www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

Evening all,
I did a joinery job before xmas (finished 6th december) for a local shop,there rear storeroom floor was rotten,someone had replaced 9 joists in the past but not properly,so i quoted to remove existing flooring( i was to discover 6 layers in places to strengthen floor ) remove and refit solid joists already fitted and replace 12no rotten originals,this also entailed removing/rebuild a studwork cloakroom as the floor etc ran underneath,i did this and and discovered a broken toilet pan so informed client (they said they would deal with toilet etc) i completed job and invited them (or an independant person) to inspect my work,they declined both and paid me,im a regular customer in the shop so have asked many times if all is ok and the reply is always "its great"......i get a phonecall on saturday from the female shop owner saying that a plumber had come to fit a new toilet but he was saying the floor is too low and the drains would have to be lowered ie not cheap,she phones me ranting and raving that its down to me etc! i pop in afetr speaking to a plumber friend who says its not uncommon and you just build a small plinth for the toilet to sit on (or plywood cut to pan shape), she seems happy and will speak to plumber to ask what the height difference is,she then phones me yesterday ranting again that the plumber returned with a joiner who says the new bathroom floor is unsafe! and its upto me to fix and she wants it done now! ,but she cant tell me why its unsafe? and seemily 2 joiners have said the same but she cant tell me why! im going to have a look at the floor but i constructed the whole floor the same way..........any advice on how i stand,im more than willing modify it within reason but she has waited 3 months to raise this point

Im a little concerned as to how i stand on this matter, sorry for the long story everyone.

Many thanks for any words of wisdom

Joe

I think if I was in the same position, I would be asking for a writen explanation of why the floor is aledgely 'un-safe' stateing the peoples names, date of theire inspection ect.

If the floor has gone back to it's orinal position, I fail to see why the toilet would be a problem, un-less it was sited on the the part that had been built up? but the plinth idea is not un-common, depending on how low it is, there are adjustable pan conectors availible.

I wuld also say that they are the ones that are on the 'sticky wicket' they turned down the opportunity of independant inspection, or inspecting them self, the fact that you have asked several times if all is well, goes in your favour, also the fact that you are willing to make good stands well for you, this is if they choose to get sh1.y and try Court action.

Personally, I caint see what they hope to gain in this?
Short of telling them to sod off, I would not take a great deal of notice, execept, on your next visit, get lot's of photo's, if? they turn nasty, and get somebody else in, this will be your evidence of your work.

Apart from that......

I can't advise anymore than WD has, but I'm curious what is meant by an un-safe floor. Keep us posted!

Doesn't make much sense to me, it sounds like they could be trying to pull a fast one!

If you have done the job properly you have no worry's
Try and get any future comunication on paper
I always take photos as a job progresses for future reference and proof of what has been done as most of the time work is covered over
Good luck

Thanks all,
I had pretty much the same feelings as you have all listed, a friend went into the shop last night for bread,and asked the woman shopkeeper what was wrong,as she looked stressed.....and some smart arse has said that building control might shut them down! Luckily im going in tomorrow to speak to them and investigate further,with regards to the floor level for toilet,its approx 2 '' lower due to the original 6 layers or laminate,lino and hardboard..........the fact that 2 supposed joiners have said its unsafe but not why is ringing alarm bells with me.

I shall keep you posted. ,with regards to the work being covered over,there is good access as there is a 6ft cellar under the floor,the building dates back to late 1700's,sorry should have mentioned this.

Many thanks

Joe

unsafe!!!!
is there a small step down !!!!

got to be something visible for 2 to say its unsafe unless they are going on what she says!!!

unsafe usualy just means somthing that can catch you out if your not paying attention

I went in today,and the only thing i can see is a cock up on my part,i forgot too add 2no 400 trimmers to support the very end of the ply floor next to the wall,if you stand on it it flex's but not a great deal,other than im stumped.......and some idiot has told her that building control are going to close her down.

Joe

Sounds about right, 'some idiot........', just caint see building control bothering with it, unless there is listed status on the building, but it would have to be grade 1, and then the owner would have had to obtain the correct permission.

Thats what i have said to the shopkeeper,we live in a small town and there are plenty of rumors flying about here,i think she is panicing that she gets closed down......

Right update.....managed to see the boss face to face ,told her to calm down and explain whats been said......it turns out,that apart fro my oversight on 2 support trimmers the main problem is the open staircase to the cellar (with balustrades all round),they agreed to it at the time,although now cant remember doing so and they want a flat hatch cover,ive agreed to change it as all materials are on site anyway and to keep the peace.........and 2 joists that someone has said are'nt on the foundation enough although they are)which im going to sister up the end 24"approx with 8x2"'s bolted through to please the woman.

When i asked why didnt you tell me you werent happy with the open staircase ,on the 3x weekly times im in the shop...her reply was "I didnt like too"! ....women!