Catalogue of disasters - is this normal?

[DoctorWhoEver]

We started our build a month ago. We chose a reputable local builder - he is very highly thought of by many people we know.

But everyday seems to give way to anything from minor screw ups to pretty major ones - like the window being put in the wrong place, or the front wall being knocked down accidentally....attention to detail seems to be very lacking. Builder responds positively when his attention is brought to these issues but the fact that I have to be on the ball to play spot the mistake is really stressing me out.

Dh thinks that every build is like this and my expectations are too high - it's not the mistakes it's how they are rectified that matters - I'm less convinced.

We are moving out in a months time which should help give me some space but I have another 5 months till we finish, I am so stressed atm I've no idea how I am going to get through it - apart from drinking industrial quantities of alcohol.

Your husband is right . Project manage as effectively as you can because at least your builder seems to want to do the right thing, many don't. More .

Yes ,welcome to reality!.I have been having building work done continuously since september.I have been staying in perpetually to sort out continuous queries and problems.I have put on 2 stone and have not been able to go out.I have been drinking industrial quantities of alcohol.I am now on the final furlong so it is all worth it.[i think!].

I think all building work has problems and minor hiccups along the way.
However I cant see how he managed to put the window in the wrong place or knock the wrong wall down. What was his explanation for it? Sounds like a major mistake to me. But if reason is plausible, just live and learn.

Keep an eye on them, though, and keep communication up as it helps to lesson the stress.

We have 2 rules when doing any work-

1. don't pay in full until you are completely happy with the work as it is very difficult to get workmen back if they dont need your money
2. give them plenty on cups of tea and bacon sandwiches!!

Have they been given a clear scale plan to work to? Or are they just following instructions about 'put a window half-way down'?

Small details I think are par for the course - I find you need to check work at the end of every day, and write down what needs to be fixed / changed for your records and theirs (don't rely on just remembering it yourself).

But windows and walls in the wrong place seems more worrying, and I'm wondering whether they haven't got a plan, or aren't checking it regularly.

Best of luck!

Feeling much better today - have calmed down and will carry on. And will invest in a few vineyards to recoup some of my costs.

He has a detailed plan to work from - all is specified....I think he's just very laid back about mistakes and I will need to keep an eye on things rather than blindly assuming that it's all ok - which is what I should be doing anyway.