, and have been promised a refund next week.
If not, we'll be filing a dispute at small claims.
I'll let you know what happens.

Thanks everyone, really appreciate all your help

Paul1977

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#2859143 31-Jan-2022 11:32

Not to excuse anything the OPs original builder did, as it looked incredibly problematic. But I'm not sure a low deck that isn't connected to the house actually has to meet NZS3604.

Jase2985

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#2859320 31-Jan-2022 14:56

Paul1977:

Not to excuse anything the OPs original builder did, as it looked incredibly problematic. But I'm not sure a low deck that isn't connected to the house actually has to meet NZS3604.

still best practice to follow that though

Bung

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#2859390 31-Jan-2022 15:42

Paul1977:
Not to excuse anything the OPs original builder did, as it looked incredibly problematic. But I'm not sure a low deck that isn't connected to the house actually has to meet NZS3604.

I know one of the decking suppliers in their "How to do it" instructions suggested that since you wouldn't need Building Consent and subsequent inspection complying with Code was optional but AFAIK that is wrong advice.

The Building Act requires all new building to comply with the NZ Building Code and NZS3604 is referenced as an acceptable way of doing that. The alternative would be paying an (Engineer??) to reinvent another solution which seems pointless. The material costs too much to do a poor job with it.

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nickb800

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#2859407 31-Jan-2022 16:17

There is a good practical argument for not (fully) complying with 3604 for decks which are virtually against the ground, as 3604 effectively assumes consequence of failure is the same between a 0.1m and 3.0m high deck - i.e. someone could die or be seriously injured falling from 3.0m, so there will be redundancy/safety factors ensuring no-one gets hurt if there are minor defects in the timber/fasteners/workmanship. The Building Act implicitly recognizes this in not requiring consent for <1.5m, but I guess it's not worth paying a standards committee to come up with a (slightly leaner) standard for <1.5m decks.

Agree that it's not worth paying an engineer to custom design a leaner spec than 3604, but I can't see anything wrong with an experienced and qualified tradesperson making practical decisions to build a very low deck to slightly less than 3604 (e.g. H4 fence posts rather than H5 bearers for the bearers). And realistically, the next buyer of the house probably won't care if it's a very low deck. Openness is key - as a homeowner it's fair to assume building work complies with 3604 unless explicitly stated by the builder and agreed to by the homeowner.

33coupe

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#2864628 10-Feb-2022 11:53

Quick update.

As we hadn't received a refund we filled a dispute with moj on Saturday, then our contact refunded $800 back and has promised more.

We have found out that the builder has been evicted from his rental, and also found out he's a notorious scammer, been on fair go in 2020. A quick search of Zac Shaw brings this info up (we were given different name). FFS

We will still pursue our contact, along with the dispute just in case he stops paying.

What a nightmare. If anyone has access to car registration address details, it would be much appreciated for filling the dispute against the 'builder' as well.

eracode

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#2864661 10-Feb-2022 12:37

Oh dear. So much for your ‘friend’ who recommended this guy.

https://www.1news.co.nz/2020/06/29/fair-go-rogue-tradie-under-investigation-for-claiming-he-was-a-licensed-builder-amid-claims-of-terrible-workmanship/

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Boeingflyer

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#2864912 10-Feb-2022 17:16

sorry to hear about this. I suppose the saying is right - where there is smoke there is fire. good on the geek zone members backing you up to pull the pin early.

eracode

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#2897822 6-Apr-2022 20:55

@33coupe How are you going with getting this sorted?

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

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33coupe

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#2897894 7-Apr-2022 08:01

eracode:
@33coupe How are you going with getting this sorted?

Thanks for the message, I've been meaning to give an update but had been quite hectic for a while. Now I have covid I have a bit of time

We had the dispute hearing and eventually our contact agreed to pay us back in full over a period of time ( currently paid more than the required fortnightly amount so that's a good sign).

We then borrowed more money from from family (bad I know!), And got a qualified builder to build us a deck.

Very pleased with how it turned out. As it's level with the house floor it definitely feels like part of the house rather than just an separate outside area.

If I can't add pics from my phone I'll do another link.

Thanks again everyone for all of your help and stopping it from getting any worse.
Love this forum and those that contribute to help others 0, thank you.

wally22

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#2897906 7-Apr-2022 08:25

That’s the best news ever. I hope you have been able to calm down after all that stress. Take it easy if you are recovering from COVID. Don’t rush it.

eracode

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#2897915 7-Apr-2022 08:56

That's a great outcome after all the initial hassle - very pleased for you. 👍

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33coupe

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#2898069 7-Apr-2022 13:01

https://photos.app.goo.gl/19H7zwgzAv7umzzo7

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