Wuey

I've just completed survey too - would be interested to hear more about your findings one you've completed your research. Also agree that an 'additional comments' could yield even greater insight/nuance within the self-build process

There are no options other than to go through the pitched roof. Sorry I’ve not been clear with the question though. It’s not the actual flue that the query is about. We need a flue flashing kit but must of the ones for sale are for specific brands. But surely a 125mm flue needs a flashing kit with a 125mm opening and that 125mm isn’t going to change just because the flue brand changes? Or is it the case that each different brand isn’t exactly 125mm and they all have their own sizes?

To get watertight we need to finish tiling the final bit of roof where a boiler flue still needs to be fitted - we haven't apppointed a plumber yet nor decided on the boiler manufacturer, but when a plumber came to site to quote for the job he told us that we'd have to install a flue that was the same brand as the boiler. Is there really no such thing as a generic 125mm boiler flue kit that can be installed in our roof, prior to us choosing which boiler will be going in to the house, so we can at least get watertight whilst sorting out all the plumbing decisions? We've looked online and can't work out why a Worcester flue wouldn't work with a Vaillant flue (for example). Thanks in advance for any light that can be shed on this one.....

Hi Mulberry View (and yes, we follow each other already ) I’m seconding your comments above. Instagram can be used in many different ways, and for like-minded self-builders, there’s definitely a community of us who aren’t just wanting to waft from room to room, placing candles/flowers on surfaces. It’s been invaluable to me to see how others approach their build, whilst admiring their beautiful homes to-be, source potential suppliers and ask other self-builders questions.

Hi everyone I don't want to double up posting about the progress on our build on multiple platforms/socials, so here's the link to my Instagram if anyone would like to see progress on an ICF build. Very happy to answer any questions on the build too; https://www.instagram.com/auster_icf_self_build/

Hi Lexifir We have recently used Jackon (now known as Bewi) for our raft foundations and wall blocks. I can also share info on a build contractor if you get to a short list stage but would prefer to do that as a DM.

Thanks everyone for your replies. We're working through all this now with our architect/SE to see if we can make savings anywhere without compromising safety, nor doubling up on required support etc.

Hi Bitpipe, We'd originally hoped we could batter back then use the garage structure as the land support, as you say in your reply. The site is relatively tight (in that we have neighbours and the neighbouring gardens also have the same height drop as us, so contractors are concerned that with all the vibrations, the neighbouring gardens may slip too. Sheet piling was never mentioned as an option, we seem to have jumped from standard battering to extreme contiguous piling in one go, but we're wondering if sheet piling is the compromise solution, in that yes it incrreases our costs but not as much as contiguous piles would. The contractors asked our SE to do a site visit with them and after that meeting, contiguous piles was the solution - so the ground (ours and neighbours) doesn't slip whilst the work is being done. I guess what we're wondering, is - is this being proposed because it easily removes the risk from the SE and contractors but isn't necessarily our only option, its just the contractors prefer to work in this way?

Hi everyone We’ve been told we need to have piling when we build a partial (3/4) subterranean 4-car garage (i.e. it’s a reasonable size space to dig out/work in etc) . This solution came about because those contractors who may end up with the contract have said that the safest way to carry out the work given our site. This solution is obviously at a much greater cost than we were anticipating in terms of how we support the remaining ground whilst the work is being done. There is a difference in height from the land at the front to the rear of the proposed garage of roughly 7m. We obviously wouldn’t want to endanger any contractors during the build but we are questioning if this really is our only option, given the horrendous price involved for piling this area (approx 60k ) Is there any way that steel piling or some other non-piled solution could be feasible? We’re first time self builders so don’t have building/engineering knowledge other than what we’re picking up on this project so any insights from those who know far more than us would be gratefully received. TIA

Thank you everyone for your replies, much appreciated😊

like this but not made of wood

Hi there We're building a tradtional style house and I'm having trouble finding a supplier that produces bi-folds in either uPVC or aluminium - that also has glazing bars in them (we're after a Georgian pane style). Can anyone recommend a supplier? TIA

Thanks for the replies.

Hi there Looking for some clarity please, about what we've recently been told by our architect. To be honest, i'm not entirely clear on the whole issue so I may not even be asking the right questions, but here goes.... We recently amended our plans (and got approval) to add a basement to our new build. We're going to use ICF to build the house and intended to also use ICF for the basement. At a recent meeting with our architect he told us that in order to get a warranty for the build, the basement should be done by a registered basement company and not suing ICF, as the regulations changed in April (and he explained to us the need for a minimum of two forms of waterproofing etc). This was news to us, and whilst we're happy to build the basement with something other than ICF if that makes life simpler, e.g concrete form etc, I'm a bit cynical about the need to use a 'registered basement company' as this just sounds like its going to get very expensive. So my questions are; 1. Is this correct about needing to use a registered basement company, or can a good Groundworks company or builder do the basement? Or what would those of you who've been down this route already recommend if there are other options we should be looking at? 2. From a warranty perspective what happens if we don't use a registered basement co, i.e. are we mad to even consider not using one? Would we not be able to get a warranty at all for any of the new build then? 3. Does our basement construction choice also potentially have a negative impact on a mortgage further down the line if we needed to remortgage? I don't know, what I don't know, so would really appreciate some help! Thanks in advance

Hi there Yes exciting indeed - although I’ve got to be honest, it’s been disappointing to discover how difficult it is to find engineers and technical architects that know this product and can help with the building regs drawings etc. Low point of the week- calling an architect and him asking me “what is ICF”?!?!