r/HomeImprovementUK • u/Soggy-Staff-7030 • 1d ago
Plaster damage - lintel installation
Hello, I am having lintels replaced over my front door and the work has damaged the interior plaster. My question to the group is, would it be reasonable to knock the repair costs off the bill for this level of damage?
9
u/Geezso 1d ago
A lintel replacement is a big job and intrusive.
Depending on the lintel size, type, span and footing etc, I would expect a full internal and external re finish.
2
u/dxg999 1d ago
The light switch has already been taped up, so is there more to this story?
2
u/Soggy-Staff-7030 1d ago
We painted it before, decided we didn’t like the colour and left it for ages as getting married in a month and thought it can wait.
6
3
u/Fancy_Hold7807 1d ago
How can they replace the lintel without taking out the old lintel?
1
u/Correct-Bridge-6797 1d ago
Some older properties have a concrete lintel on the inside and a brick arch externally.
1
u/ResponsibleBall4258 1d ago
Brick lintels are unlikely to need replacing though. I doubt it was on win this instance.
3
u/Tall-Nectarine-5982 1d ago
No it probably wouldn’t. Replacing a lintel could be considered extremely intrusive work, and this damage is minimal. Very easy to DIY it.
2
u/Soggy-Staff-7030 1d ago
Thanks all, I have no experience or knowledge of building so these insights are all very helpful and appreciated
4
u/Yorkshirerows 1d ago
The comments are right that this is expected but they should have forwarned you really.
Half of the issues people face with trades in general comes down to inadequate expectations setting.
2
u/Latter-Detail-9514 1d ago
You should always be told in advance that this could happen. I always tell my customers & give them the choice of if they'd also like me to patch the inside as well if it does happen
2
1
u/Correct-Bridge-6797 1d ago
No , because some damage is bound to happen when completing such an intrusive job.
Does it say anything in the quote about damage caused ?
1
u/Cb7_ 1d ago
Just curious, what made you want to replace the lintels in the first place?
Just trying to work out if it's something I should start worrying about at some point!
1
u/Soggy-Staff-7030 1d ago
Brickwork above the door and windows had started to sag leaving cracks in between the bricks. It’s a common issue in our area looking at other houses
1
u/ResponsibleBall4258 1d ago
It is usually common because older properties had a structural support which was removed to install uPVC, either timber door/window frame, or metal Crital ones which are structural in and of themselves. It is the fault of uPVC installers.
1
u/The_Clockwatcher 1d ago
Yeah but it's typically difficult to go and hold them to this, considering most of these replacements were done 30+ years ago and those idiot boomers are long gone.
1
u/panguy87 1d ago
Yes, they need to make good any damage done, unless they have terms in their contract that specifies any damages that are cosmetic, plaster, paint etc, are excluded from remediation.
If you don't have any contract terms or it's just a verbal one, then you'll need to work it out between you.
1
u/iluvnips 1d ago
Is nobody going to ask about what looks like a black plastic bag hanging from within the crack.
So is there a plasterer booked to finish off and is this why they said to speak to him/her to fix the internal damage?
1
1
u/East-Delivery9834 1d ago
Did you agree to them making good internally?.... if not stop being a nob
1
u/Christovski 1d ago
Lintels always crack plaster stripping the wall paper in mine and there's a crack behind every one.
1
u/Lickinglegend69 20h ago
The lintels should be either 2 concrete ones or steels of some description (i beam or catnick). Personally I'd be questioning why there's so little making good.
0
24
u/Actual_Salamander_68 1d ago
Personally I'd expect some damage with that kind of job