Prognosis: The Guys Who Built My House Are Idiots

[ellyssian]

They are also cheap bastards. There were quite a few things that the guy from Air Dynamics pointed out as not being quite right - from the obvious (like putting in radon reduction at the time of construction) to the not quite so obvious (like sealing a pipe in a return vent, forgetting to cut through both obstacles to air flow, and not sealing aforementioned pipe, so that instead of returning air from the living space as the system should, it sucks cold air from the attic.)

There's also a very measurable negative pressure. Not only does this pull radon from the ground, but it pulls it into the whole house.

Anyway - first up:

• Replacing fiberglass & 2/4 returns with steel ducts - this will actually allow the air to flow instead of starving it, and it will prevent the fiberglass from disintegrating and flowing into the house. It will also provide a *cleanable* surface, as mold and mildew can get a hold into the fiberglass and live quite happily there.
• Installing a radon remediation system to reduce the radon levels below the foundation.

I will also be considering replacing all the fiberglass ductwork, installing a whole house air filter to improve the air quality, re-routing the condensation pipe from the heat pump to a water pump to have it exit the house, and including a dehumidifier into that drainage system as well.

He's also going to have a contractor call me about finishing Justin's room, and an electrician call me about the other work. If these guys actually return calls, I'll be more than happy to have them do the work than the others that *haven't* called.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

That's bad news about your house. I hope the modifications are successful and don't cost the earth. We live in a high radon area, but I have to admit I have no idea if it's a problem in our house. All the best.

[patrixa.livejournal.com]

Would your home insurance cover any of it (without raising the premium) especially for the radon stuff.

Ought you to look up the builder's rep via BBB and see if there are other complaints and possible actions against him? I doubt yous is the only place so badly short-changed. Maybe research PA laws re faulty house builders on the state's DOJ site.

[ellyssian.livejournal.com]

I read that "Maybe research faulty PA laws re house builders on the state's DOJ site."

Which, from what these guys have said, perfectly describes PA building laws.