humidity PROBLEMS!!!!?

Question

We have extreme problems with humidity in our new house! the construction company has done nothing to rectify this problem. They are now redoing the painting job on the inside with a "petroleum paint" will this not just prevent the water from leaking into the area... how long will it take for us to see if there is still a problem? and before the humidity shows through this new type of paint!?

WHAT CAN WE DO???

The problem is that above our house is the garden of the house over ours. Their garden is on top of our ceiling!!! It's kind of hard to explain but the houses are built like a staircase...

Answer 1

The construction company is pursuing the least costly option for what sounds like water intrusion. The proper solution might be to install foundation drainage. This involves excavating around the house and installing a system of drains ...when the slab was layed (is there a slab foundation?) there should have been drains installed to direct ground water away from tunder the house. There should also have been a perimeter drain to direct water away from the house. Often these are installed incorrectly and even when installed correctly can get plugged up. Can you find any clean outs around the house? You might also ask the construction company for the architects drawings for the property.

Your best bet if you can afford it (check with your insurance carrier since presumably this humidity is causing damage to the property and they will have to pay up?) is to hire a consultant engineer - make sure he is registered in your state and has experience in new home construction. Consulting engineers can cost up to $250 per hour but most dont charge that much - agree on his scope of work ahead of time and a not to exceed amount.

In the interim you are kind of stuck dealing with the contractor since technically they are responding...but most likely the paint system will not eliminate the problem and the paint will crack and peel in a few months (you dont waterproof anything by painting on the inside)...I would send them a certified letter outlining the problem and you complaint...this will prevent them stalling until the warranty period is over. It may be worthwhile to ask the advice of a lawyer since this problem may end up in the courts and the documentation you prepare now will only help your case.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I am sorry that you have such a humidity problem. Such problems do not easily get fixed; the paint will I believe, give you a temporary solution. There are specialists that handle such problems, I suggest that you let one examine your house.