mjc55

Understand that but we have lived for long periods (2 months) in our mobile home, which is significantly smaller. We are not naieve enough to think that it won't be an "interesting" experience though.

I mean ecobrix.

We are building a "Pod" on our site which eventually will become a home office and store. It is around 22 sq. m. internally and more than a metre from the boundary. Now we will be living in this whilst we build the main house and I would estimate that this will be 6 months or more of habitation. For my part I don't think it requires building regs approval but would like to hear others views on this. I have just received structural drawing from the SE and he has questioned the BR lack. Not that he thinks that it definitely needs it but that he is unsure. The reasons for doing this are twofold really I guess. It will save us rental costs while we build the house and we are using all the same techniques and materials (flat/green roof, single storey, Ecobrick construction) on the Pod as we will the house. This will allow us to a) test the ecobrick construction and b) reduce rental costs as we will be living on site. Any thoughts welcome.

Our kids have kids! I will let them worry about it.

Interesting, did they say why EPDM was unsuitable? We are going for a green roof and currently thinking EPDM underneath.

Fortunately do not require a mortgage. There is no plan to sell in the next ten years. i know plans can change but am prepared to cross that bridge in the unlikely event that it comes to pass. As far as a qualified professional overseeing it, I was an Architectural Technologist (or at least obtained an AT degree although never got round to becoming chartered)

This might be a daft question but I will ask anyway. We are about to commence a self-build. We will be doing the majority of the work ourselves apart from (possibly some groundworks (i.e. dig footings), flat roof covering (to get a guarantee), window installation (to get a guarantee & size/weight of some of the doors - 6.5m sliders) & electrics. Each of these would come with there own guarantees/warranty, any other build issues would be down to me as I would be doing it. So what would I gain from a warranty? Any issues a warranty provider would presumably come after me anyway as the "builder" so no point in insuring?

Hmmm. The gaps between the insulation leave a lot to be desired!

Yes, we will be the same re the silicone. Timber clad so we can do it.

Depends what you mean by fitting but on our quote Windows & Doors 35565 Sills & Trims 937 Installation 5850 Silicone 933 Survey 250 Access etc 1920 Delivery 720 So £10610 on a £35.3k window cost! Went for another look at windows yesterday and we are leaning towards Norsken but I maybe need to question the "extras". I know they aren't exactly extra but it does seem excessive.

I am just in conversation with Southern Electric about our supply, I want to make some changes to the route (slated for install in July as it is coming across a lane) I will ask him about this. It is shocking (no pun intended!) if it is more expensive as this has never been mentioned.

Didn't know this (3 phase costs highlighted above). Just to clarify, are you saying ongoing electricity costs (unit cost & standing charge) will be higher for us as it will be a 3 phase connection, or am I misunderstanding what you are saying?

Yes, our CIL department was very helpful when we asked to do a bit of plot clearing. No objections and quick to respond.

Probably need a bit more info on this. How far is this from where the soil pipe exits the house? Have to ask why the pipe is higher than the inspection chamber and is that concrete outside the IC (and also inside the IC)? Why was the IC installed before the drain run?

I found when dealing with the CIL department in Dorset that they were very helpful and happy to answer questions regarding what site clearance etc. we were allowed to do before planning was obtained. Obviously YMMV but I am sure that a phone call will clear up any confusion. Be sure to ask for anything that they say to be confirmed in writing though so you may keep for your records.

Not really! The cost per window varies a lot depending on size, opening etc. e.g. a 3.15 sq. m. non opening window comes out at £404 per sq. m. whereas a 0.52 sq.m. opening window (i.e. very small) is £1264 sq.m. The cost is the cost tbh I am more interested in what sort of discount may be available and getting others experience of this is the reason for my post.

Looking at window suppliers and currently have quotes from Norrsken, Internorm & Rationel. All have mentioned discounting final price but I was wondering about others experience of this and what sort of discount they got in the end. Just in the process of trying to work out totals (separating out install, VAT etc) but total costs at the mo in the region of £50k (ex VAT). Thanks in advance

Helps to get the terminology right! (pet hate of mine, so many people call sand & cement mix "cement", sorry 🙄) Cement is the stuff you mix with sand to get mortar (and sand and stone to get concrete) If it is plastic bagged it shouldn't be too wet? It sounds like you are putting too much water in the mix (assuming you mean that it is running out of the joints when you say bleeding) Ratio of sand to cement does depend on what you are using it for, why have you chosen 1:4 (cement/sand ratio)?

Hi Ben Haven't explored this yet. We are tending towards private BC as my only exposure to Dorset BC was not great.

should say "wont be in a position to order until later this year"

Went to visit Albion Stone in Dorset yesterday. Included in the visit was a trip into the mine and into the cutting and finishing shops. Got the quote today for 60 x 60 Portland Stonehills Whitbed slates..... £145 per sq. m! This is a tough one as we really want to source as much local stuff as possible and our build is in Dorset. We wont be in the position to order later this year so have plenty of time to mull it over and loom for alternatives.

What are your issues with Woodcrete?

Bringing the who;e self-build & CDM question up again, sorry. To a degree it does seem to be fraught with confusion about what to do in a self-build environment. At this stage I intend to take our project forward completely as a self-build. I am in the fortunate position that I have both experience as an Architectural Technologist - so have designed our project completely - and also have a goodly amount of building experience having bought, completely modernised and sold two properties a few years ago as well as extending our last house myself. It seems from what has been written above that there is still merit in informing the HSE of the project - has anyone come across any downsides to this approach? However, I know that the project will "potentially" require professional input at some stage down the line. I can and have completely rewired the projects I worked on in the past and had an electrician who was prepared to certify for me. However there is the possibility that we might get a sparky to do this part of the project. especially as we are intending to have solar panels and battery storage. We are also going to have a flat, green roof. The self-build insurance could possibly require this to be carried out by a contractor, that is something I will address in the future as I wold prefer to do this myself. The other questionable areas are glazing, large patio doors are not something I would probably do myself and a heat pump will be required. So, does it make sense to start as a complete self-build and then if circumstances change look at the CDM side of things at that point? As always, thanks in advance for your replies.

Having had a look at the excess on the Buildstore quote this seems to be set at 10% with a minimum of £1000! Seems high? The Protek premium is at £250 excess, reduces to £1635 fro £500 excess and £1505 for £1000 excess.

Protek - £1769 Buildstore - £1950 24 month coverage I need to check the small print and that they are quoting for the same thing but all things being equal is there any good reason to go for the Buildstore one? Cheers