ultramods

I got a quote from Nordan, however they were 4 - 5k more than Rational.

Kingseat, Newmachar

We have full planning approval, however I think the planners would be OK with us moving the house slightly. Will be applying for the building warrant next week

Yes we are. Their Sauchen office is only 15 miles away from us.

Hi, I have been quoted £22,000 (supply only) for 88 sqm of Rationel 2g wooden windows and 3 doors, including a 3 * 2.4 bi-fold doors. What sort of discount do you think I could get. I would possibly like to have patio doors in front of the family area (3*2.4) and kitchen (3 * 2.4) instead of the current fixed units, would Rationel potentially change fixed to patio doors for similar price as part of negotiating? I have had another quote from a different company for similar spec at £18,373.

Hi, I am wondering if the house position should be moved up north west so that it's further away from the out house to the right, what do you think? Reasons for doing so are: 3 large windows on south east elevation will be only 1 metre away from boundary of neighbouring plot, will this stop light getting in? Also 1.8 metre hedge will make the current 1 metre distance to the boundary even less. North West Garden wont really be used much, so might be better to put more of the house here. If we get a robotic mower the pathway for it along the south east elevation needs to be over 1 (possible 1.5 - 2 metres) metre in width. Reasons not to do it: South west boundary narrows towards the south east, which means less of the main private garden area if we move the house north west. House to the right of our plot which is soon to be renovated by someone else.

Thanks. Do you know how the glass anchor bolt in fixed to the steel tread, is it glued in place?

Looks nice. I have just contacted them for a quote.

@Trw144 Can you tell me where you got the oak treads/cladding from please as I am planning a similar cantilevered stairs. Also can you tell me how the glass is fixed to the steel please?

thanks @Nickfromwales

1 on concrete and 3 over timber, yes assuming drainage is already in place. Also can I have UFH wet or electric in under the tiles/former?

Can anyone tell me roughly the man hours (for someone with experience) involved in fitting the former and tanking ready for tiling a room please? I will have 4 wet rooms, 1 on the ground floor on top of the concrete slab and 3 on first floor over posi-joists. I don't want the whole room to be waterproof, just the shower areas, which will each have will have 1 glass shower screen.

The architect priced for the project lasting 8 months.

Thank you for all the comments, I was rather hoping that everyone would be saying yes for me as PM, however it looks like opinion is split 50-50. I will need to think about it some more, however if the trades are organising their own raw materials and we only deal with different companies for the trades as planned then I am leaning towards me as PM. My brother who is a PM for electrical construction projects has suggested having a clerk of works for some of the key stages, such as setting out, foundations etc. I think this sounds like a good idea and a clerk of works would be better at spotting any issues compared to an Architect.

Thanks. It won't be Scotframe as too expensive. Currently considering Angus Homes, Fleming Homes or Claymore.

@Ian D what does, me as PM or architect as PM ?

We are at the stage where we are deciding if we should project manage the build or whether the architect should. The architect has managed the tendering process and we are planning on using the following companies: Company 1 Supply Only Timeframe Company 2 for all siteworks, building, roofing, Joinery including frame erection and outside paving/driveway Company 3 for electrics Company 4 for plumbing Company 5 for Ames taping and decorating I thought that because company 2 is doing most of the higher risk work that it would be OK for me to Project Manage, however when i told the architect today that I was planning to PM he sent me the following: "I seriously advise against Project managing yourself by the way - H&S responsibilities, time co-ordinating trades, detailing issues, arranging materials to name but a few but it is your call. Remember all these trades have priced works based on efficient co-ordination so don’t be surprised at a “claims conscious” mentality from them." The architect has proposed that he will PM the build for £15,000 (inc VAT), which is 4-5% of the build budget of £320,000. He anticipates spending 1-2 days per week on the project. The house will be 326 sqm, 2 storey, timberframe with a combination of block/render walls and granite walls. We aren't building to passive standard, but still want it to be well sealed and u-value around 0.11 - 0.15. UFH on ground floor, with mains gas for gas boiler. The site is a level corner plot with roadside access from 2 sides. - I have attached the house plans. In terms of my experience, I have software project management experience and my wife is an accountant. Neither of us have ever managed a construction project before, however I have spent the last 2 years researching and designing the house and have read various books on the subject. I am a control freak with an attention for detail and know even if I let the architect PM I would still want to be heavily involved and I know I would be willing to spend more time sourcing materials to get the best price. We have already agreed that we will be supplying the Kitchen, sanitryware and other shower fittings and the cantilevered stairs. I could be on site until 08:40 every morning for a daily meeting etc. In terms of budget we could afford the PM, however would prefer to use the money on furnishings and just not sure if it's required. The only issue I see in terms of the trades being delayed is that the mortgage is in arrears, which could cause delays, however this would cause delays regardless of who is the PM. What do people think? House_plans_and_elevations.pdf

Hi Ryan, would you be able to give me 2 tickets for the Saturday please?

Charlie Luxton is currently building his own passive house. Home Building & Renovation magazine are putting various case studies throughout the build on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnBQs4X0ZLg5-aLailTGbsw

I think you are being far too lenient with the builder. Ok, he may be young and inexperienced but he has decided to start a business and if he has underestimated that is for him to absorb and to learn from - not you. Having said that, I think you have been naive in not having a full breakdown of what was included in the fixed price that he was offering. However I would have expected him to be notifying you of any variances before carrying out the work. 45k on a 96m2 house seams like a massive oversight (that would be almost 50% overspend on my build) and i think you need to be firmer with the builder. Maybe even seek legal advice. Or if you are happy posting here, post the details of what was/wasn't/included in the fixed price contract. when PeterW was asking you about the window sizes I think he was wanting to know the total area of windows/doors for your houses as we could then tell you an estimate of what you should be paying for them. Also don't worry about upsetting him by posting details on this forum, remember this isn't personal, it's a business relationship and more importantly your retirement savings!

Probably. You really need to work out how much it will cost to build the house , including garden, professional fees and utility connections etc. Next you need to know what the completed house will be worth. Once you do this you will know what your 30% cash for the build cost and land are worth as a % of the total house value. Lenders aren't going to lend you more money than what the final house would be worth. in terms of the build cost you can get a rough idea using this: https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/calculator/ There are also online Quantity Surveying companies that will estimate the cost for £100 - £200. My build cost was estimated by Build Loan for £95. I used Build Loan because I was applying for mortgage through their parent company BuildStore.

My parents build a 160 m2 bungalow for £700 psm in the Highlands around 5 years ago.

As Jack says, start with your budget and work back from that. If you are in Scotland I would say you should be able to build for a lot less than 1800 psm. I am looking at around £1050 psm and that is with me doing none of the work myself. However the house is 2 storey and quite big (326 m2), which helps bring the cost psm down. Also this excludes all professional fees and service connections which are an additional £28k.

That is correct, however if you have a ground floor and a first floor and the total floor area of the house it to be 200 m2 then it would need to be for example: Ground floor: 10*10 = 100 m2 First Floor 10 * 10 = 100m2 Total House floor area = 200m2

But over two floors 10x20 x2 = 400 m2????