MattButt

Hi @Russell griffiths and @recoveringacademic. Thank you so much for your advice, I really appreciate it. I’ll let you know how I get on and it is ok to PM you it would really help as it looks like you’ve both got amazing build stories! MB.

Hi all, A bit about our project - we have planning permission for a large-ish double storey side extension for our house in Hertfordshire. There is a single storey infill extension (block and brick) that I built in 2014, attached to and converted one of two detached double garages that were already there.  I’m at the stage now where I’m researching different build types for the extension and am really drawn to the ICF and SIPs style of build, particularly Durisol. The problem I’m having is finding a structural engineer that isn’t going to charge me an absolutely fortune (£8000 the first quote!!) for an existing foundation review and design of a raft foundation so if anyone can recommend a good structural engineer with experience of ICF in particular I’d be eternally grateful!! I really get the impression that the professional services see that you’re a self-builder and add a zero onto their quote!! I’ve attached the existing and proposed elevations and the ground plan that shows the existing foundation make up. The existing flooring on the plan that shows the Family Area is block and beam, the kitchen and garage are a concrete slab on strip foundations and the utility area is proposed ie. hasn’t been built yet!!Any advice would be really appreciated!!

Morning all, I’ve just come across this website whilst searching for a self-build forum - what a find! A bit about our project - we have planning permission for a large-ish double storey side extension for our house in Hertfordshire. There is a single storey extension (block and brick) already there that I built in 2014. It will also be a remodel of the estimating house, so a decent sized renovation too. I’m at the stage now where I’m researching different build types for the extension and am really drawn to the ICF and SIPs style of build. The problem I’m having is finding a structural engineer that isn’t going to charge me an absolutely fortune (£8000 the first quote!!) for an existing foundation review and design of a raft foundation so if anyone can recommend a good structural engineer with experience of ICF in particular I’d be eternally grateful!! I really get the impression that the professional services see that you’re a self-builder and add a zero onto their quote!! Looking forward to getting involved here on this site as well to help others with any advice I can provide. Cheers, MB.