The Dude

Do you have a link to the system with edging strips?

I never even knew pedestal systems existed and they look quite cheap. I will definitely consider this. Thanks.

Hi, We have just completed an extension which due to the nature of the clay soil and trees in close proximity is built on 8m piles. The area outside the extension is a bit of a bomb site. The ground moves a lot and my charming neighbours have a 20m Eucalyptus tree that they refuse to maintain on the border. The existing concrete patio has heaved and collapsed over the years. I am looking for patio ideas that do not involve a concrete base because I am pretty sure clay heave and next doors tree roots would have it falling to pieces within a year or two. Decking is not really an option because the area is shaded/North facing and would be prone to moss and mould. Any suggestions?

Turns out there is 50 mm of celotex above the joists and the building inspector is happy!

I have a meeting with building inspector tomorrow. If I require another 50mm of Celotex below joists can I simply ad this to the existing skimmed plasterboard, re-board and re-skim? Celotex themselves produce plasterboard with a 50mm Celotex backing.

A soakaway would not work - we piled to 8m and were still bringing up clay. I explained this to building regs but they didn't want to listen. In any case it looks like I have surface water drains for rainwater from extension so am good.

This would be rain water only.

No drawings - trusted builder to get it right. I know - my mistake.

I have existing guttering draining into what appears to be dedicated rainwater drains (if I put a hose down the drain and turn it on I can see water flowing under manhole cover. If I run taps or flush toilets then nothing) Can I drain water from new extension into these? They do not appear to be dual use and it would save me the grief of a soakaway in a heavy clay area.

Hi, We are building a permitted development extension. The builder fitted 100mm celotex in between joists and plasterboard directly to 8" joists which has subsequently been plastered. Photos were taken at the time of installation to show to building control. The building inspector says this may not be sufficient insulation and wants to see the photos. Can anyone advise what options I have if the insulation is deemed insufficient? I don't want to rip out a plastered roof but I would like to comply with regulations rather than wing it with a half certified project. Cheers.

Hi, Our house was previously extended but the previous owners did not remove the old exterior wall lintel meaning we have a constriction of around two foot were the old exterior walls protrude into the room each side and about one foot from the ceiling. We want to remove the old lintel, raise it above the ceiling line and get rid of as much of the old walls as possible increasing the gap from around 6 foot to 8 foot. The builder has recommended a structural engineer (which is good!) He wants to support the exterior wall using strongboys rather than needles. I appreciate it is a lot less work to use strongboys but I am concerned they are not sufficient to support the storey above. Will a structural engineer be able to advise how the wall should be supported during the work?