Under the Chestnut Tree

A huge amount of progress reflecting, no doubt, what must have been a huge amount of work to get to this stage.  The delayed start may not be such a bad thing given the biblical weather we've been having as many projects have stalled over the last couple of months due to the storms. 

@Dreadnaught I have seen this some of your other posts. I’m keen to learn about your screw piles as this is what I want to do for my new build in Surrey as I wanted speed for install and avoid muck away down a narrow winding country lane.  I have a quote to supply and fit but it was double what I expected. I have and can drive my digger so keen to learn where to get supply only and what size digger and rotary mech is needed. 
I’m looking to start Grd works in June so working hard now to finalise all the elements of the waterproof box incl suppliers and costs etc. 
My build is a 275m2 bungalow with 2 pent roofs (bit like a huf haus)  giving vaulted ceilings inside. 

Hi @Steve247, I too am learning my way with screw piles. But from what I have picked up by speaking to a number of suppliers is that their installation is considered to be quite easy. And that a competent digger driver should be able to handle the torque drive attachment. And a challenge comes only if ground conditions prove to be problematic (so that impenetrable rock is met during driving a given ground screw). 

 

Who provided your first quote (PM me if you prefer). I have a few names of suppliers and we can compare notes.

 

By the way, I like the design that you describe for your build. Sounds great!

Edited March 9, 2020 by Dreadnaught

Hi @Dreadnaught. I've been reading your blog with interest and I look forward to following the rest of your journey! we're not a million miles behind you in our plans and I have a few questions for you if you don't mind.

 

1. what is the government grant for your fibre all about? we've had our quote from Openreach to put a new fibre connection in running from a pole, under the road and on to our plot. here's their scope of works:

 

Description of works

Second Stage of Work Full Scope of Works

Property is to remain and lived in while they build a new house in the garden which they would like via an underground feed. When the property is completed they will move into the new property and would like to fibre if available. The current property will then be demolished at a later date.

REQUIREMENTS
PHASE 1
Civils to dig in approx. 15m (metre) duct 56 from CP (carrier pole) 1A to boundary of xxxxxxxxxxxx. Customer requires 1 x fibre to property – Openreach to supply details of nearest node to use.
THIS QUOTE DOES NOT INCLUDE FIBRE IN ADVANCE.
TM (traffic management) – ROAD CLOSURE REQUIRED DUE TO WIDTH OF ROAD

N.B - Please note that this survey return is as seen during the survey and that these works may be subject to additional excess costs if any unforeseen or unobserved variations are determined during the execution of those works, or if there has been scope creep or changes to planned work after this survey was produced.

 

for this they're charging us almost £6k inc. VAT

 

We already have a phone line to the existing bungalow which will eventually be demolished but require the new connection to the new location on the plot. can you offer any advice on where I can go to look up this government grant you received?

 

2. We've shortlisted IdealCombi as a window supplier but due to Covid-19 haven't been able to get to see them in the flesh. I assume you did. if so, what do you think of the quality of the windows and, more specifically, the front door? the price difference between the IC front door and an Internorm equivalent is huge! I was just wondering if you'd seen the front door and physically touched it etc to compare the differences with other more expensive front doors.

 

thanks in advance.

 

Tom

Thanks @Thorfun. Likewise!

 

1 hour ago, Thorfun said:

what is the government grant for your fibre all about?

 

This is the scheme: https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk. A voucher is arranged by the ISP not the final user. I was able to get one by working with ISP and by showing that I work from home, which entitled me to a £2,500 voucher, whereas the more usual one is just £250 or so.

 

My advice would be look for small local broadband companies installing fibre and talk to them. I made a list of the local ones in my city, Cambridge, and might have just been lucky to have found one keen to connect me and a neighbour up. 

 

I have heard the scheme is changing so I recommend being quick. In fact it might have already closed, although I wonder if there will be another scheme to replace it.

 

1 hour ago, Thorfun said:

We've shortlisted IdealCombi as a window supplier

 

I visited them and Velfac (which is related to Rationel). And I am familiar with a few other window manufacturers, like Gaulhofer, InterNorm and Norrsken. I am not one to spend ages agonising over such a choice. My choice of IdealCombi & Velfac over the other manufactures was purely because the of style of window frames, which appealed to me. And once I had chosen the windows, it seemed sensible to include the front door too. In terms of quality, they seemed fine to me but I don't consider myself an expert as these will be the first windows I have ever bought. 

 

In comparison to buying other things for may build, such as the roof windows, Ideal Combi (and Velfac for that matter) were a breeze to work with. Very efficient, helpful and quick. Easy to negotiate with. And I also thought they were good value for money.

 

I've seen your other thread inviting comments on the front door, which I am following with interest. I can't explain the price difference other than with a slight suspicion that other doors may have slightly better insulation and wider range of fittings. Only a guess. I suspect perhaps the biggest issue may be wider margins necessitated by a different sales model using local agents.

 

Hope that helps. 

 

Edited June 23, 2020 by Dreadnaught

40 minutes ago, Dreadnaught said:

Hope that helps. 

 

it helps massively, thanks!