lizzieuk1

Thanks Ian. That's hugely helpful, I'm wondering if I should reach out to some of the raft suppliers and get some high level estimates.

Many thanks Gus, lots to digest there. I'd say we have a fair experience level - completed 2 detached new builds in 2023, traditional block & natural stone build, (hubby is a stonemason) we used b&b floor and lots of very expensive Kingspan!! I project managed but we had a MC for the shell as not done one before- we were on site everyday throughout though as it was a learning journey for us(done a fair few refurbs and moving onto new build for our property business) We had lots of involvement right through planning (and appeal!) and with the regs drawings but we're led by the architect (more old school) so a raft didn't come into it as he suggested cost prohibitive - was a project to sell so we were more profit driven, though the houses were A rated & beautiful! This one is for us to live in long term, we will both be on-site throughout 24/7, so heavily involved, want to 'diy' as much as possible. We have time to spend and happy to ensure everything is properly detailed. Yes, the woodcrete is for us to diy (been back n forth with the options and feel it meets our needs longterm) I am quite a detailed person, I like to understand all the elements and make a well informed choice, if a plan says x then I will ensure it is x not x+1 so, I'd like to think we're up to the challenge but, you don't know what you don't know! And, never sure who's opinion to trust hence the post to gather info & opinion.

Is it because b&b is the easy choice for SE design? We're wanting to get the best solution we can without being ridiculous with costs.

The thought of piles and the cost makes me quote anxious! What was the cost of the foundation?

Thanks, that's basically what we did on our last new build except it was b&b, my real concern is the thermal values and thermal bridge detail at floor to wall junction, we really want to try to achieve something that is towards PH level and insulation inside rather than outside feels a bit contrary. SE has suggested we may need 1.5m footing on hedge side though yet to design - we've not done plasticity/bearing samples sp assume he is using worst case. The strip with slab detail is certainly in our 'comfort zone' but don't want to just 'go with' the easy option if there's a better way.

Thanks IanR, Ideally, we'll be better than regs, our last builds were A rated so aiming for at least that again especially as this one is for us to live in long term! We are hoping to diy as much as we can, the OH is a stonemason & pretty good on a digger! Will certainly ask the SE for some examples and see what he comes back with. Reluctant to pay him to design if a company that supply rafts will do this as a package (though assume thats at a premium?) Yes, hedge has been managed previously but has been left to grow for past couple of years (max height 4m, managed height 1.6m) as property was vacant for a while before us.

Hi all, We are at regs design stage. Building with ICF (woodcrete) SE to design all elements and we're struggling with decision for foundations, initially thought a raft would be best with the icf but, worried about a few things. First being cost! Second being our ground which is pretty much solid clay with 50cm topsoil. Third being the Hawthorn hedge 7m away! We've not done full ground investigations but have got a 3 borehole reports, from around 400m away triangulated around us, from the geological society site so, have a fair idea what the ground is like. Also dug a 1m pit which aligns with the borehole data (all be it a lot shallower- should we get plasticity tests etc done??) SE happy to design whichever foundation(has experience is many including rafts) - though hasn't yet looked at all the ground factors in detail, so that may well change. What we're really needing is some opinions on the choices. With clay & hedge are we best going for strip footings and an insulated slab? Or, should we still look at the raft option? Is the cost crazy compared to strip footings? Not keen on b&b (done that before) as ideally want all insulation outside the thermal mass if we can. Also, how easy will the floor to wall detail be with strip footing/slab and the ICF option? Having only done 1 previous new build there's still so much to consider and, as this will be our home, want to try and make the best long-term decision! Any advice/opinions gratefully received.

Do you think that was due to the manufacturer or just a 'standard' result with the upvc sash? Do you think timber/aluclad would have been better?

Thanks JohnMo Do you think its worth getting the glazed units separately, cost wise? And would we then fit those ourselves or supply the frame manufacturer with them? I'm really not keen on the 'stick on' bars so wondering how we can get an internal bar 🤔 I had seen the krypton ones so presumably they could be 2g to gain 3g values?? Have chatted again and we will look into timber a bit more as well, with modern paint application I think they could actually stack up reasonably maintenance wise & perhaps the u value would be reasonable too.

Hi 👋 been lurking a while, we're about to submit planning for our new build and hoping to get tips etc from you guys. (Have done 2 new builds with a main contractor on the shell so some experience but this will be our family home 'big build' and we want to do a more 'personalised' build) We've been looking at window options, would like traditional sash windows though ideally not timber, so aluclad or upvc I guess, has anyone installed vacuum glass? Feeling it would be aesthetically better in a sash than triple galzing and has obv thermal & acoustic benefits. Interested in anyone opinions on it and any ideas of cost compared to a triple glazed option. Also anyone know of any suppliers of sash windows with vacuum glass? Thanks all 🙂