Pyrite

RFL09

Hi all
I would appreciate some feed back on this as I may have the same problem in my own house (location not disclosed at this point)
I noticed that up to 20 houses in Tayluers Point in Rush Co. Dublin are having major work carried out to sort this Pyrite issue out.
Who is actually paying for this work?

What if the developer is no longer trading - where do I go then?

Regards

Very Confused!

Niall Keane

There's a group action on this, I think 20m has been spent on fees so far, 60m damages sought. Homebond gave guarantees, grey area, will be in the courts for a long time.

Under traditional contract builder would be responsible for construction and workmanship, if it’s a design/build the developer could be the builder and be responsible. Under building regulations one is obliged to design and build in accordance with such, which for the builder includes materials fit for purpose.

The legal argument goes, the builders are blaming the supplier / quarry, saying that they acted in good faith, and Homebond having given the guarantee are also in the thick of it, but it seems that they now cannot afford to pay out, makes you wonder about all insurances!

Time is the major factor, the longer you leave the pyrite in place the less likely your house will survive!

I think this really needs central government to intervene.

RFL09

Thanks for the reply Niall,

From reading up on the whole issue it appears that €3000 - €4000 has to be spent on testing and engineers reports to prove that pyrite is present before anything can be done
Who pays for this?
I assume that each house hold will have to foot this bill
What happens if the developer and the quarry who supplied the stone are both gone out of business

This is a huge problem for thousands of people who are struggling to make ends meat never mind dealing with all of this.
Surely this justifies government action ahead of toxic loans!

Replies much appreciated!

bazzachazza

I also have this issue.

Our builder has admitted there is a problem with our home and many many others where I live (not in Dublin but near). He is currently repairing homes fair ****s to him its costing him a fortune.

He has sued insurance company no joy, currently suing quarry who's fault it is ultimately as they were negligent in doing no checks on quality of hardcore they were supplying, but that will take years If this suit fails we are left at the grace of the builders and him fixing the problem out of his own pocket. Currently he is trying to secure funds from a bank. What chance of that in this current climate.

So far we have had test done. It proved positive. The builder is paying for this it roughly costs €2000 per home to do and wait time is about 4-6 weeks for test and up to 12 weeks for result due to demand.

The repair to the home will cost €55000+ per home and we have as yet got no date for when they will do the work, which is our biggest worry at the moment.

Homebond is not worth **** to anyone other than telling a perspective buyer that you have it. Note your house is unsaleable if you have Pyrite. Max €500000 bond per ESTATE. So in our case they will contribute €2000 to repairs but we wont get a penny as the entire fund has been used up.

If builder disappears like the rest of them then you can try sue him but that will cost you money which is better saved to repair your home. Our solicitor told me honestly not to bother with this route as whats the point suing someone/something that no longer exists and has no money. Suing could cost us €10000 per day in court.

The builder so far has been very good to us and everyone else here where we lived and has done a fantastic job so far. At least 26 homes have been repaired if not more. Here's hoping he keeps up the good job till we get ours done at least.

RFL09

Thanks for that

Sounds like a good honest builder
I think the developer in my case may be gone bust (am checking it out at the moment )
I know that the quarry who supplied the stone closed down some time ago- I guess they saw the train coming down the tracks!
Not sure of best way to approach this, however I guess that the first step is proving that Pyrite is the problem

Best of luck with fixing the problem!

Anyone else out there with this problem? Especially in the Rush/Lusk area!

bazzachazza

Depending on the development of the cracks you may have time.

Mine are slow to expand and I reckon I have at least 5 years before it becomes a serious issue, friend of mine is getting his house fixed in next few months his cracks are huge he can't close any doors some cracks were over a centimetre wide.

My point is don't panic you have time, I'm in my house 5 years and reckon I will be here 10 years before its an issue.

Peter Sweeney

Would not recommend leaving the pyrite issue any longer then you have to.
In a worst case scenario the longer you leave it the greater the damage caused by the swelling, which under certain circumstances may lead to spreading of the exterior rising walls. The rising walls are what supports the main exterior and interior structural walls. If this problem occurs it maybe more cost effective to knock the entire property and start again.

prech101

Hi,

I have been trying to sort this issue out for 4 years now.

firstly govt. want nothing to do with it, Gormely firmly washed his hands of the issue 2/3 years ago and continues to do so, stating its an issue between builder and buyer.

Homebound: where to start, firstly its a scam, i have been informed by homebound which you have to take out when buying your home (not sure what the cost is) but they are also trying to wash there hands of the issue stating 3 - 4 grand per house is all they have. Whats the point of taking out insurance (mandatory insurance) if a problem arises and they refuse to deal with it, just keep sending me back to builder. the very existance of this company should now be called into question,, no doubt the galway tent boys are involved in this one.

As prev poster stated, problem will get worse as time goes by, i have probs opeening front door, some internal doors downstaris no longer close and the cracks are getting wider and starting to creep aling the cellings in my home.
it also puts you in limbo, no point doing anything to your home because in the end it has to get ripped out,, or falls down.

Put this on top of the rest of the current pobs faced by the country and its citzens and I can tell you, i have not known stress like it,, i am just completely discourged as the legal system just puts barriers up in front of you one after another and company law protects the theives not the average joe who has been robbed (AGAIN)


regards

Pyrite Princess

RFL09 wrote: »

Thanks for that

Sounds like a good honest builder
I think the developer in my case may be gone bust (am checking it out at the moment )
I know that the quarry who supplied the stone closed down some time ago- I guess they saw the train coming down the tracks!
Not sure of best way to approach this, however I guess that the first step is proving that Pyrite is the problem

Best of luck with fixing the problem!

Anyone else out there with this problem? Especially in the Rush/Lusk area!

Hey there ! I am one of the Tayleurs Point Residents who is going to have to move out for remedial works ..... major pain, to put it mildly. If you want to pm me, I will fill you in on any details you need to know.

lube5150

i worked for some property developers over the boom era,,,,and i realy feel sorry for anyone that has or will have this problem,,,,i know of one quarry that supplyed us,,and most of west dublin with their stone,,,and it was full of pyrite,,,yet they had grade tests on it,,,i later discovered that the quarry in question were using stone from another quarry,,,and testing it as their own,,,,,dont want to say to much,,,,but it looks like this is only the start of another fine mess,,,,,,

Pyrite Princess

I'd say you are right ... its just the tip of the iceberg. It can take 10 to 15 years for pyritic damage to show. If I am ever in the housing market again, there's no way I would buy a house built in the timeframe 2003-2007 unless buyers can prove no pyrite present as having spoken extensively to the Core drilling & testing compny, this "Pyrite" quarried stone was cropping up in buildings all over Dublin, North and South County, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Offaly and Westmeath. And not just in homes, but in offices, shops, schools ..... it's going to be one major problem which the Government so far are largely ignoring. Aaaah, don't get me started. I've had over 2 years of it at this stage and I could write a book, I swear ........

antiskeptic

Janey Mac - what a horrorific thing to happen to anyone!

Compare to what the Quebec government are doing in response to the same problem.

Who pays the cost of the program?

• The Québec government provides at least 62.5% of the financial assistance granted.
• The Canadian government contributes 25%.
• The participating municipalities are expected to provide up to 12.5%.

http://www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca/en/programmes/pyrite.html

BDSC1964

Folks,
the best course of action is to get a qualified engineers report. these are available for a lot less than €4,000 which I see people citing.
Depending on your type of insurance this should be reclaimable.

barryt1975

Hi all, I live in North Dublin and only got confirmation last week that our 2005 4 bed semi has pyrite. We contacted the builder late 2009 [not the most proactive builder by a long stretch], and got fobbed off, but after speaking to our neighbours we as a group agreed that something had to be done. WE independently got the property surveyed by struct engineer and sent the builder & homebond [homebond a complete waste of time] the results. got the house tested and last week builder confirmed Pyrite. He says he'll fix it but keeps putting us on the long finger. There's about 15 homes that are effected but we think the entire estate 200 or so homes could be effected. think he's waiting for current high court case ruling [expected late 2011]. Feel disheartened with this whole thing.

My advise: act early, keep records, speak to your neighbours, act as a group and best of luck, don't let these buliders away with anything, know your rights

BDSC1964

Yes I believe the identification of it is one of the first stumbling blocks if you want to prove your case. I believe there is a company in city west that will do this for you. Try googling structural engineer.

bazzachazza

Try a call to DBFL they did ours.;)

BDSC1964

Just for the record and price comparison the company in city west is fahy fitzpatrick

pyriteworry

hi al

im looking for anyone who is r has dealt wit dublin city council regarding pyrite in homes wht have they done wht is the protocol needed and as tenant wht am i entitled to do. house built in 2002/2003 test bein done at present but defo looks and has al symptons of this headwreckin substance
any info greatly recieved

sinnerboy

barryt1975 wrote: »

WE independently got the property surveyed by struct engineer and sent the builder & homebond [homebond a complete waste of time] the results. got the house tested and last week builder confirmed Pyrite.

I am very sorry to hear of your troubles here . If you don't mind - can you share what form of test was used i.e. was your floor broken up to remove a sample ? Or was some electronic device used ?

pyriteworry

hi sinnerboy

floor was dug up and two sample of rock/foundation was taken

pyrite point

Pyrite Princess wrote: »

Hey there ! I am one of the Tayleurs Point Residents who is going to have to move out for remedial works ..... major pain, to put it mildly. If you want to pm me, I will fill you in on any details you need to know.

Hi Just wondering if you know....we have had test all boxes came back ticked bar the sulpher levels box...less then 1%...do you know what that means????? Would appreciate the advise.xxx:rolleyes:

Pyrite Princess

pyrite point wrote: »

Hi Just wondering if you know....we have had test all boxes came back ticked bar the sulpher levels box...less then 1%...do you know what that means????? Would appreciate the advise.xxx:rolleyes:

Not really sure what the sulphur implications are, but was told by Premier that once you prove "cause" and "effect" then they admit liability ("cause" being the presence of pyrite levels and "effect" being the damage it has caused usually in the form of pyritic upheaval to the floors and walls - in our case it was necessary to have a ground floor level survey carried out). I'm sure since we started, Premier may have changed their protocol but your testing company should be able to advise re the implications of sulphur. Good Luck to you .... it's a nightmare but try and stay positive. Two years ago when we started this whole process, we were completely at sea but now we will be moving back into our home following the remedial works in the next few months so fingers crossed it will all work out for you too.

pyrite point

Pyrite Princess wrote: »

Not really sure what the sulphur implications are, but was told by Premier that once you prove "cause" and "effect" then they admit liability ("cause" being the presence of pyrite levels and "effect" being the damage it has caused usually in the form of pyritic upheaval to the floors and walls - in our case it was necessary to have a ground floor level survey carried out). I'm sure since we started, Premier may have changed their protocol but your testing company should be able to advise re the implications of sulphur. Good Luck to you .... it's a nightmare but try and stay positive. Two years ago when we started this whole process, we were completely at sea but now we will be moving back into our home following the remedial works in the next few months so fingers crossed it will all work out for you too.

Hi thanx.. Yep our testing company thnk we b ok as we have damage and abudent frambodial pyrite......Had floor level survey etc...i'm just panicking as haven't heard back off premier yet with a desision and heard they like sulphervlevels levels to be higher...oh well will just have to wait it out and see!thank again.xxxxxxxx

bazzachazza

pyrite point wrote: »

Hi thanx.. Yep our testing company thnk we b ok as we have damage and abudent frambodial pyrite......Had floor level survey etc...i'm just panicking as haven't heard back off premier yet with a desision and heard they like sulphervlevels levels to be higher...oh well will just have to wait it out and see!thank again.xxxxxxxx

Welcome to the gang we have been waiting two years to get sorted, don't expect a quick fix.

Others have been waiting 4 years and still haven't been fixed.

I'm with a different builder by the way, and he is fixing home's. Just be lucky you don't live in Dublin they are waiting on their builder to sue the quarry in the High court and they will likely have to wait another 2-3 years for a result on that and they have been waiting 3-4 years already.

This is by no means a fast process:mad::(

pyrite point

bazzachazza wrote: »

Welcome to the gang we have been waiting two years to get sorted, don't expect a quick fix.

Others have been waiting 4 years and still haven't been fixed.

I'm with a different builder by the way, and he is fixing home's. Just be lucky you don't live in Dublin they are waiting on their builder to sue the quarry in the High court and they will likely have to wait another 2-3 years for a result on that and they have been waiting 3-4 years already.

This is by no means a fast process:mad::(

Thank.....I know....nitemare...have known needed to get test dun for ages but put on long finger.getting sorted now tho.gud luc wiv yours.thanks.xxxxx

Pyrite Princess

pyrite point wrote: »

Hi thanx.. Yep our testing company thnk we b ok as we have damage and abudent frambodial pyrite......Had floor level survey etc...i'm just panicking as haven't heard back off premier yet with a desision and heard they like sulphervlevels levels to be higher...oh well will just have to wait it out and see!thank again.xxxxxxxx

You are well on the way so. Our sulphur levels were low enough too - just above 1%, but ground floor survey showed huge inconsistencies. Our final paperwork just went into Premier in January of this year. It took a further 5-6 months to get a decision out of them but once liability was admitted this Summer, the whole process moved quickly enough with our remedial works almost complete now. On the bright side (if you could call it that), at least you are with Premier - same as ourselves. Please feel free to pm me if you want as I am more than happy to share our experience of dealing with Premier - if it is helpful to you..... Again, Best of Luck !

pyrite point

Pyrite Princess wrote: »

You are well on the way so. Our sulphur levels were low enough too - just above 1%, but ground floor survey showed huge inconsistencies. Our final paperwork just went into Premier in January of this year. It took a further 5-6 months to get a decision out of them but once liability was admitted this Summer, the whole process moved quickly enough with our remedial works almost complete now. On the bright side (if you could call it that), at least you are with Premier - same as ourselves. Please feel free to pm me if you want as I am more than happy to share our experience of dealing with Premier - if it is helpful to you..... Again, Best of Luck !

Thanks will keep in touch for sure. Hopefully have news soon...will let you know wen we do and will pick your brain over premier!!!xxxx

whacker4fun

Okay folks. I have worked on various pyrites cases.
Firstly, do not leave it for 10 years, if you have any inclination that it may be pyrite, get a competent engineer out straight away. It is sometimes very difficult to spot on a visual inspection and thus the engineer should or will insist on a sample of the sub grade to be tested. There is huge knock on effects of leaving the pyrite to swell, let alone the increase cost in fixing things that have only recently appeared. The swelling can push out the rising walls, floor slab, internal pipes, etc and they in turn can damage the structure above ground.
The test is fairly simple and it involves a small opening being cut in your floor slab and DPM, and backfill/subgrade being removed, the subgrade should be taken from as far down as possible to increase the test's sample area. I have seen where numerous test have been carried out in floor slabs, and 2 of the 3 have come back negative but one was positive.
The next problem is the testing procedures and guidelines, the problem came from nowhere and the exact protocol is vague and controversial. However alot of the major companies involved in these cases have improved their knowledge and understanding of such.
With regards to the results, there is different sulphate results and recommendation levels but the total sulphur content is very important. This is a direct factor in the formation of pyrite. In general the total sulphate content should not exceed 1% and in my opinion if its over 0.1% I would recommend a second sample of the sub grade be tested in a different location.
Finally, the main reason the contractors are slow to carry out the works is they are losing so much money. They are trying to sue different companies for different reasons while the main argument between Lagan and ^*^^&% has been thrown from the courts and looks like lasting a very long time indeed. Another reason being that they are discussing with different engineers/scientists what are acceptable values of sulphur in sub grade, in the hope that they can reduce the amount of houses that require remedial work.

pyrite point

Thanks so much.guess will just have to wait and see then. Our sulpher levels are less than 1% so still not too sure what this means!! Will wait and see what premier come back with.xxxxx

pyriteworry

Pyrite Princess wrote: »

Hey there ! I am one of the Tayleurs Point Residents who is going to have to move out for remedial works ..... major pain, to put it mildly. If you want to pm me, I will fill you in on any details you need to know.

hi pyrite princess ive bein tryin to pm u and cannot i have alot of questions im hopin u can help wit but i dont knw how to pm tru this ???

pyriteworry

whacker4fun wrote: »

Okay folks. I have worked on various pyrites cases.
Firstly, do not leave it for 10 years, if you have any inclination that it may be pyrite, get a competent engineer out straight away. It is sometimes very difficult to spot on a visual inspection and thus the engineer should or will insist on a sample of the sub grade to be tested. There is huge knock on effects of leaving the pyrite to swell, let alone the increase cost in fixing things that have only recently appeared. The swelling can push out the rising walls, floor slab, internal pipes, etc and they in turn can damage the structure above ground.
The test is fairly simple and it involves a small opening being cut in your floor slab and DPM, and backfill/subgrade being removed, the subgrade should be taken from as far down as possible to increase the test's sample area. I have seen where numerous test have been carried out in floor slabs, and 2 of the 3 have come back negative but one was positive.
The next problem is the testing procedures and guidelines, the problem came from nowhere and the exact protocol is vague and controversial. However alot of the major companies involved in these cases have improved their knowledge and understanding of such.
With regards to the results, there is different sulphate results and recommendation levels but the total sulphur content is very important. This is a direct factor in the formation of pyrite. In general the total sulphate content should not exceed 1% and in my opinion if its over 0.1% I would recommend a second sample of the sub grade be tested in a different location.
Finally, the main reason the contractors are slow to carry out the works is they are losing so much money. They are trying to sue different companies for different reasons while the main argument between Lagan and ^*^^&% has been thrown from the courts and looks like lasting a very long time indeed. Another reason being that they are discussing with different engineers/scientists what are acceptable values of sulphur in sub grade, in the hope that they can reduce the amount of houses that require remedial work.

hi there i had my home tested samples taken result came bac worded indicates presence of pyrite but futher testin needs to be done in near future argghhh but yet they are still tryin to say no confirmation on pyrite (confused) wht other testin has to be done and how long does it take to complete.. these crack are on goin for 3yrs+ always told they were settlin crack bullsh*t do walls/ceilins doorframes and windows etc if they are cracked have to come down any help/info u can give would be gr8 stressed to bits is not the word my head is like my home crackin up

whacker4fun

pyriteworry wrote: »

hi there i had my home tested samples taken result came bac worded indicates presence of pyrite but futher testin needs to be done in near future argghhh but yet they are still tryin to say no confirmation on pyrite (confused) wht other testin has to be done and how long does it take to complete.. these crack are on goin for 3yrs+ always told they were settlin crack bullsh*t do walls/ceilins doorframes and windows etc if they are cracked have to come down any help/info u can give would be gr8 stressed to bits is not the word my head is like my home crackin up

Sorry for the very very late response.
Okay that is very vague, the further tests should have been straight away. See what happens is you can test a sample under the floor slab say in your kitchen, and it can come back with very small amounts, but you can test another sample taken a few metres away say in your hallway and that can be conclusive with a high sulphur content...
Testing generally takes 6-8weeks as its sent to laboratories in the UK.
If the samples are conclusive to say a high sulphur level which lead to pyrites, then effectively you must move house to have the appropriate remedial works done. Yes all the door frames will have to come out, what happens is, depending on the amount of damage done, the ground floor slab is dug up from inside the house, the contaminated fill is completely removed, new fill material put down and the floor slab reinstated.
Then the cosmetic remedial works take place, cracks/walls plastered, doors fixed, ceilings re plaster etc, this depends on the extent of the damage and the amount of cash the builder has!

DaDa

(Long read... but essentially we need a great structural Engineer who will help us past the final hurdles with Homebond. We have all the reports/probe tests/and further evidence of structural change)

I am a home owner in an estate where 8 houses claimed through Homebond, structural issues that needed to be addressed.
To say that each house had to go through the most nightmarish experience at the hands of (one person in) Homebond is the understatement of "ever".
7 houses eventually had the remedial ground works completed. We are house number 8.
We happened to have milder evidence (cracks ...etc.) so it's a tougher battle with Homebond than ever for us :mad:

The order of events:

1. JUL '08: Visual Survey carried out by "Engineering Firm X" as per Homebond request. That Visual Survey suggests

"...maybe as a result of ground floor slab heaving..."
"...may be due to defective stone infill under ground floor slab expanding..."

2. AUG '08 a more significant survey was carried out by "Engineering Firm Y" under the supervision of "Firm X" (sanctioned by Homebond). This involved probes around the perimeter of the house. One probe inside.

3. NOV '08, while waiting for this detailed report we wrote to Homebond and included photos of new significant cracks.

4. JAN '09 (while still waiting on the report) we wrote to Homebond and included evidence of even more new cracks.

5. May '09 we eventually received the detailed report. Incredibly Homebond does not propose to carry out any remedial works, even though at this stage the other 7 houses have remedial works complete or at least agreed upon. The very detailed & technical report outlines a number of things such as:

* 11 deep probes (all outside the perimeter of the house)
* 1 inside probe (much less deep)
* 2 window samples (outside)
* Material type and colours at various depths
* Limestone / Mudstone references and measurements
* Presence of Pyrite (and how much): borderline 1%
* Framboidal Pyrite: YES
* Difference between total sulphur and % sulphur in sulphate: 0.46% (Risk factor noted as needing to be >0.5%)
* Evidence for oxidization of pyrite: YES
* Is the fill laminated: YES
* Sulphate Crystal Formation: YES

From my layman's reading of this report we seem to be borderline.
However, based on the continuing cracks and bulges getting worse (unfortunately oh so very slowly) Homebond are treating us as parasites.

The final conclusion of this big report is to carry out another visual survey in the future to re-assess the defects.

6. AUG '10, We've waited a reasonable amount of time for a re-assessment. We send in to Homebond even more evidence.

7. SEP '10, Homebond visit and literally be-little the changes (verbally), and even after dozens of daily phonecalls asking for the next steps we are completely ignored. Throughout this we are sending solicitors letters to ask to keep things moving (to no avail)

6. TODAY (JAN '11): Compared to the original report dated JUL '08 we can show many new cracks & bulges that have increased in width & length.

You may ask by now where is our own Engineer in all this. Unfortunately he was not good, and we realised too late that he was doing nothing useful for us.

So... if you've got this far, what we really need now is a "Great" Engineer to represent us. Come take a look. Read the original reports. Re-assess & measure the changes since that report and help represent us. I have measured with a simple school-child's ruler and some 0.25mm cracks are reading 2mm to me, but Homebond won't entertain my measurements.

Can you recommend a tough talking structural Engineer, especially one with knowledge/experience in this area? A precedent (for what it's worth) has been set in our estate with 7 of the 8 claims being dealt with and fixed. We need that final push and can only get it from an Engineer who can support us.

If so please PM me as soon as you can.
All other public advice welcome too.

Thanks!

pyrite point

Oh god poor you.. Well we went with moylans who have been great for us.... 6 months since we had test we will prob be moving out in next 6 weeks for remidial works!!! Fast movers!!! However that was with premier as our insurers where you living? God feel bad for you what a nitemare. Xxx

pyriteworry

whacker4fun wrote: »

Sorry for the very very late response.
Okay that is very vague, the further tests should have been straight away. See what happens is you can test a sample under the floor slab say in your kitchen, and it can come back with very small amounts, but you can test another sample taken a few metres away say in your hallway and that can be conclusive with a high sulphur content...
Testing generally takes 6-8weeks as its sent to laboratories in the UK.
If the samples are conclusive to say a high sulphur level which lead to pyrites, then effectively you must move house to have the appropriate remedial works done. Yes all the door frames will have to come out, what happens is, depending on the amount of damage done, the ground floor slab is dug up from inside the house, the contaminated fill is completely removed, new fill material put down and the floor slab reinstated.
Then the cosmetic remedial works take place, cracks/walls plastered, doors fixed, ceilings re plaster etc, this depends on the extent of the damage and the amount of cash the builder has!

ok thks for reply goin into the 6 month of waitin for further testin to be done nothin happenin lots more cracks big one goin rite cross ceilin.. frames of doors are startin to split too and still nothing bein done in every room i have cracks.. at my wits end at this stage as ov 3yrs now this goin on and i can put up wit the cracks much longer i am seriously worried abt one in ceilin

DaDa

pyrite point wrote: »

Oh god poor you.. Well we went with moylans who have been great for us.... 6 months since we had test we will prob be moving out in next 6 weeks for remidial works!!! Fast movers!!! However that was with premier as our insurers where you living? God feel bad for you what a nitemare. Xxx

Thanks pyrite point

Is it Moylan's Consulting Engineers on Fenian Street, Dublin 2?
Would you PM me a specific contact that you would recommend, somebody you found particularly helpful? Really really need an agressive Engineer who will be present for dealings wth Homebond.

Thanks.

BDSC1964

DaDa wrote: »

Thanks pyrite point

Is it Moylan's Consulting Engineers on Fenian Street, Dublin 2?
Would you PM me a specific contact that you would recommend, somebody you found particularly helpful? Really really need an agressive Engineer who will be present for dealings wth Homebond.

Thanks.

Dada I'm sorry to hear of your issues. I know quite a lot about what you are going through. I would advise you get a sharp solictior who will stamp an authority on this and start writing to Homebond. Homebond will then have to defend their postion and enter into dialogue, this will bring out their defense and once you have this it can be attacked legally or from an engineering point. I know of numerous cases like yours where the insurance company has gone to ground for several years.
The problem for the engineer is he has to stick to fact and I know that in other cases even though pyrite was present it was difficult to conclusively prove it caused the cracking. If you google 'pyrite' you will find several very good engineers but they must be allied with a sharp solicitor. It might be worth your while finding out who preprented the homeowners in the Lagan/Menolly case and taking it from there.
Best of Luck

Pyritehell

Hi all,
We looking for some advice please. We just recently discovered there has been houses confirmed in our estate with Pyrite. We have wrote to Homebond and have to wait 10-15 days before they will deal with us. I am outraged they wont test our house as we have many cracks and floor is visibly risen in kitchen. Should we wait to get tested as we need our neighbours get tested also as we're semi detached. Or would it be wiser to go ahead and get an engineer in to do the core test??
Could we pass on the fee to Homebond by any chance?
Any recommendations as how we should proceed?
We're seriously worried about our house as in nearly 7 years and have clacks upstairs also.:mad::mad::mad:
Also any recommendations of a sharp solicitor would be great too - Need get in touch with one right now as dont feel safe in house and need it to get fixed. LeVelle & Coman - Has anybody any delaings with these? Have heard Arthur Cox very expensive....
We at our wits end - Cant sleep with worry
Please help
Thanks

BDSC1964

Pyritehell
If you wish to PM me I can give you names etc.

whacker4fun

pyriteworry wrote: »

ok thks for reply goin into the 6 month of waitin for further testin to be done nothin happenin lots more cracks big one goin rite cross ceilin.. frames of doors are startin to split too and still nothing bein done in every room i have cracks.. at my wits end at this stage as ov 3yrs now this goin on and i can put up wit the cracks much longer i am seriously worried abt one in ceilin

okay, from reading what you have noted, my opinion would be that it is definitely pyrites.
Someone just mentioned it here, you need a solicitor to push your case along and a structural engineer.

whacker4fun

[qoute
* Presence of Pyrite (and how much): borderline 1%
* Framboidal Pyrite: YES
* Difference between total sulphur and % sulphur in sulphate: 0.46% (Risk factor noted as needing to be >0.5%)
* Evidence for oxidization of pyrite: YES
* Is the fill laminated: YES
* Sulphate Crystal Formation: YES

From my layman's reading of this report we seem to be borderline.
However, based on the continuing cracks and bulges getting worse (unfortunately oh so very slowly) Homebond are treating us as parasites.
QUOTE]

What I am reading there is sufficient proof of pyrite, your not borderline. As I mentioned here previously, total sulphur content of 0.1% is enough to assume significant pyrite content to cause heave.
You MUST get a solicitor involoved with and engineer.

mayfly757

Hi, we have just been confirmed with pyrite, in fact the experts said they had never seen such a high level! 6%!, my question is as its very agressive how soon would we have to have the repair works done? we are seeing alot of heaving going on inside house, anyone know what such high levels means for us?

BDSC1964

It's difficult to determine how bad things will get and how quickly it will deteriorate. 1% is the threshold when it comes to determining whether pyrite is causing the damage so these results are six times higher. If you are making a claim on your insurance you will have to wait till this is paid out. Usually when agreement is reached with their Engineer it's about eight weeks. But I believe Premier Guarantee have their own Engineers who carry out the works so chase them they are very busy.

AJPA

Hi all - Just reading some of your posts re pyrite and i am currently waiting for results back - Told to wait 6- 8 weeks but now into week 11. Its affordable housing 50/50 from DCC. They are very slow to respond to emails or phone calls and in some cases no responses. I fear the cost of a solicitor but its probably my only option as the statute of limitations expires next year and can only be halted thru legal proceedings. The house is in bits and we dont know yet if it is Pyrite. Either way someone has to be held responsible. If it is Pyrite do I have the right to be re-housed and contract transferred. Probably never sell the house in the future so i should be making my Financial decisions now. Cut my losses. The seller has more rights than the buyer. I said i wud cease payments in the past and this got them moving. Continued payments but I cannot use that wild card again. They said they wud take me to court. If worse comes to worse i think i will take my chances and cease payments. Then face eviction / reposession. It wouldnt bother me if they took back the "kip". I would appreciate any info re solicitors that dont cost an arm and a leg as i dont think there are any "no win no fee" solicitors getting involved with these issues.

mayfly757

hi there, there is an group called pyrite action group, facebook link is
[URL="mhtml:{28FF816D-5659-4F2D-B65A-55AF97BDE7A8}mid://00000431/!x-usc:http://www.facebook.com/PyriteAction"]www.facebook.com/PyriteAction[/URL] , this is the group for all the pyrite affected houses who have nowhere to turn. A contact email is as follows Pyrite Action <pyriteaction@gmail.com> , they may be able to help you with lots of info.

nicebutdim

mayfly757 wrote: »

hi there, there is an group called pyrite action group, facebook link is
[URL="mhtml:{28FF816D-5659-4F2D-B65A-55AF97BDE7A8}mid://00000431/!x-usc:http://www.facebook.com/PyriteAction"]www.facebook.com/PyriteAction[/URL] , this is the group for all the pyrite affected houses who have nowhere to turn. A contact email is as follows Pyrite Action <pyriteaction@gmail.com> , they may be able to help you with lots of info.

I was just going to post this. It's a completely non political, voluntary organisation. The group presented to the Working Group set up to deal with Pyrite issue ( among others ) in the Houses of the Oireachtas today at 4pm, and should get a mention on the RTE 9 news this evening

John7610

Can anyone recommend me a building contractor that can carry out all remedial works involved in a pyrite effected building??? thanks.

bazzachazza

<Snip>

Please read the forum charter.

John7610

Anyone had their house repaired, any idea of how much it would cost to just do the floors??1200 sq foot house?? Thanks.

bazzachazza

John7610 wrote: »

Anyone had their house repaired, any idea of how much it would cost to just do the floors??1200 sq foot house?? Thanks.

Our house is 1150sqft and it cost us €20000 for the floors and the associated removing and reinstalling of woodwork and kitchen and fireplace.

We were however told it should cost about €5000 less.

Total time for just that work was two weeks. But it takes longer to organise tiles tiler etc etc.

BDSC1964

As a past consultant I know houses were costing about €30k minimum in 1010/2011. If a group of residents get together it might be about €20-€25k