Poured Foundation Wall with cinder block?

[eidaj]

They poured our foundation early last week and when I went to the site yesterday I saw a strange thing, they used cinder block to close in some large openings, it's the front porch area and I'm not sure if this is a problem or if this is no big deal. Can you guys look at the pic below and give me your input, thanks

http://www.geocities.com/eidaj2/Block-Wall.jpg

[midnightscape]

WTF! I'm no mason, or builder for that fact, but that looks like some mickey mouse sh!t to me!

[Rich]

It may not be a problem (I don't know what's going to be above) but I'm with midnight on this one. Pretty crappy job.

[eidaj]

I believe it is the front porch leading to the front door. Is this something I should fight them about or not bother since it isn't structural etc?

[Rich]

If it were my house - I'd bitch :)
You're paying good money for that - which isn't much.

[eidaj]

I agree but if it passes code I have no grounds for arguing especially since the purchase agreement is already signed so I can't use that for negotiating. Man you builders have all the power lol, I lost it as soon as I signed ......

[Cole]

I would not be happy with that, if I were you I would find a way to get them to fix it or get out of it.

[Rich]

Yeah I guess the way I look at it - you've only got the foundation in and that's what they are calling good enough. What's next to be good enough?

[Cole]

Yeah I guess the way I look at it - you've only got the foundation in and that's what they are calling good enough. What's next to be good enough?

That is exactly how i feel about it.

[eidaj]

I totally agree with you guys but whats my argument going to be? It passes code but is sloppy? What leverage do I have to stand on since he isn't breaking code I can't break the contract? Not sure if this makes a difference but the house is in a new community and there are two builders to choose from. Each builder has several models to choose from. I'm just explaining so you don't think that I bought a parcel and hired a builder....

[roger g]

Never seen anything like that BUT........... if you are allowed to use concrete for foundation walls AND you are allowed to use concrete block foundation walls why couldn't both be used . Come to think of it I have seen concrete walls and block walls on one jobsite but not on one wall. I t sure looks odd but I bet it's sstructurally okay provided they were tied in together. Having earth on both sides of the wall means it isn't going anywhere.



roger

[Rich]

IMO, and many laws support this, contractors are to provide 3 things. The project on time, on budget, and at the quality specified. In light of no specifications - they are to use industry standard. And IMO that isn't industry standard - it's a hack patch. Another point I always try and think about when doing any work for someone else - what people see affects how they see my company. No matter what I try and do the right thing. I know that's not much to go on eidaj - I would probably take him aside and simply say "For the future of your company you should do the right thing" and walk away.

[eidaj]

The link below is what my house will look like, the area in question is the front porch leading to the front door. The builder said, it's going to have gravel and earth supporting it, I'm waiting to hear back if it's going to have that on both sides which is better!

http://geocities.com/eidaj2/Huron-Model.jpg

[eidaj]

The builder said they will be filling the inside of the hole 1/2 to 2/3 with dirt and that it shouldn't be a problem at all. He said they do it that way because they pour the foundation and the porch foundation at the same time and don't have the form to tie them in together. My Translation; it's faster/cheaper for us to do it this way..... He also said it's up to code and they've never had any problems. I sent an email to the inspector that is in charge of my house with pics to verify it is code.

[giddonah]

wow, talk about on top of things...