mjc55

I really think that you are overthinking this. Let the builder sort it out, he can get it level before it gets above ground level.

Plenty for sale on the internet but a lot look quite flimsy. Any recommendations on where to buy new. Thanks

Need a bit more to go on than just a question! Full timber cladding? Half brick, half timber? All elevations? Etc. Etc.

I built a concrete pad and put external box on top. Will remove next year when house is built

I'm so impressed on how efficiently things are running for you. Of course there are always things to think (and worry) about but tbh you are making great progress.

Or run in safe zones (within 150mm of corners or horizontally/vertically from switches etc.)

No comments on this question? Anyone have any views re the tissue v foil faced insulation?

30 sq. m. Is related to building control, not planning. And that is dependant on proximity to boundaries and construction type.

So what part of building regs is concerned with such things? You need to ask them what you have to conform to in order to live there. Load of old bo**ocks as far as I can see.

Are you likely/able to change the internal layout without affecting size/position of windows/doors? CIL can be a complete pain by all accounts so be very careful.

I don't agree that we are saying the same thing but there you go, let's agree to disagree!

@Spinny I think your logic is flawed! The part from outside your property to the drain on your land is indeed public sewer, from the drain to the boundary with your neighbour is 'Lateral' therefore responsibility of water co. Everything else, from the drain on your land to your house is your responsibility and from the fence onwards is the neighbours responsibility.

The first house that connects to the drain run will still have private drains, it is only the subsequent connections that are public. i.e. the property where the run commences.

You haven't looked at the diagram. The neighbours drains are private.

Could have a look here Includes the statement On page 7 there are diagrams indicating how this would change the ownership of various parts of the system.

But at that point it isn't actually serving more than one property. When the utility took over the maintenance of sewers on private land (was it early 2000's or early 2010's - I can't remember) the first in the line of drains remained private and only became public on the second property they served.

@Spinny What situation do you envisage that would be an issue to you? Is there something particular that is worrying you?

you definitely need to open it.

So impressed with your progress so far. Lets hope that it continues in the same vein.

So a few months in to our build and I have to agree that self-build is hard work! It's also an amazing experience in which every day brings something new. It's difficult to say whether this is physically the hardest thing we have ever done because I think age plays its part, we are late 60's or so and even though we are both fit people building at this age cant be compared to the house renovations that we have done in our 30's, 40's and 50's. What I can say is that we wouldn't swap it for anything, we have promised ourselves that we would self-build for years and to be actually doing so is an amazing experience. Onwards & Upwards!

I will ask him.

managed to get hold of some 5 core 16mm armoured from Superlec!

Advice from electrician. It will run from meter to the "pod" that we will live in whilst building house. Will be part of 3-phase setup. Pod will have all the usual sockets and lights, cooker, electric shower, water heating of some form and electric UFH.

Don't seem to do 16mm 5 core armoured.