Alistair Shaw

@George Thank you for the helpful input. As a newbie, I fell into the trap of the builder trying to be helpful and telling me I didn't need BC or structural engineer for the bifold opening steel beam. I believed him and appreciated him saving me money as every £100 counts. Now in hindsight that ledger plate didn't sit well with me and I'm surprised he did that. I have about 500 bricks leftover from the job, so he didn't even have to use block work, he could have used brick under the steel beam. 🙁💭💭💭 I do have a structural engineer and I've reached out to him to come and visit following your post. Again, really appreciate you taking time to share knowledge and help a stranger in need. 😊🙏🍻

@bassanclan God bless you friend, you have really helped me out. I spoke with many people, including the roof supplies shop where I got the tiles from, structural engineer, building control, etc and nobody was helpful with what I needed to do, and what issues needed remediation. They sent me in circles contradicting one another. I didn't want make my builder feel disrespected if he had done a good job, but at the same time my gut told me these issues looked wrong. I appreciate your input very much. Have a fab weekend. 🙂🍻

Hi @bassanclan Thank you very much for your helpful input! "1. The roof gauge has been set out incorrectly. The first row of tiles should overhang into the gutter, ideally it would be 1/3-1/2 way across, whereas this looks like its only just over the gutter. Also the roofer has used tile and a halfs for the eaves by the look of it, so it will be out of bond every 3rd tile." Yes, I thought the first row of tiles should overhang the gutter. Does this need to be remediated, what are the cons if I don't? Is this an easy or expensive fix? I would like to call them back, but have a feeling they won't come back for free. ☹️ "2.Not the end of the world, I wouldn't go back to put it in." Thank you! "3&4. Should be fine. Check it is nailed and not screwed, as many "builders" who think they are carpenters use screws!" Thank you! "Bifolds: Cut off section of lintel is generally ok, but check with the building inspector before covering over." Thank you! I just want to say I really appreciate everyone's input. We are not rich, this is our first home, and this spend is life changing money for us.

Appreciate your input @Dave Jones, thank you. 1. Here is another photo for better view of the extension roof. 2. I carefully selected Private Building Control but they have been hapless. The inspector was disorganised (and unprofessional), changes and misses appointments at his convenience, forgets things he has signed off, mixes up my address with other site inspections he's carried out etc. He did not pick up any of the above issues. made a complaint to the private Building Control company and they were not helpful at all. 3. I paid £4,900 for roof work and materials. Veux windows £1600 Tiles £1200 4. Bifold Steel beam supply and fit £930

Hello everyone, I am a first time homeowner doing renovation work to an existing extension. Scope: 1. New pitched roof with 2 velux windows. 2. Install steel beam for a bifold door. The work has been completed, but as I am a novice I had another builder take a look at the work to ensure it was done correctly. He spotted a few issues: Pitched roof feedback: Wood under roof tiles exposed. Need flashings. No DPC under woodwork. Needs DPC. No joist hangers around double velux windows. No jiffy hangers and lateral restraints. Roof carpentry is fixed to wall. Bifold opening feedback: Steel Beam - left side has padstone, right side does not have padstone but has some sort of metal plate on top of grey blockwork. Is it okay to rest steel plate on top of rey blockwork, or should it be on catnic, lintel or a padstone? Can grey blockwork disintegrate over time from the steel beam load? At this stage, I don't want make my builder feel disrespected or that I am nit picking if he has done a good job, but at the same time I don't want to have spent a fortune only to rectify costly mistakes after decoration is finished because a builder cut corners. Can I please get your views? Thank you for your time in advance. Alistair

I am a new home owner painstakingly doing my first refurb. I was advised by a friend that private Building Control are generally more helpful than council Building Inspectors. I can categorically say they are not helpful at all! When I put in a complaint about missed appointments, no site visit reports, etc the Director paid a site visit under the guise of being apologetic and helpful and turned on me. All of a sudden I have more issues to address that were previously not flagged by their Building Inspector.

Hi Gary! Thanks for replying. I appreciate your input. I'm in Harrow - London, I checked out the planning portal following your post and it seems I comply. It looks like I will have to demolish and rebuild the walls as they are single brick with timber panels and plasterboard on top. I will be remaining within the original 3M footprint. My private Building control are such unhelpful and incompetent wallies, they keep missing appointments, confusing my address with another client, turn up on site without reading any plans and all sorts of nonse. I am gut wrenched that I paid for £1080 for the privilege of a 5 min visit.

Hello everyone, I am a first time home owner starting minor renovation and build work. I am re-roofing the rear single story 3m extension of my semi detached house. I am changing the roof from flat to a pitched roof. The footprint of the extension remains unchanged. I have a neighbour that takes offence to everything and need to be careful. Do I need planning permission for this work or legal issues to worry about? Appreciate your input.