Parapet wall drama - We had to leave site today

[@stevenwest3555]

Very diplomatically put , you have great patience !

[@richardhasler6718]

Darren, I always followed the motto 'Extras are extra'. If the client wants something additional to the original specification, they have to pay for it. Using a soldier course without a drip will lead to damp in the parapet wall, as others have said. You can build a drip into the wall, below the soldiers, using plain tiles and tie the soldiers into the inner leaf of the cavity blocks with wall ties to stabilise it but closing the cavity will still be a problem. You could use lead, zinc or aluminium flashing to close the cavity but again, you're going outside the traditional method, making a load of work for yourself and could still get problems with damp in the cavity at a later date.

[@DeanW-1990]

This is gonna be awkward when the client watches this video 😂

[@paulripley4095]

Yes Darren you need coping which overhanging with a drip strip so water drips clear if the brickwork obviously client is clueless, keep up the good work

[@paulacooke5466]

Great video. According to Building Regs, parapet walls should follow the 3 lines of defence principle. 1. Coping/capping - correctly installed, with robust weatherproof connections. 2. Horizontal DPC - A fully supported DPC, with sealed joints at laps, intersections 3. Cavity tray - correctly installed and continuous cavity tray, with sealed joints at laps, complete with weep holes. One point, the cavity tray should be set to fall the other way, from the inner to outer leaf, and not onto the flat roof. This is to avoid transferring moisture into the inner leaf and the building fabric below - this may mean installing weep holes through any render.

[@garysides636]

You're a very patient man and some people have great ideas but they need to be discussed in the infancy of the project to allow you to build ,upgrade or change spec to suit. I think it's great you do allow this but at what cost to you and your team ....time costs money as simple as that .... Well explained and delivered but I bet some days it's bloody frustrating

[@keithkench9432]

OH dear, this ain't going to end well, i'v been there myself and it's hard to keep cool. good luck lads.

[@coops6621]

what about a tile crease across the top to close the cavity then a couple of courses of plinth bricks slope towards the back to get you back to a 9" wall and top off with a brick on edge?

[@Joe-jv5mm]

Golden Rule in building, Stick to the Drawing's if the Client/ Architect mess up your backside is Covered, Agree to Contract, Extras Carried out after finished schedules work's are Completed, Don't work for free, if You give your Customer a inch he'll take your Arm

[@SuperLinuxAudioGuru]

All changes from the original drawing are an extra cost in my opinion, especially if you gave a price at the beginning. The only other way I can see around it would be that all changes are done as time work ( paid per hour , per man working on that extra change ) on top of your original price. Also there is a reason that he is the client and you are the contractor :)

[@anthonypowell3869]

Parapet walls are often vulnerable to design innovation by non structurally minded people. Every point you make is correct: there is a need for cavity tray, coping with drip edge and detailing to deal with thermal bridging. The internal flashing needs to run up and over the interal leaf as you mentioned. Aluminium capping still needs to provide for a drip edge on both sides but my choice would be concrete coping for a trouble free life. Good on you for leaving the decision to the Architect.

[@Sean006]

You have explained the problem to the client using valid reasons. The client has to work out a solution in unison with his architect. If that requires additional work - additional to the original design - then you will be justified in asking for added money for this work. Customer will then have to decide if he is willing to pay for the look he wants or go with the original design.

[@reggiedixon2]

My late father was an architect. I witnessed him sack clients over them insisting they ignored the plans and did stuff that contravened the regs or just was not good practice. Even as a kid I reasoned that in the end you save time and money not dealing with these people any more. For private work he never charged anything like the full rate because he felt sorry for people, so this just added insult.

[@riptiz]

Hi Darren, only way I can think of is. Cut blocks diagonally and bond to edge of brick. Cavity tray out of the back to roof and lay the soldier block combination on top of tray with vents out back. Would bridge the gap and you wouldn’t see the block. Aesthetically would be fine and strength wise. It would still go green in time but that’s down to the client to accept. Not sure if the bond that is used for bay window corners would be strong enough but this would certainly work. Would need to be a decent block that’s impervious to rain obviously.

[@lv9569]

Use aerolite blocks to span the gap, the a painter can come and do a color match after it's all set up, any time you need any more out of the box ideas let me know

[@leakybean501]

You are very patient Darren. If you are on a price then any changes to spec generally means revaluating the cost. I normally allow in the budget 'a little wiggle room', ill generally give a bit. Unfortunately some customers will try to take a mile. Good luck.

[@RichardNewell-gr8ow]

Hope it works out well for you dan

[@stuartjones2242]

I fibre glasses my flat roof and went over the parapet wall and made an edge stripe on the other side , all in one piece worked out well

[@Mulac19]

If you manage to work out a compromise with the client/architect, I'd be happy to quote for aluminium capping if required. Based in Northampton but can get it all made and sent down to you 👍

[@andrewbowley2901]

Only way I can think of getting around that issue Dan is to close the gap between brick and block and put a lead sheet over the top then put a double rowlock course in

[@pppscooby]

Alot of people saying move away from the job, i hope you don’t, client can change his mind if he wants, but just make sure he pays you extra, even if it delays you by an hour having to explain things to him, no one likes a builder who legs it when things get a but difficult.

[@janvanderrip]

I commend your honesty and work ethic Daz, unfortunately it seems the client has very little respect for you at the moment which is sad all round mate. Keep your chin up pal and good luck going forward, you are a good man with the patience of a saint.

[@curtw8827]

Very diplomatic explanation, IMO this whole complicated roof design is a leaker waiting to happen. Gee, it's a row house, not a standalone mansion.

[@grayeddolls]

Good for you, Darren. Keep on doin' it right! 😁

[@markdyballuk]

you're spot on Darren, extra work should be paid for and doing changes without drawings could lead to you being responsible down the line. hope you get it resolved.

[@Auprivaveproducers]

Bro - you are priceless. You've explained it perfectly. You clearly have an awkward client. Good job. With your skills, why on earth are you building in this country.?

[@fredsmith6725]

Well explained Daniel. In future how about putting in a contract clause, that all drawings must be full of all details andthat any deviations from the drawings will be charged as separate. 😊

[@johnb-beneficiary]

Darren is his name. Haha

[@fredsmith6725]

@@johnb-beneficiary Oops my bad, 😞, sorry Darren

[@shaneelson]

If you signed a contract to deliver a certain thing and then client then asks you to deliver something else, you charge that as an extra. Its called 'the profit margin'. Being the nice guy isn't always the best option, particularly when you are conscientious like you are.

[@adamditsell6148]

I think you’re right ref coping stones being the only real option now - it has always occurred to me that with parapet walls built in that way however the inner skin block work hanging up above the roof is a massive cold bridge…. Could you close the cavity with the roof deck, so the roof decking continues over to the outer skin. He can then have his solider course, with a lead flashing cut in to them going down to the deck (which now joins the outer skin). It also means that the inner block work is under the insulation and no longer a cold bridge.

[@acro270]

Darren, thanks for latest “fix” of your new build! I absolutely agree with you about the need for drawings and plans. I work in software and the number of times we are asked to make something without detailed requirements is amazing. Make sure everything is documented to CYA (cover your arse). Also, since the coping stones are wider than the wall doesn’t that help stop rain dripping down the wall? Since your building is physically attached to next door, you’d think that carrying some of the design elements between the two buildings would be a good thing. Anyway, you’re doing the right thing. Stay strong!

[@chrisdalton9849]

I have seen this scenario play out many times. The client's money is fast dwindling and the BUILDERS are getting tired, physically and mentally. RESULT - Frustrations boil over.

[@paulspickernell6875]

Well said, sometimes you have to stand your ground, reality v dreams, reality wins every time , dreams can end with a nightmare.

[@ADVANCED-DEMOLITION]

Draw your money and run as fast as you can.

[@adrianlydiate7197]

😂😂

[@controlrod81]

im not a builder, just do it the way your are supposed too you have explained things very well

[@mikey4814]

Mikey here, Hi Darren, I think you do your best for your clients, it’s a shame that the client didn’t correct things initially with the architect, as it is unfair for you to make changes that would cost you money and time, fare enough if he decided to change bathroom tiles for a different colour, but to expect you to change a important part of the structure is considered unfair, I think you guys have done a cracking job it really looks great, this is why I would really like you to reinstate my house 🏠, I know you are very busy but I am prepared to wait as I have limited trust with builders apart from you & your crew Will be in touch soon Best wishes Mikey

[@dciburnsidesniffsniff6119]

I’ll quote you for your job you need a good team of brickies

[@shanicarter7637]

Good on you for sticking to your guns, insisting on doing everything according to the drawings, insisting on receiving new drawings, and documenting these problems. The client picked the wrong builder if he wants a cowboy build. BTW: I suspected the build next door was low quality because I never saw them use a level when they were laying bricks.

[@dciburnsidesniffsniff6119]

The trays you say in the video did the neighbours builder do lead trays lot of builders now just buy 600mm lead and wrap over so it closes the cavity

[@rolandcook2556]

I’d add the contract cause that any changes to the scope and plans will be chargeable. This forces clients to think more carefully about whether they want that change.

[@Onhere6381]

Soldiered bricks like that will hold water and the wall will go green - besides its a detail that looks out if place

[@DIYLONDON]

Hey D, sorry for your stress bro, hard enough doing the build! Client seems to think he’s some sort of a designer, trying to In keep with his style what about, black slate tiles or granite coping? You could fill in the joints with black 2 part elastic filler, which is fully waterproof etc ? If doing the slate, you could soldier course 2 bricks wide etc. hope this may help ? 🤜🏾

[@charlieehstephenson4893]

I can fully understand your frustration, my neighbour is a fantastic builder but horrible to work for, and has begged me to come in and help with the interior and I refused point blank because I only had to listen to how he treats the staff and watching them fit the tiles then insisted they rip out and not paying them and it’s his personal house that he’s renovated the constant re designing and then complaining that what should take a year is entering it’s 3rd year of the build , the turnover of labourers he’s had on his site is crazy 😂even his own son walked of the site , I only have to hear people not being treated right or consistent changes to plans during the job for me to decline, I’ve never understood people not sticking to building regs and architects plans drawings there’s tweaking and then there’s , your going to far

[@mikefriend7570]

Sounds like the client needs a reality check. Whatever the outcome, charge him for the extra work. Really clear explanation of just why a wall needs a coping stone on top.

[@riptiz]

My daughter just got quotes for an extension. First one quoted £14,000, second quoted £30,000. Third one asked for drawings and asked how the others quoted with no drawings.

[@dciburnsidesniffsniff6119]

Because you can quote from a size some charge by the meter not uncommon

[@dciburnsidesniffsniff6119]

Some customers don’t want to pay between 2 - 4k for architect drawings we often don’t have drawings but can work with building control to achieve the clients needs

[@williamwalsh211]

I had an aluminium capping put on my parapet wall. It looks really clean with my krend and would also go well with bricks.

[@reggiedixon2]

@@williamwalsh211 Yes, I was thinking of something exotic and old school like copper but you get the green oxidation which admittedly has a certain kind of old school charm

[@daverichardson5861]

Dilemma time Darren! Just a thought, is the door an opening door, onto the roof? If so. How do safety railings get attached to soldier bricks on end? I may have miss heard that its opening with access to the outside roof space. Coping stones would offer a footing for a railing. I’m not in the building trade, just a thought. Hope it gets sorted, long way to go to fall apart at the ending. Stay well and very patient.

[@bluevanmani]

Don’t think this is gonna end well mate make sure your up to date with your payments

[@Tallfoolous]

The soldier course will give a nice detail, but it still has to be done to code by having the coping stone and drip stuff to prevent water from getting into the cavity. He'll be getting the best of both worlds, Code requirement & Wall detail he desires.

[@tomobrien8417]

Be carefull i can see this client turning into a Nightmare

[@davedyson4730]

The simple answer is to lead it but I doubt the client would be willing to pay the price although it would guarantee no water ingress.

[@geoffh2560]

Darren, maybe you could ask for a joint meeting with the client, architect & you - to sort it out properly.

[@Rahman-d7e]

If they want to change something tell them you will add that on extra labour work. Builders work is extremely difficult I seen my dad do it and been stressed tf out when clients want to keep changing stuff also when most of the work is done they start negotiating money . Clients should not do that!! Time is money!!!!

[@plummetplum]

Blocks to bridge gap then brick slips on face of block.

[@larryholland1466]

This is tough, but I hope you make out well. I don’t like those situations at all

[@jsimmo52]

Could you get the Building Regs inspector to explain what you said to the client? He might accept it coming from an "official". Especially if the inspector says they will refuse to sign it off unless ...!

[@bricklayersworldwithandy6277]

Building inspectors aren't allowed to advise anymore.

[@JK-tr2mt]

I'm an amateur but can quickly see that a soldier course will make it more likely to eventually let more moisture in than the bigger cap stones! The client needs to listen to the regs and you. His "beautiful soldier course" (like some pretty women) is heaping up potential problems years down the line! Maybe just tell the client that if it leaks it could cost him a further +£10k and water damage down the line.

[@MegaMillie2000]

Just close the cavity off with your blockwork internally using a dpc and build a 9 inch wall on top with a BOE with creasing tiles.

[@رافدرائع]

It is better to combine space with a room to increase the area of a room

[@davidroth7586]

It a impossible task mate 🤯🤯🤯

[@Type345]

It's only going to get worse with the client.

[@alanpayne8857]

Your cavity tray should have been built in lower over your bifold/window openings, as per standard building practice. You can close the cavity with cavity closers on top of parapet, The soldier course will never work, unless you use copings/aluminum capping( bedding dpc under 1st).. Think its time to walk away from this one Darren ...job has been awful from start to this point. Been in this situation, and trust me, it all comes bk to you... Stick to the single storey extensions/renovations. Quicker turn round, less hassle.

[@dciburnsidesniffsniff6119]

Agree pal and I’ve tried to guide Darren with my 30 years bricklaying experience lot of things not right

[@darrenthebuilder]

There are cavity trays over windows/bifolds that lay directly on the cavity lintels. Issue is more about the rest of the cavities. The full parapet wall should be protected by a tray system as well. Let’s see how tomorrow goes 🤒

[@alanpayne8857]

​@dciburnsidesniffsniff6119 yea mate..been following this since it started. Not worked since March due to cancer op and now on chemo regime until the new year..I've tried not to comment to much tbh but get frustrated with it. So much not right unfortunately..

[@lestercranmer2631]

what about dark grey once weathered, a bit less prominent

[@steveaustin4145]

Could of been worse you could of called him Dave like trigger off only fools n horses 😂😂😂

[@bikerchrisukk]

what a ball ache for you, wonder if brick slips could keep customer happy, then block behind?

[@imiles5548]

aluminium coping instead of stone.

[@dciburnsidesniffsniff6119]

You sure your client didn’t mean brick on edge that would close off the internal with a creasing tile that way your client gets brick finish and it works to building regs

[@bluevanmani]

Exactly what I thought

[@johnr1992]

Use a 150mm flange inverter!

[@keithkench9432]

Stick to the detail on the plan Darren, that's what you based your price on, also let the customer know you can't just change things on the drawing as and when you like, that's why it's submited and approved by planning.

[@gienekpaa4892]

So sorry your client thinks this is a garden wall. It's not gonna work unfortunately. Whatever you put on top you gonna need some sort of coping on top. Unless is render. Crazy guy 😂

[@cadforarbs]

Your very brave to slag your client down on youtube, hope you get paid!

[@darrenroberts6376]

And the builders next door…..

[@ade7163]

Too right to get drawings. Anything changing or different comes under change control and is priced accordingly once the new detail is confirmed. I'm sure you have some wording to that effect in your contract Darren. Also you mention the cowboy build. What has happened to that?

[@goldenineke]

If the parapet isn’t sealed correctly won’t you be liable for water ingress in the future Darren?

[@swarf52]

You must have the patience of a saint Darren….sounds like the guy you are working for is a right plonker….as they say ‘you can’t fix thick’

[@scottnever8732]

tell the customer its not possible.

[@ianbroom7340]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2e5kqKFfqqBorMsi=mGVb69IzRG-UoxMe Drop the soldiers down a course or 2 allowing for a wall plate , do what these have done then you will have it sealed, insulated, no damp bridge and you get you soldiers . If the customer can live with a few inches of grp over hang .

[@paulconnor2261]

Think it’s time to walk away

[@Imfat8888]

tell client he can have his soldiers but with copings on top.

[@mal6297]

get your client on site and explain to him that it is impossible

[@ade7163]

Darren, sent you a suggestion for a parapet detail to your email.

[@ianbroom7340]

There is way but it’s too long to type .

[@Mark-gf7yw]

Is your client confusing brick on edge with soldier ?..................But either way, it couldn't work 👍

[@ethanabbott2258]

Id walk a way and tell him to contact you with final drawings and a contract that any changes will bebcharged and a per hr basis. What happened to the cowboy build.

[@markboreland5550]

your there to build mate not consult, consultancy, research and other associated things are down to the client, moving the goalpost as you go is not a good way to treat your trades people, were builders not magicians

[@paulsyms8707]

What about building his soldier course .but cope it in lead ..but you'd have to get a skilled lead worker in to weld it ..ticks all the boxes ..but if you want my advice get your payment and run away laughing

[@dciburnsidesniffsniff6119]

Hi pal I’m confused by this cos I thought the customer was supplying you with the materials as you’ve said this in other earlier videos so who ordered the coping stones ? And that kind of detail would be in the drawings so how can this happen ? I remember your client replying to one of my comments few months ago saying you had 6 months to complete the project and considering you started end of may you’ve had 5 months this leaves you around 4 weeks to complete his deadline ! That’s definitely not going to happen so are you under penalties for being late

[@tomstrutton4351]

Very strange…. Actually found you on KZbin….chose you because he likes you and can see you do a good job ….but isn’t taking any notice of you and is actually being a pain in the arse…. He’s gonna be totally shocked when you walk off

[@jbclassics]

Hello Darren you have a bit of a dilemma here and as a Plumber I have been in similar situations to you many times in the past. It sounds like your client has seen a design somewhere that has caught his eye. Maybe if he pointed that out to you and you could see it and explain to him dreams versus reality! In my experience you have to stay calm and try to compromise. It sounds like you have already done that to the point of frustration and that's why you are making this video. You have my sympathy. However you are too far along with this job just to walk away like some on here suggest. I can only see a few options here either a capping stone or a lead/aluminium/copper/stainless steel cap. The only other way which would be a compromise would be brick on edge with a tile!! If he wants anything else that is a variation from the specification! I would get him to put his request in writing with a drawing.

[@Willozz-pi9np]

Will never work , cavity will be soaking first winter ,that’s the problem with customer only interested in asethics rather than good building practice. Darren you must be a patient man I would have to go and do one

[@DaveStevis]

client changes "are" stressing me out.. not "is"

[@dannywilkins887]

Man you’ve the patience of a saint, but maybe it’s time to walk away from this one

[@RepairShop2022]

I would walk off the job and tell him to finish it himself he’s breaking the contract

[@Spencerlayne]

Surely the inky hr could get this done, is to get bricks made from scratch that are triangular? If that can be done. Or perhaps some where sells bricks like that.