7dayworker

I think most houses here have balconies . Never used except on very hot days . Is that wildflower roof difficult or expensive as I have a similar design rear build ?

Our plans are like the picture . The central glazed atrium is narrower . 4000 sq ft with rooms in roof . Brick with some cladding below front windows .

Our architect designed a very similar house with smaller porch making the house look taller . We aim to use light brick with some cladding below large windows . have you any photos of the build , please ?

Thanks for that info. It has pushed me to a different flooring . It all looks easy on the tv shows…

Thanks to all here. We will agree the final plans and go to planning in a few weeks. I noted from this site that the front wall and drive will need to be included by the architect ..shame it was not done . there are these little gems here . Even though I’m not building the home, I can throw these nuggets into the talk .

That’s interesting . I’m making notes for our builder. Thanks . He mentioned he should have used triple glazing in his home but ran low on his finance 2 years ago. I will ask about the wood fibre and cellulose . thanks again Steamy

Was Jeremy able to explain what he did to reduce echo. ? Our house has exhaust from garage going to bedroom above. Sounds of footsteps in the rooms above the lounge. In my new build, I want to avoid that. I also want to sit in a tv lounge next to open plan kitchen diner and avoid much sound transfer between the rooms . It looks like it is not easy to soundproof , but some use a dense vinyl layer on floor and walls . What do you think ?

There is a lot there . Is there a source to learn this material? I know I’ve had to help redesign initial plans and fear there might not be the detail in future drawings.

I’m sorry to hear that . There is an idea I had that the architect should be able to deliver a build budget

We need good architects who can build a wow house like older houses . I walked down expensive roads and don’t see beauty. I know several with lovely interiors., boxy exteriors. Look at awards etc . Those 100k houses or perfect house tv series show the cost of build and value of design, but they are so supported by the series. our small group don’t feel architects think enough about our needs . Let’s see how good my architect is at problem solving.

That’s a really useful update as I will need to think about electrics too . thanks

Thanks to everyone. I will let you know once I speak to builder after his holiday.

Yes it had some good achieved and some horrendous outcomes . We have no time to use on disputes and doing work as you wonder if you will get a few more years at my age

Thanks . Our budget needs to be trimmed as we can’t spend more than the house can be worth and markets are tetchy . I’m going to talk to 3 estate agents who could advise on realised value on completion. im off for the sun now ..

Thanks . I will ask for a schedule of works in detail . I’ve just got to talking budget . Definitely need to open more talks as we have only talked planning so far . been reading a 8 page saga of self build and the issues faced and need to get out in the sun or I won’t sleep with all that could go wrong . Back tomorrow.

That’s nearly double what I’m paying . We will rent from a family member so no deadlines . The main issue will be cost overruns and materials and labour. Our builder just sacked his brick layers who asked for £250 a day . His new guys are £170 a day ..

That’s how I would do it if I was not in my early 70s. The builder showed us round his new build home and it looked good . He took time to explain where extra money would have saved overheating his hone etc. to be fair, he does listen and we are getting heard , but I agree with you that a third party can hamper communication. I think the 15k bill for planning and building regs allows the builder to progress to demolish our home . I did a build 25 years ago and bought materials and managed the trades for a surgery build . I worry about how much of this build will exceed a planned 20% allowance for managing the project etc. I expect the builder to work with

Thanks Jilly . I will ask him about previous customers as I only see what is on his website. That is a good point . We are very trusting ,and have lost out at times ..

Thanks Simon . I will raise your point about the mutual design process with my builder as he deals with the architect . The plans look okay now, after our input …this is really because we know the light and sound ,exposure etc as we lived here for decades. After the first tour , we re-configured the rooms and met up to discuss the kerb appeal and exterior , but with the builder who met the architect (junior) . The house is rectangular and divided into 4 beds on first floor and open plan with tv room , study, pantry , utility, cloaks garage etc The loft has 3 beds and bath storage etc . The biggest issue was the exterior design as we wanted traditional rather than box design . Yesterday, we walked some expensive streets and took photos of similar fronts in different brick ,render etc. We will ask the builder to look at these on his return from ski trip next week. He looks able and willing and relates well to the team. This is the first stage , but so important and why I turned to people with experience. If there is too much stress , I know my wife will back off and choose a bungalow ,if you can find one updated near here.

Thanks . The builder is not my friend but my daughter’s . So my idea was to aim at turnkey similar to his new build home . No mates rates .

Thanks . I can’t see a plan for thermal modelling, but will raise it . We had 2 meetings with the architect,the second just adjusting the interior . He seems busy and not keen to explore …??

Thanks . I think the plan is to follow your tips and stuff I read and watch. Underfloor heating and insulation

Yes annoyed that bamboo strayed from a neighbour. This builder just built his own home and is reliable ,but known to be expensive. the structure will be block and brick , with render to add contrast.

Great help thanks

Thanks so much for the advice all round . The builder has hired the architect to draw and submit the plans .They will also do the building regs. all at a cost of 15k The house was valued at 1.5m , but is 60 years old with extensions 3000 sq ft and needing a new roof , windows etc. most people here demolish and build new as I know over the 40 years I’ve lived here. estimated cost of build 900k . There are 3 rooms in the roof space with velux windows. It would be difficult to know what the sale value of the new build would be. we have a easily adapted ground floor bedroom , bath etc if we get ill. We hope to have grandchildren come to stay and are hoping to sell if we get into decrepitude , but not for 3 years which relieves CIL and of course vat. we are borrowing with a legally drawn loan from family , who will be first to get paid their proportion in a sale.