Waiting on safety file for completed project

werenotthere

Residential refurb and extension on period home finished last March.

Unfortunately unknown to me at the time appointed a dodgy architect and his recommended builder. Project was delayed and not finished properly, left the place a state tbh, didn't follow spec etc

Large number of issues which I am getting an independent survey done and potentially going legal.

I am still waiting on the safety file. I have requested it at least 5 times over the last 6 months. Why would they not send it to me? It was a total cowboy job. What info would be in the safety file that they don't want me seeing? Subbies not providing certs etc


I dont have much experience in construction.
Thanks for any help!

Doop

Getting the safety file is always a pain in the a*s. Presume a retention sum was held back? Just dont release the retention until you have everything you need and are satisfied.

DOCARCH

Did you formally appoint a Health & Safety PSDP (Project Supervisor Design Process)?

Patches oHoulihan

My guess is that it doesnt exist if he was a cowboy. As @ Docarch said your PSDP should have this, or PSCS. (PM)

Request everything in writing on an individual basis. Email with delivery and read receipt activated. Send a standard letter also by.
registered post

You should look for

Constructions and As-Built Drawings
Drawings of utility entry points/isolation points/draingage
Certificate of overall compliance with relevant building codes/listed building
Materials and Equipment specs ( Walls/Floors/Ceilings/Doors etc)
BOQ/Procurement information
Individual systems/install certs of compliance/test/commission certs
O&M Manuals

If they dont have one that has been continually updated throughout the project I think you will struggle

DOCARCH

PSDP would normally compile/issue safety file.

werenotthere

DOCARCH wrote: »

Did you formally appoint a Health & Safety PSDP (Project Supervisor Design Process)?

I am guessing the architect was the psdp, it was the white slip riai contract?

Architect and engineer tell me that they are waiting on contractor to send them documents. Its been nearly 12 months

Retention is being held back but value to put right defects list is larger than retention... the whole thing is a mess

Doop

Quite likely your arch was PSDP. Did you sign a letter of appointment for PSDP?

DOCARCH

Doop wrote: »

Quite likely your arch was PSDP. Did you sign a letter of appointment for PSDP?

Yes. Appointment of PSDP is supposed to be in writing.

It does not necessarily have to be the architect and role of PSDP is not a standard architectural service.

Guide for homeowners here: https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Publications_and_Forms/Publications/Construction/homeowners_guidance.pdf

werenotthere

Yes architect was PDSP.

Their minds were on a different job and I'd say neither of them kept the safety file updated.

I am getting a blank everytime I ask for it.

I have found that they have billed me for some expensive materials when a cheaper alternative was used.

I have been in touch with solicitors and a engineer to do a full survey of the property, there are alot more and serious issues than no safety file.



Thanks everyone for your help

Gumbo

werenotthere wrote: »

I am guessing the architect was the psdp, it was the white slip riai contract?

Architect and engineer tell me that they are waiting on contractor to send them documents. Its been nearly 12 months

Retention is being held back but value to put right defects list is larger than retention... the whole thing is a mess

werenotthere wrote: »

Yes architect was PDSP.

Their minds were on a different job and I'd say neither of them kept the safety file updated.

I am getting a blank everytime I ask for it.

I have found that they have billed me for some expensive materials when a cheaper alternative was used.

I have been in touch with solicitors and a engineer to do a full survey of the property, there are alot more and serious issues than no safety file.



Thanks everyone for your help

Your guessing or your sure?

This is important.

werenotthere

Gumbo wrote: »

Your guessing or your sure?

This is important.

Just checked it, it was actually the engineer.

He is just saying he is waiting on the contractor to send him documents.

How can I speed them up?

Gumbo

werenotthere wrote: »

Just checked it, it was actually the engineer.

He is just saying he is waiting on the contractor to send him documents.

How can I speed them up?

The main thing is that someone was appointed so at least that’s sorted.
The contractor needs to hand over all documents and manuals etc

If the contractor is fully paid at this stage I’d say there’s little chance of getting it unless he’s a decent skin and goes out of his way to put together the required info.