After inspecting our new slab the Structural Engineer we hired feels pretty confident that the slab doesn’t have the necessary grade beams which were in the plans. How is this missed? My opinion, lack of supervision and possibly cutting corners. Question, what is to support the fireplace on the above floor? I think I know the answer, nothing. Glad that I caught it now instead of 5-10 years from now. And… the recently RE-POURED walls for the carport, well they’re actually foundation walls and not retaining walls. Meaning that our Structural Engineer will need to redesign our carport/deck plan – thanks Mr. Architect, great job. Oh, and I forgot to mention, the walls aren’t deep enough which means that we will need to redesign the plan since our GC has stated that he won’t dig it up. Totally doesn’t make sense with his stance, he screwed up so wouldn’t one think that he should replace it. Please make this stop, please!!!
Tag Archives: morningside
Footings Poured
The footings which will eventually be part of the foundation wall system to connect the existing house with the expansion were poured today. Yes!!!! 
Our Structural Engineer says they look great, however you would think that after all of the other previous bad pours and mistakes our GC would have been there to at least supervise. Nope, once again he left it to his subs. It is no wonder why we have had so many issues.
At least Max enjoyed seeing the cement truck, he was even able to press a button to extend the boom – what simple things that can make a 3 year olds day. At least he’s loving all of this and thankfully he’s too unaware of the sh!t storm his mom and I’ve been through with our GC throughout this whole process.
Being positive, while I’m still highly frustrated, at least we’re finally taking a step forward. Next up, foundation walls and then the slabs!!
Why Lie?
It’s been 3 days since any work has been done on the house, disappointing since we were told that they were really going to start moving everything forward to try and get back on track.
On another and rather confusing note, today Julie asked our GC to contact the sub that cleared out the backyard to have him come and finish clearing out the front yard, especially being that we’ve already paid for it. His response – that sub is out of business. Initially this was disappointing, until I called the sub myself and found out that he was still in business. I just don’t understand why our GC would lie to us about him being out of business? I want to and I’m trying to give our GC the benefit of the doubt on this but it’s hard. I just keep asking myself why would he lie about this and also, have we been lied to about anything else?
Backed Up
GC informed us that it will be Friday, at the earliest, when the concrete company will be able to pour. He says that the concrete sub is a little backed up. Really? I hate, absolutely hate that I now doubt almost everything that he says and feel as if I can’t depend on him.
That Explains Things
Our GC told us that they are supposed to finish the excavating for the footings as well as the grading today and they will pour either tomorrow or Thursday. We’re still trying to get them to drill for the grade beams, however their reluctance is puzzling. Our luck they didn’t do it but again, I don’t understand how they could make this mistake since they’re on the plan, but that hasn’t prevented screwups so far. I did have an interesting conversation with one of the subs today. I stopped by this morning and asked them about some of the previous mistakes and he told me that the majority of the time our GC leaves the decisions up to the subs and that they very rarely see him at any of their jobs; before, during or after. Yep, confirms my suspicions of there being a lack of supervision. 15% for sitting on his rump and quarterbacking from his desk – just answers so many questions as to why a lot of the issues/mistakes/screw ups weren’t caught.
Another Sacrifice
We found out today that we will now only have 1 entrance connecting both basements, I would rather not expand on it but I’m sure you have an idea as to the root of it.
Our Structural Engineer is still concerned that we don’t have the appropriate grade beams laid within the foundation however the concrete sub “thinks” they did it but did admit that he was unsure. Our GC? As expected he remained quiet. He has no idea being that he didn’t visit the site from grading until the day framing was to begin.
Tip to All: Make sure you have a good Construction Manager as well as GC. One who will visit the project, takes an interest in it and values his clients.
Dig It Out and Shore It Up
Our Structural Engineer met (spoke) with our GC today and was informed that the majority of the dirt has been removed which will give them the ability to properly connect the expansion with the existing structure. Now they will need to build temporary supports to support the existing structure as what was previously constructed by our GC was insufficient and basically put the existing structure at risk of collapsing. 
Better Than Any Toy
What is encouraging is the fact that she laid out the order of what needs to be done as well as how to do it. She pressed our GC for a schedule, yep, you guessed it – he couldn’t even begin to provide one. I hate this feeling that has been created. It’s becoming obvious that our GC has basically drawn a line in the sand that there are two separate parties at work on our house. Us along with our Structural Engineer, and then him and his subs – we’re supposed to be working together as a team. I don’t like this setup and I’m growing highly concerned as to where this is going to lead.
Of Course
I found out today that our GC has yet to give our bank the required updated insurance information – why am I not surprised?
Morningside Renovation 