bob the builder 2

Just to warn everyone the OVO are terrible - their billing system is a shambles - so no matter what they promise on the rate it will not be billed correctly (please search the thousands of complaints and several large regulator penalties) Octopus on the other hand ....

if this is a plan from a well known timber frame suppler... and the upper surface is external then you need to allow ventilation across that top surface between it and the final external membrane IN which case you need to in build another layer of osb on battens to place the final membrane and allow air to flow across this cavity

you can offer to install more smoke detectors to get around sprinkler requirement if you are outside wales - obviously you need a sensible BC officer

Has anyone got experience of this insurer https://www.frontierinsurance.co.uk/home-insurance Only one i can get a reasonable quote form but it has really bad reviews and no phone number !

hidden gutter detail included - just make sure 1) air flow (see blue) (note thid design is breaking rule 2 below) 2) Outer side is lower than inner side (to ensure water flows over the side of the house not into it it the drain blocks) TBH this was a major faf and i am still biting my nails about a blockage ! Bob example hidden gutter detail.pdf

here are a couple of snaps - i have been fitting into chalk with no issues its called everedge and i believe this is the 3mm thick 200mm wide you can go thinner / less wide if its not going to be driven on by the over eager amazon driver ! you can see the type 1 in this picture making up the sub base - we have black granite booked to fill out another 20mm leaving c 20mm exposed Note - make sure you get sharp stone and not round (if you are not going for granite) as this will not work as well for a driveway with any type of slope like me

HI - here is a snap of the cladding - its Siberian larch (which we just managed to get before stocks dried up) - from recollection its 70mm-x20mm board on board - spent ages working through style options and ended up matching a national trust property building in Ireland that had its own saw mill - so its the smallest cheapest way to go but i think also has the nicest look bar a shadow gap which is another long story !

This is MBC covering their backs and trying making you responsible for the H&S / principle design and fire risk BUT - you are not a principle contractor or skilled person as a self builder so this will always sit in a grey area. BTW - zero interaction with anyone from the council / H&S through the whole build We did the basics (a few fire extinguishers / a couple of signs) for H&S but did take out an all risks insurance policy We had to install lots of extra smoke alarms to satisfy building regs but managed to avoid installing a sprinkler system bob

It is a timber frame with passive principles applied (sensibly!) , Aluminium roof (part slate), ASHP / UFH / Triple glazing, totalling about 6000sq ft over three stories plus garage - all done with day rate subbies and frame company - we PM'ed and did the demo, site prep, garden and about 12moths labouring plus H&S ourselves - Flint was on surecav and cladding cyberian larch More than happy to answer any questions Bob

Hi All Well its been quite a journey ... House is finished (a year after moving in!!) with only the never ending snag list to sort ... Thanks for all those who have posted and replied to my many questions Bob (now an officially retired self builder !)

Hi Simon Many thanks for the insurance tip. Your build looks amazing - really like the detail on on the cladding and interior. Here are a few photos of ours - almost finished ! Bob

Thanks for the tips so far - any other recommendations for insurance on a finished Timber frame / Metal roof house ! thanks

Many thanks for the repliers - frontier was really competitive. I would be grateful if there were any other recommendations from the forum. Thanks bob

Hi All We are trying to get a quote of our recently finished self build At this pint no one will quote on a timber frame / Metal roof ! Any providers out there you would recommend ? Many thanks Bob ,

avoid odc at all costs - have a read on trust pilot - not a great read and exactly my experience as well - terrible

avoid odc at all costs - quick search on google / trust pilot confirms the many issue people have had - wish i had read before going with them it has been a nightmare on terms of quality / air tightness and thermal performance - and that before customer services get involved !

yes - there is a publicly available map with all this data

Hi All Just starting to optimise my solar / battery install. here are the key facts and performance stats - PV Facing due south - 10KW system (420w panels / black) - Optimisers on all panels (some shading to lower section in evenings) - Max daily production - 20kwh - Max daily peak production - 5.8kwh - 20kwh battery - Eddi solar inverter would value any thoughts on the performance of the system / ideas on how to improve Bob

Hi All I am nearing the end of our build and i have set of useful equipment x1 Portacabin / welfare unit - Range of unused electrical cable / back boxes, clips and assorted first / second fix electrical materials - Various lengths of perforated and solid flexible pipework and 110 fittings - x 30 heras fencing and feet - Various lengths of timber and plasterboard and Hardie backer board. Available in the Hampshire area - collection only - good access and flexible pick up times Thanks Bob

Hi All Just finished levelling floor with Mapei latex self levelling compound It going to be a while before we get carpet down so need to 'seal' the floor to stop dust etc getting through. Any ideas how best to do this ? many thanks bob

odc glass

hi just installed 5mx2.5m, triple glazed, all panels slide, 20mm sight line photo enclosed bob

HI Thanks all for the feedback - below is my set up and the options on solar diverter and battery. ASHP 500l main tank with 6kw immersion 200l buffer tank on 3 phase option 1 - Total cost installed £14k - x3 ers mini diverters - 10kwh solar - optimisers on each panel - NON HYBRID INVERTER option 2 x 4 4.8 kwh batteries - PYLON US5000 4.8KWH LI-ION SOLAR BATTERY - 10kwh solar - optimisers on each panel - HYBRID INVERTER Would appreciate any views as not sure which way to go - probably will want an MCS install Thanks bob

Thanks All Any recommendation for those 3 phase diverters would be greatly appreciated thanks bob

Hi All I am just about to press the button and order a 10kwh solar set up The cost of batteries and fancy inverter are making me think that a hot water diverter and simple inverter might be a better investment. I have been quoted for an ERS mini ( E.R.S Mini 3kW Solar Power Diverter | PowerFlow (powerflowenergy.com) which will connect to the immersion about 2 3rds up the tank As i am on a 3 phase and the tank immersion is limited to 2kw per phase i am ging forced to buy three of the diverters Would appreciate any advice Bob with