New Home Construction Question?

[TXSTDU]

I am building a new home in Navasota Texas and I am using a builder that is a semi-custom and half track builder.

My problem is this first they installed the sewer clean out in the middle of my driveway. The builder did say the pipe will be cut flush and a cap placed in it's place. When I talked to the builder they said the city said that location is the only place it could be located and there was nothing they could do. I kinda understand this but it is sure an eye sore.

Second issue is the walkway from the drive to the front door. My drive is sloped and they just took the walkway and butted it against the drive and slowly unsloped it as the walkway travels to the front door. When you walk on it the whole walkway feels like you are walking on the side of a hill. This issue really bothers me.

I haven't gone to the city for the building code yet because of the holidays but what do the builders on the green screen say my recourse could be? All I want is a good looking drive and a flat proper walkway.

[lameduck]

Who has control of the money?

[Johnybenchrest]

Ask the city about the clean out in the driveway personally . Fide walks always but into the drive on the same grade unless you have a step at the drive then there is more landscaping to be done

[txhunter33]

If you don't like the work that is put in place, make them fix it. Sidewalks generally have a cross slope of 2% max. It sounds like the builder didn't think of a solution but took the easy way when installing the sidewalk. As for the cleanout call the city, look at other homes in the area.

[Extremebowman]

Hard to really comment on clean out without seeing it, but for the most part they aren't movable. The developer puts them in with utilities approved by city. There is no way for them to know where your drive will be, right side or left.

As for the lead walk, also hard to comment without seeing. As for placement, is it in keeping with your site / plot plan? It will be hard to argue if it is. If its not then they should fix it. It should have some slope for run off, but not noticeable.

If you have any issues you need to address them now, once you close there is a degree of acceptance, much harder to get things fixed.

[BIG IRON]

Both sound like unique lot situations. Is the house pad considerably higher than the curb? There might have been an opportunity to use a step or 2 to reduce the slope. The city ( everywhere I built anyway) has no jurisdiction over lead walks.

[TXSTDU]

Here is the most current photo I have on my phone. You can see the pipe in the driveway and the cant of the walkway

[Mudslinger]

Cant really tell about the clean out pipe, but the front walk definitley looks like a screw up. A definite "make them fix it" moment.

[Bill M]

Is that a Stylecraft sign? I don't see the clean out in the driveway but I have to assume this is city sewer and that the tap is to the right of the drive. It is possible to keep it out of the driveway by running up the side of where the drive will be but it's a little late at this point without going to major expense. This is probably not an item that is in the specs either. They can put a flush trim on the clean out that looks fine. With the slope on the driveway it would be difficult to butt it any other way without creating a place for folks to trip. I'm curious why they poured (driveway and sidewalk) so early?

[curtintex]

The clean out is no big deal and will actually make it easier to access, unless it ever has to be dug up and then you're screwed. Here's what you do: have your builder provide and install a cast iron cleanout boot over your clean out. Your clean out will be below the surface of the driveway and the boot will sit around it and have a nice cast iron lid that sits flush with the driveway and look much nicer than a PVC cap sitting flush.

The sidewalk looks as if they had no choice unless you wanted a step at the driveway...I wouldn't.

[eagles405]

Not a builder... but one option for the sewer clean out is to find a nice/decorative cast iron plate and cut the pipe a few inches below the driveway and cover the section with the cast iron plate. It should not be too hard to do with a concrete saw.

[Black Ice]

I have a home in Charlotte NC and my sewer clean out is in the driveway. When I first moved in I was like what's this but after a while I didnt even notice it.

[Stuck]

OOOH, you have a long way to go. Lot of sausage left to be made there. Pick your battles.

[Cam-Mac]

What does your contract say about situations where you're not happy with the product?

[Clintbow]

It's your money. If you aren't happy, tell him to fix it before too much time passes. Builders are notorious for doing things their way and not listening to the buyer. They just have this mentality of finishing the job as soon as they can! You've got to raise hell and let him know you are his boss.