drywall problems in new house

It is actually rather hard to see, even on a larger picture, just how off square the walls are. Can you measure it with a level? I do know the tolerance on bowing of walls is 1/4" on 32" of the length, but that's a different thing - it assumes straight framing, bad drywall. In your case I think you are correct - it may be a framing issue. I am not aware of specific tolerances in this case. This could be an architectural feature for all you and I know at this point (highly unlikely if it simply looks off, I agree). The crack is a problem, and the builder will be happy to fix that, I am sure (because it's easy). While you have them out to asses the crack, do inquire about the straightness of the wall. I would be interested to know what they say. It is nearly impossible to fix at this point. But you may be able to come to some agreement or get compensated. I know a homeowner who had gotten a deck built for him as a compensation for a rather serious foundation related problem. The developer had fixed the foundation and thrown in a deck to keep the guy happy. This is likely not the same scale of an issue, but you may still be entitled to some compensation if they cannot fix what you don't like. I am assuming the house is still on their warranty, so the time to contact them would be right now.

Please post the results here, I an very intrigued by your case. Good luck!

Reply to
homeowners
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drywall problems in new house open original image
drywall problems in new house open original image
drywall problems in new house open original image
drywall problems in new house open original image

Hi,

We just bought a new house in Waterloo and noticed a few problems in the drywall. I understand drywall will never be perfectly straight, however since I'm not sure what the tolerance level is, I am putting up a few pictures.

Picture 1,2, & 3 - Drywall above the main door above the level of the door bends away from the vertical (not straight all the way to the ceiling) Picture 3 - Crack has appeared in the drywall below the railing above the main entrance. Again this is because the drywall at the second level is breaking away from the vertical.

Hopefully someone can take a look and advise if I should:

1) Is this framing issue? 2) Make fuss over it and ask the builder to fix it. 3) Is it a lot of work for the builder given the height of the wall which extends to the second level. 4) To what extent is the builder liable and obliged to fix these issues.

Any suggestions on how I should proceed/take it up would be appreciated.

Thanks

Monti. [IMG]

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Reply to
Monti

being a betting man, i'd bet this wall was framed in 2 sections instead of continuous studs from floor to ceiling. therefore creating a possibility of the two sections 'hinging' slightly in the middle.

Reply to
larryspaeth

Yeah, maybe, possibly, it could be a framing issue, but I really can't see framing that would ever be that bad as to not handle the weight of the roof. And, any such poor framing joints or intersections would crack-open the drywall constantly and not just very kindly bow. I totally agree with HomeOwner's instruction to put a claim in ASAP and hope you did.

- I think I'd have to consider it/them as nothing except Butt-Joints. All of the walls outside of the Door-Wall appear to be at about the 8-foot level, where the top drywall sheets abut them, equals poorly done Butt-Joints and a seam below the railing that likely has been there ever since the drywall was put up. Simple measurements can confirm this and below's situation.

- The Door-Wall looks the same, except the door wasn't around when the drywall was going in, so they put the full 8-foot long sheets down from the ceiling in that case and the Butt-Joint is therefore lower by as much as 2-feet. Assuming this is the case, these are all very quick and easy to permanently blend-out, everything would just need a re-painting afterwards.

Reply to
Anonymous

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