raz_build

Trusting next door neighbour builder and ending up doing the single block wall after strip foundation was done. Just realised how naive we were until the building inspector questioned on joist span and luckily I was present. SE mentioned the joist span at 350mm, we ordered the material to do it at 300mm and the builder did at 600mm later showing some online tool calculations. Even for warm roof he was using 18mm osb board at top layer saying taping will air tight it but initially was told will do with caber-deck. Also we were paying above market price in midlands for the work done but was convinced that we will save by doing the works together. Went back to SE and he rejected the 600mm span but okayed for single block with EWI, amended the plans. Now fighting it out to get the work to be corrected for the payments already made so far. They were also doing the outbuilding and if we compare both works there are major differences. Cavity wall with good insulation, joists at right spans etc for their building. Not sure how someone can sleep by doing a loss to others and making gains from it that to being a neighbour. Lot of lessons learned and hopefully we correct them without incurring major losses. Back to market to find right professionals for the rest of the work.

Thanks Zak and Mark for the responses. Yeah outbuilding shell is finish and looking at full completion around in 3 weeks time. We have used subcontractors to get the work done for outbuilding and most of the cost went in for concrete 1m foundations, 150mm base, fibreglass roof with warm deck(120mm insulation) and EWI(100mm insulation). So by completion time we will be squaring it off at 1200/sqm. Main house still plans are in progress and yes spoke with estimators online and just waiting for our architects to send us final plans so I can send it across to them. As we already did the ground foundation for upto dpm lvel for 8m x 10m extension we might go building the ground floor with cavity wall and the rest in timber frame. Considering the rise in timber prices just working out the quotes.

Appreciate for any suggestions with the above. Just roughly looking at 1200£ per sqm cost for outbuilding and shell cost of 500 to 600£ per sqm for mainhouse.

Hi All, Joined recently but followed quite few post which gave a bit of god understanding on the works. Need a suggestion now for a way forward from here. We are based in west midlands area. We are in the process of converting our 1930 bungalow to two storey and also constructing outbuilding. The initial plan was to do just do 8m rear single storey rear extension under permitted development which was approved. We started and got upto dpm level for it but our right side neighbours applied for two storey extension for their bungalow and we thought it might be better if we both do the works same time. Applied for full planning which is still under review with few questions from planning officer to reduce the length so to avoid over bearing on left side neighbours which is still a bungalow. There is no objection from neighbours but it is just what planning officer is requesting us to do and our architects are modifying the plans accordingly. It will be a bit big extension with over all remodel to the property from existing 8mx10m to 16m x 10m Meanwhile we started the outbuilding work which will be 7.5m x 8m with rooms and entertaining area. The idea being we moving into outbuilding whilst the main building renovation happens but after reading few posts am inclining towards demolish and full rebuild so can reclaim VAT but still have time to think as it will take 3 to 4 weeks for planning to get the approval. We are targeting the shell build cost around 70k for main building and then will carry on kind of DIY with rest of work slowly with a target to finish within 2 years. is it a reasonable budget? What am looking at is now suggestion from you all on the spending we did for outbuilding is reasonable with material and labour cost so can plan whether we can use same builder or look for quotes. As specified the location is midlands. Appreciate if you guys can suggest after going through the attached sheet and let us know your views. Thanks. outbuildingcheck.xlsx