torre

Always nice to get an update. Not a happy ending but certainly reinforces that you were right to walk away - well done for taking the difficult decision after thinking you'd found 'the one'

I think that 20% is more of a guide where velux are the only source of daylight. In your case, with other windows smaller roof lights should be absolutely fine, try to work out the overall window area as a percentage (as a point of reference building regs for a new build generally don't allow more than 25% window to floor area) You could probably save money embracing the wedge shape of your ensuite instead of so much studwork but that very much a personal design decision

We're at an early stage of sourcing similar. I was also going to mention Guttercrest. Alumasc Skyline look like a more 'off the shelf' option

The difference between a wood burner and bacon is that you can choose to eat a bacon sandwich and it only affects your own health whereas a wood burner pollutes the air for everyone. You can protect yourself from the dangers of bacon, but it needs action at a government level to protect us from pollution.

Try to feel reassured that this doesn't appear recent if doors etc are cut to the slope and may well not be getting worse. What sort of survey did you have? 25mm over 1m sounds like something anything more detailed than a valuation survey should have highlighted especially with visible signs like doors and mouldings cut to slope. Did the extension have building regs sign off?

Putting the extra board below is probably problematic in terms of heat distribution (in the future carpet scenario) though I agree it'd give the same support. Best would be clarify with the board manufacturer though it sounds like they've already said it's needed

I think building control will insist on the extra board over. It forms part of the structural floor - you might be okay with 12mm flooring over but the next occupant may replace that with just carpet, unwittingly making the floor unsafe

In the scheme of things, a good result. You've got an unsolicited recommendation for the BS signing it off, and something in writing from the builder just in case an issue should arise. Glad it's worked out, enjoy the rest of your build!

Perhaps focus on the smaller set of properties where the shell is already big enough then and it's mainly an internal remodel. Play to your strengths, where you can make savings and there are less unknowns like planning, groundworks. You can't out compete developers when it comes to material costs or hiring trades, but can compete on your labour as that's free, so try and max your contribution and minimise the unknowns (sorry this is much easier to say than do)

Maybe you could improve the flow from entrance to living space. It's the first impression for guests and how you'll use the space every day. Right now you come up the impressive outdoor steps, through a grand entrance way to... a lobby and a storage wall? Then turn 90 degrees and back 180 degrees up smaller stairs to the living space. Instead think about pulling the lobby and stairs forward a bit so the stairs can continue running forwards up to the living space, so you're greeted with a more open space and invited in. If you need a panic room, wouldn't you want direct access from the master suite on the right of your plans? I agree with others if you've 9 bedrooms you need more living areas - how far do you want to be from a coffee machine! Also that it's very (very) large - easiest way to cut costs and simplify construction would be to make it smaller, but bear in mind almost everyone (me included) will be giving their perspective from experience on much smaller builds. Good luck, I like the external design and how it fits the landscape.

I would avoid relying mostly on PIV in an old property and use MVHR or continuous DMEV instead. If there's a lot of moisture internally, PIV has to push that out somewhere, and that's likely to be into any gaps etc, where it may condense, potentially making any damp problem worse, whereas MVHR or continuous extract will help ensure more of the moist air is pulled out of the property.

Your first example looks like it's to protect anyone, esp children, coming from that path against running/riding straight into what is probably a road where the picture is taken from. I've plenty of sympathy for the issue of accessibility but please don't cut down something that's intended to prevent a serious accident.

I can't comment on the trap but you can get water leak detectors quite cheaply that will alarm and/or notify you via an app. It's something we're considering where we have a bowl sink without an overflow(!)

I'd quote an hourly rate (so from your figures ~125/h) as that's more likely to be how any legal adviser for the other side structures their charging and so more relatable (also probably lower than their own charges, so 'reasonable' looking). It's also probably reflective of how you put the time in. If I was on the other side I might try and argue you down on the basis you're charging a consultant's rate, but a consultant would have done it in half the time, because they would already be familiar with details you spent time researching, but I think your starting point is a reasonable one.

Agreed, pay one to visit the site for a couple of hours. If you're super lucky someone qualified like @Gus Potter may point you in the right direction first. You've got an off the shelf ridge beam design from an architect, who hasn't drawn it that clearly and isn't taking much responsibility, then it hasn't been constructed as designed, and now your surveyor doesn't seem to fully understand or can't explain to you the design or construction. Nobody is trying to worry you unnecessarily, but a couple of hundred pounds spent now could be a wise investment