North Coast Self Builder

Thanks Nickfromwales. very helpful reply

Yes Dunc. I was hoping same re the acoustic insulation. Keen to avoid the circa £2k for 120m2 of 25mm PIR that the architect says in needed.

thanks. i have read this quite widely. I do like a warm house though - 21 / 22 degrees and we have some living and working space on upper floor

Hi people I'm looking at the build up of my first floor and looking for the most cost effective solution for an UFH build up? I've pretty much decided on screed but my architect is keen that there is a layer of insulation on top of the chipboard floor to lay the UFH pipes on? I had wondered originally if we could do without an insulation layer altogether. There is acoustic wool between the joists and it is a timber frame house so the overall thermal envelope is secure. Question 1: Do I need an insualtion layer at all or is there an alternative way of laying the piping on to the floor? Question 2: If I need an insulation layer, can I go for the cheapest possible polystyrene insulation sheets. Will that work OK with UFH? Thanks for any help you can give.

Hi folks, Interested in opinions / guidance on the cost and performance differences between using screed and not on upper floor. Architect has specified a dry build up using these boards. I've been told this is a very expensive route vs screed and also the thermal performance not likely to be as good if screed not used. Cost is definitely an important factor for us at this stage. Are to be covered will be about 120 square meters. Any thoughts and experience welcome.

Ah. Thanks. Good to know. I am on the cusp of needing same!

what's the difference between a normal mortgage and a lifetime mortgage?

The insurance issue would be a concern. We had a Trocal roof on previous house and and an extremely limited choice of insurers. Ended up paying £700 more a year. We have included Trocal again on this one so now am a bit worried about getting insurance.

Thanks SuperJohnG. That's a really helpful and reassuring post. Your climate in Ayrshire will be almost identical to ours 20 miles away across the sea.

good to know. will check.

Hi there, I'm being steered by my architect (and to save a bit of time and cost) into going for a timber frame house, no blockwork, just caldding. Coastal location. North Coast of Ireland. Fairly modern design. I did a house a few years back with timber frame and a blockwork shell on outside. I was very pleased with it - super warm. How common is this nowdays? Any downsides? I am slightly worried about noise and just a general feeling of 'sturdyness' Would love to hear experiences of this type of build. A.

Not to my taste for a modern look. that's all.

Thanks Conor. Which Internorm did you get? I have a quote for KF310 which is predominantly PVC construct. I worry the wood ones will be super expensive.

Hi folks, Any recommendations for reasonably priced, modern looking alu clad options in Northern Ireland? Have looks at Zyle Fenster. Quite like them but they appear quite pricey and the number of wood finish options for the inside is limited. Interested if anyone knows a slightly cheaper alternative.

So we did the Grand Design in the country and then decided we wanted to move to the villiage. Castlerock, Northern Ireland. So here we go again - Self Build Number 2 - 8 years on. Lessons learned. Prices skyrocked (probably). Wish me luck.