SNAFU Major

The Rain

The Big Sag

The Vapor Barrier

Inside Out

The Shake-down

The Mold

The "Promise"

 SNAFU Minor

The Chimney

Exposed Beams

Raised Eyebrow

The Roofline

The Shingles

The French Door Jambs

The Live Wire

The Radiators

The Furnace

And More...

 Bright Spots

The Drawing

Copper

The Concerned Sub

A Touch of Irony

The Letter

Code violations cited by Professional Engineer

Building design

Alterations to existing structures

Exterior covering

Weather-resistant sheathing paper

Exterior walls

Roof and drainage

Violations of NY State General Business Law

Contract provisions

Building design

1. The Architect’s specifications to install supporting structural members prior to adding substantial load on the existing framing were completely disregarded. 

Residential Code of New York State, Part III – Building Planning and Construction, Chapter R3 Building Planning, Sec. RR301 Design Criteria.

Alterations to existing structures

1. Plaster conditions at the existing first floor walls indicate the current load exceeds the installed structural member’s integrity.

2. The main beam in the basement has not been "sistered" with LVL nor re-supported by columns/footings as required by the Architect.

Code of New York State, Appendix K Rehabilitation of Existing Structures, Chapter K6 Alterations

Exterior covering

1. Only sections of the siding are completed.

2. Stucco siding is damaged, unevenly cut and not properly protected.

3. The OSB sheathing, rated only for short-term exposure, has been exposed for more than 138 days and may now be detrimental to the structure.

4. The non-flashing type windows were not installed with sheathing paper wrapped inside the framing cavity. 

Residential Code of New York State, Part III - Building Planning and Construction, Chapter R7 Wall Covering, Sec. RR703.1 - General

Weather-resistant sheathing paper

1. Weather resistant sheathing paper was not installed between plank siding and OSB with sufficient overlap.

2. Loose builder’s felt paper is exposed. Scrap remnants of weather resistant sheathing paper have been inserted between the window casing and the OSB.

Residential Code of New York State, Part III - Building Planning and Construction, Chapter R7 Wall Covering, Sec. RR703.2 - Weather-resistant sheathing paper.

Exterior walls

1. The stucco siding is damaged, unevenly cut and not properly protected.

2. A large void at the section of existing stucco has allowed significant amounts of rainwater to enter the structure. The stucco and its underside components must be considered as in a failed condition or a condition that is extremely likely to fail.

Property Maintenance Code of New York State, Chapter PM3 Minimum Conditions, Sec. PM303.1 - Exterior Structure (Exterior walls)

Roof and drainage

1. No head flashings have been installed at the windows.

2. Rain was permitted to enter the walls behind unprotected copper flashing from Sept. 21, 2008 - Dec. 21 (3 months). 

Property Maintenance Code of New York State, Chapter PM# Minimum Conditions, Sec. PM303.7 - Exterior Structure (Roofs and drainage)

Notes

Requirements within the NYS Building Code are minimum standards.  Building industry practices are supposed to meet or exceed those standards.

NYS General Business Law Article 36-A, Section 771-1(b), (c)

1. No approximate or estimated dates of when the work would begin or reach "substantial completion" were provided by MyHome in the Contract.

2. No details such as make or model number identifying the materials to be provided nor the cost breakdown for work and materials were provided, except for windows, doors and optional painting services.

NYS General Business Law Article 36-A, Section 771-1(e), (f)

1. MyHome's Contract failed to include any notice regarding its legal requirement to deposit all payments in accordance with Section 41(a)(4) of the NY Lien Law.

2. MyHome's Contract failed to "specifically identify" the state of completion and materials supplied before each progress payment was due.

NYS General Business Law Article 36-A, Section 771-2

1. MyHome's failed to furnish the owners with a signed copy of the Contract.