Doors Keep Losing Alignment in Brand New House. Builder Responsibilities?

lethological on 26/10/2018 - 11:46
Last edited 26/10/2018 - 12:15 by 1 other user

Dear OzB,

I had my first house built and completed July 2017. It was a turn key deal.

A small upgrade I paid for was to have solid core doors installed (complete with more expensive door hinges) and locks on a couple bedrooms.

Now since moving in these locks keep becoming dysfunctional. Seemingly with each change in season. The builder has been back twice to fix them and used longer screws to hang the upper hinge.

On the last attendance the builder blamed it on the fact we had ducted aircon and suggested he wouldn't return to fix again between that and the house now over a year old.

Before I go to fight on this I just wanted to get the experience of OzB home repairers and builders.

Is the builder still responsible for this recurrent problem? Any tips on a lasting fix?

Tl;Dr- house builder denying responsibility for 1.5 year old house bedroom doors not locking shut because we have ducted aircon… what to do?

Home & Garden

Comments

  • 87percent on 26/10/2018 - 12:00
    +1

    probably used cheap door handles… happened at my friends house, took one of the handles off and took it to Gainsborough Hardware and they said they were cheap, replaced them and it was fixed. Charged it to the builders

  • ausdday on 26/10/2018 - 12:15

    Having same person doing same thing and expecting different result is not going to work. It would be better if you can get a second builder/handyman's opinion. It might be really related to your ducted aircond or your builder just did something wrong.

  • dcep on 26/10/2018 - 12:21
    +1

    dysfunctional / losing alignment , as in door won't fit ?

    it's due to expansion / contraction caused by temp/weather.

    • lethological on 28/10/2018 - 08:51

      It is mostly a loss of alignment, to the point that it no longer engages properly.

  • futureminime on 26/10/2018 - 13:04
    +1

    'On the last attendance the builder blamed it on the fact we had ducted aircon and suggested he wouldn't return to fix again between that and the house now over a year old.'

    The ducted aircon was part of the turnkey package. If they offered a premium door+locks which don't work because its not suitable or the builder can't get the install right then I'd be putting pressure on them to find a solution.

    That said - I would try to get a bit better description of the issue than 'doors become dysfunctional' - is the mechanism seizing? is the wood expanding? is the alignment having issues? I'd look into what supasaiyan said if you're issue is with the handle - else get a 2nd opinion as ausdday said. At the end of the say you're going to live in the property and you're the one that ultimately has to live with any issues. If you need a 2nd builder to come do the doors properly then pay it, get it done and enjoy your lovely new home.

  • donkcat on 26/10/2018 - 13:22

    Yeah this sounds like a bit of expansion and contraction occurring. I would check that all edges of the door have been sealed or painted, some painters won't paint the top and bottom edges of the door even though they should be to prevent this from happening.

  • JimmyF on 26/10/2018 - 13:46

    Now since moving in these locks keep becoming dysfunctional.

    How so? Whats the issue?

    Has the door dropped?

    Does the door still close and latch? Just not the lock working?

  • TheBilly on 26/10/2018 - 14:53
    +2

    I have only heard of air conditioning affecting entry doors that face direct sunlight. For example. you have a front timber door with no shade that is north facing, with the summer sun beating down on it, and on the inside you have the air conditioner on 18 degrees the heat differential will cause the door to bow - even then only "sometimes" … I think the builder is talking crap to be honest.

  • Randxyz123 on 26/10/2018 - 15:19

    They have to fix it until it’s 5 or maybe 7 years old.

    Check the laws for your state.

    In the meantime get someone else out to give an option on what needs fixing,

  • ego22 on 26/10/2018 - 21:24

    if the doors arnt painted wait untill they are ok. then paint them. all around, top and bottom also. then they won't expand with the temp or weather.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join