Who maintains Green Roof during a house build?

igilvarry

House build in progress under RIAI contract.

Included is a Green Roof which was installed recently by a nominated sub-contractor. After the installation the nominated sub-contractor provided a set of instructions associated with maintaining the Green Roof to ensure that it beds down successfully which includes watering, topping up with fertiliser, weeding out plants that have seeds showing etc. The builder is refusing to do this work. Instead he is suggesting I should do it. This despite the fact he was paid MCD associated with the PC Sum for the Green Roof.

I think that it is not normal practice that a builder instructs a client to maintain a part of the house before Practical Completion.

Any thoughts on this in context of what RIAI contract states in this area?

gman2k

I would get a quote from the specialist installer of the green roof for maintenance etc for the duration of the main contract.
This should be forwarded to you builder and tell him that you will deduct same from his contract.
If he refuses to do it, the cost of remedying the green roof will be greater, and an even greater deduction will be made from his contract.
Until practical completion is reached and signed by your certifier, you have no business to be on the site.
The problem is of course that this is work which he will not have adequate experience in doing, and he will make a mess of it if left to his own devices.
In my opinion, it would be akin to the builder saying he cleaned the rooms out once at an early stage, and he will not do it again, as you should be doing it, seeing it is your house. This is of course a nonsense.

DOCARCH

If it was not specified in the original contract that the builder was to maintain the green roof after installation by a sub-contrcator, and you insist he does, I would suggest he may have a valid claim for an extra (payment).

Of course a builder has a duty to protect items/installations by nominated sub-contrcators - I would suggest maintenance is a different matter.

If the required maintenance is with regard to bedding in, etc., it could be argued that the nominated sub-contractor has not in fact completed the installation?

Mellor

I disagree gman2k.

If its not in the contract documents then he doesn't have to do it. It should of been under the specification for the gree rof that it needs to be maintained until hand over.

how long is left on the build?
The green roof should be one of the very last things installed.

Jimmy Garlic

It's your baby. End of story. Buy a strimmers and a ladder.

rayjdav

I would tend to agree with Mellor on this. The fact that it was a Nominated Sub Contractor, and if not specified within the scope of the original contract, then I don't see how the builder can be "responsible" for the maintainance.

gears

I have to agree with previous posts, if you have a lawn laid prior to completion to wouldnt expect the builder to get out a mower, you could resonably expect that he would do what he could to avoid damage but thats it.