How to fill foundations on slope sites

The site should be cut and filled, or terraced, with engineered fill to receive a slab-on-the-ground foundation or a strip footing. The fill should continue past the edge of the foundation wall or edge beam by at least 1000 mm and have a batter of not more than one horizontal unit to one vertical unit. The fill should then be retained or battered beyond this point by a slope not steeper than two horizontal units to one vertical unit. The interior of the slab as well as the edge beam or strip footing will be set on natural soil or engineered soil.
Or a deepened edge beam or a masonry foundation wall supported on a strip footing set below the natural ground level shall be provided on the interior of the structure to retained controlled or engineered fill. Deepened edge beams and steps in the floor at any change in level of slab-on-the-ground may be accommodated.

What is the warranty cover provided by the NHBRC?

During the construction phase the Home Builder will be required to provide the purchaser with a contract stating that the Home Builder will rectify, at his own expense, all latent as well as patent defects occurring during this phase. The construction phase begins from the date that the contract is effective until the occupation date.
During the first three months following occupation the Home Builder will rectify any deficiency related to workmanship and materials.
During the first twelve months of occupation the Home Builder will commit to repairing any leaks that occur.
The warranty period extends to five years in respect of any substructure, superstructure and roof structure repairs.

How unscrupulous contractors cut corners when pricing

Typically, an unscrupulous contractor may choose to leave out necessary items in the pricing.  This may be a contravention of the Building Regulations policies and pricing for sub-standard workmanship.  A clause to the RFQ should be added stating that all work must be done in accordance with the NBR to prevent them from claiming not to be aware of the regulations.

They would also choose to quote on sub-standard products.  It is subsequently the client’s duty to specify which brands to use or the desired level of quality.  Some contractors also tend to leave entire items out of lump sum prices.  Once the client itemized the work and set up a bill of quantities, it is harder for these contractors to leave sections of the work out without them knowing about it.

Generally’ clients need to protect themselves against contractor who cut their prices, items, procedures and processes they are pricing for just to get contracts and who will eventually charge them later during the latter stages of the project.