Collar Ties Revisited

[Mcblurter]

Have just had an attic floor put in and am very displeased with the result for numerous reasons. Can someone tell me the building regulation on collar ties. They removed two successive collar ties and did not replace them. Woman on the front desk, who says she is "flying blind" and "isn't a builder" says it's "rubbish" that you can't remove them, they "do it every day." She later said they "move them higher", when I ask for the actual building regulation she says "I'm not the one to talk to", even though she is making comments about it not being a problem.
I also was supposed to get a 5m x 3m floor space but this floor isn't close to being rectangle. Plus they have used nails which has caused cracking in bedroom architraves. A very ####ty job by one of the major installers of Attic Ladders!!
So if anyone knows about the regualtion on collar ties or where to find it that would be appreciated. Or any other suggestions!!!!!
Mcblurter

[silentC]

A very ####ty job by one of the major installers of Attic Ladders

That says it all really. They install attic ladders. Do they have a builder's license? If they are making structural changes to your roof (which they have by removing collar ties) then they will have to give you 10 years warranty on the work (or is it 15 now?).

The way I see it, the collar ties wouldn't be there if they weren't needed. If you are removing structural components, they need to be replaced by something else. You probably should get a second opinion, preferably from an engineer.

[Mcblurter]

Have since spoken to the builder who thought they were loose and not really doing much and were just in the way. I suggested they all seemed pretty loose and in the way so maybe I should take them all out!!!!!
He is coming back to give me the floor I was quoted for and to replace the collar ties.
He acknowledged he was in a hurry as he had to pick up his kids. It's a job I could have done myself but I have two little boys and I don't want to spend all weekend in my roof, that's why I pay people GOOD MONEY to hopefully do a job BETTER than I would.
Mcblurter

[Tonyz]

To be on the safe side you should check about builders licence, public liability insurance and also contact the builders asociation or whatever its called in Vic olso the office of fair trading and the office of consumer affairs. Do some finger walking through the phone book esp Gov. depts. over your own ass man. 'Let the buyer beware'. If you hav'nt done your homework properly them only yourself to blame. Sorry, Ive been there and by doing research and getting references found out what a shonky I WAS going to get but I cancelled. Tony

[ausdesign]

For general info.

If there are underpurlins supporting the rafters ( 100*75 timber) then the collar ties span from rafter to rafter sitting directly above the underpurlin.
If there are no underpurlins required (i.e. the rafter is strong enough to span the full distance) then collar ties are fitted at a point not higher than two thirds of the roof height.
They are fitted to every second pair of rafters or a maximum of 1200 spacings.