Apprentice

Hi all, I have already posted a similar question in another forum but I decided I'll ask here as well. I would like to get to know as much as I can about building houses and extensions etc. I am looking for the most comprehensive resources (mainly books) that are available on the market. I want to learn as much as I can from arriving on site and clearing the site, digging the foundations, the civils, the waste, the storm water, the water connections, pouring the foundations, the rising walls, floor slabs, blockwork, brickwork, dry lining, skimming, plastering, plumbing, electrical, joinery, roofing, and everything in between. Any recommendations?

Hi guys, Are there any books out there that you would recommend that explains the process of building an extension / house from start to finish in a comprehensive manner? I have looked at a few in the library but, even for me, a complete novice, they are very basic. I would be looking to learn how to know where to dig your trench. How to find your sewer and waste etc. Where do you direct rain water from downpipe etc. Thanks.

Thanks Temp! Sorry, I should of been clearer - how do you tap into the mains? Do you use a saddle and branch pipe work into each house? So if there’s 5 new houses running adjacent to a water main, would there be 5 separate lines drawing from that separately?

Hi all, If you have a row of houses with a water main running across the outside of their front lawn, how do you tap in to that main to get the water to one of the said houses? Is a saddle used? I hope that makes sense? 🙈😋

Thanks John. This is what I would use https://www.mdoshea.ie/25kg-bagged-gravel mixed with cement. But I find that when I trowel it, it never gets a smooth finish if that makes sense? Should I put sand through it as well? If so, what would the mix be?

Thank you. I would predominantly be interested in house building. Thank you. That's exactly what I am looking for. Real advice from real people, in the trenches so to speak.

Hi all, When I mix up concrete, I use a bag of gravel and cement but when I trowel it, in an attempt to get a nice smooth finish, I never achieve it. Should I be putting sand in the mix? Or is my troweling technique need work?

Hi all, Long time lurker here. Finally registered. I'm really intrigued by construction and learning new things so I'll be picking peoples brains and asking a ton of questions! 😂 Look forward to the conversations