Flossy1234

hi @Rick K We would have gone with Fleming Homes as they have done us a fantastic interpretation of the renovation plans which were already approved (and they have been great to work with) but sadly it’s looking like we can’t get the costs within budget. I’ve only just discovered that the Party Wall Act applies to us (even though we are detached) as we are lower than one neighbour and the two properties are within 3m of each other, and there’s another neighbour’s garage the other side. It’s probably the last nail in the budget coffin so we may end up going down the minor renovation route instead of demolish & rebuild. But we were very happy with Fleming Homes.

Thank you @bozza

@Bozza We are looking at going with MBC who offer supply and install of Rationel windows as part of the package. Your windows and doors look gorgeous! When you say 'window doors', what do you mean? I can't see anything in the Rationel range that looks like a window that opens like a door...

Thanks both. I'm not expecting anything for free and if we had drawings that we were happy with it would be less of an issue. I'm just trying to get to a point where I can make an informed decision about which company to use, and costs are an important part (but not the only part) of that decision. The point I was trying to make was just that this initial part of the journey seems quite different with each manufacturer, and I was just asking if others had encountered the same.

Thanks @Mr Punter and @saveasteading, it's more about design detailing than a specific problem, and we have a ballpark price from both MBC and ScotFrame. However ScotFrame have said this will not be accurate until the £3k drawings have been done (unless I have misunderstood - we're waiting for them to come back to us). I think if I give MBC what we currently have they will just do a direct translation to timber frame as they don't seem to offer a design service per se. I am asking them all questions to try and clarify - just wondered if others had experienced the same...

We are trying to choose between timber frame manufacturers, and have found various threads on here very helpful. However, one of my dilemmas is the different start points for each of our 3 shortlisted manufacturers. We have approved plans, but these were for a renovation and although we don't want to move too far from the current proposal, there are some issues which require additional design input before they are 'translated' into a timber frame design that can lead to construction drawings. I think (?) that Fleming Homes provide this for free, ScotFrame charge £3k and MBC ask you to come to them with your 'finished' design. They all then translate the design into something that can be constructed in this way, for planning (or in our case revised planning). We have parted ways with our original architect so I'm left wondering how I get accurate costings from MBC and ScotFrame without either paying another £3k to ScotFrame (we've already spent £6k with our previous architect) or asking new architects to work on the drawings we already have until we are happy with them. Does anyone have any advice? All thoughts welcomed...

I'm wondering if anyone has had infrared fleece heating installed in their ceilings? It's been suggested to me as a 'next generation' infrared film (as seen on Danny's house, Grand Designs a few months ago) which can be plastered into walls and/or ceilings (or potentially under floor although the companies I spoke to differed on the suitability of it underfloor). Apparently the film has been around in other countries for years but there have been a few issues, so this has been developed as an alternative. I'm keen to be eco and embrace new products/systems but also wary of going down a less well trodden path. I have the people I need to recommend the layout etc. and install it - the plasterer would then just skim over it as normal. Installation isn't necessarily cheap, but running costs are very low (and we can team it up with solar). I'd be keen to hear from anyone with experience of this. Thanks in advance...

@kaye Thank you! I have messaged you... I think Solo is now out of the frame (haha) as they only do aluminium windows and I think we're set on aluclad. I definitely want the windows installed by the timber frame company as the installation of the windows has been an ongoing concern when this was still a renovation. Timber Frame are interesting in that they are more bespoke and prepared to build up from the existing slab, but I think in our case this might be a mistake. Probably better to start afresh from the bottom up. So my current shortlist is the same as yours was - Scotframe, MBC and Fleming. MBC don't do stairs, but have offered u/floor heating as an option, and both Fleming and MBC offer Rationel windows while Scotframe also offers Nordan. Demolition costs have been surprisingly low - groundworks I am still researching. The number of elements to look into is mind-blowing, but I think I am (slowly) getting there!

Hi @Redoctober I have already read your entire 'journey' blog and found it inspirational and really helpful. I'm waiting for a quote from Fleming Homes - we're on the South coast of England so not so close for us - but they seem willing, and I've already had a good chat with Max Ellis. We're also going to the H&R Show this weekend where someone from Fleming Homes is doing a talk. Up until a few weeks ago this was a renovation project(!) so I'm running to get up to speed on rebuild instead, as it looks as though it could be cheaper/less risky and a better route forward. My computer has taken a pounding with all the desk research but every article, blog, quote and phone call offers up new information so I feel as though I'm gradually getting there. Many thanks and will bear your recommendation very much in mind.

Hi there, I realise this is an old thread but like many others we are trying to choose between timber frame companies (at a minimum, supply and installation including windows and waterproof roof membrane), and like @kaye we have MBC, Fleming Homes and Scotframe on our list. Also Solo Timber Frame and Timber Frame It. I tried Frame Technologies but was told they couldn't quote, although no reason given. (We're in Hove BTW). Any/all advice gratefully received. We are going through the process of a detailed spreadsheet covering costs, timeframes, what's included, reviews) but I am most keen to know the service others have received – particularly recently – as we'd gladly pay more for this reassurance. Thanks in advance...

Thank you Conor. I think Internorm have wider sightline and we've been led to believe that all their windows tilt and turn and open inwards - I've just looked at their brochure and I have to say it's not very clear...

Thanks. We really like the Rationel windows but it's this gap, the expanding tape and having to complete the render before the windows are installed, which are all currently giving my builder a massive headache on his current job, and I've read threads about this issue elsewhere. We're keen to stick with all-clad but I would prefer to find a brand that has a simpler prep for installation. BTW I trust our builder and he's usually very accommodating and a great problem-solver, so his comments have alarmed me!

Hi all, I have found this forum SO helpful as I'm a keen property renovator and we now have our biggest project to date – a split-level 1970s house which needs new windows & doors, new roof and some reconfiguration. I'm keen on slimline aluminium windows as we're going for a contemporary Sandi-style aesthetic, probably alu-clad with timber inside, but our builder is currently prepping for Velfac windows to be installed on another job, and the shadow gap clearly presents unnecessary problems with render and minimal tolerances (I've read other threads on here about the issues with Velfac and render). Rationel seems to have the same issues. Can anyone recommend another brand which fits more like a standard UPVC window and doesn't create problems before we've even started? We're on a tight budget and just can't justify something which presents additional complexity (and cost). I'm looking at Reynaers, but any suggestions would be really appreciated. Thank you.