Mr Punter

With this one the manufacturer used a piece of metal as a downstand at the front of the treads to satisfy the 100mm sphere rule.

We have a gas system boiler and an unvented cylinder. The boiler is on level 4 and the cylinder is on level 1. Bathrooms are on levels 1 and 2. We have the water timed to heat up via the boiler for 1 hour twice a day. Because the plumber did not insulated the primary pipework well, the TV room on level 2, where the pipework runs across the floor, gets uncomfortably hot so we have to open the balcony door. Would I be better off just using the immersion on a timer in summer, and if so should I also look at economy 7?

I know D4 is the new standard for chipboard flooring but I quite like waterproof PVA / wood glue for the joins and D4 for the joists. Sticks well and less messy and it doesn't form a ridge or push the boards apart.. @willbish if you taped over the joints with a waterproof tape I think you could get the best part of a year out of Egger Protect.

I have looked at Basement Expert and Phil Sacre. He worked on a Grand Designs scheme in London where there was not a proper site investigation or temporary works design and consequently it was a disaster. https://www.homesandproperty.co.uk/home-garden/interiors/design-news/grand-designs-couples-dream-of-escaping-rent-trap-by-building-londons-smallest-twobedroom-house-a114956.html about 10 mins in. I think he has posted on here before.

If this had been counter battened it would have reduced the kick at the bottom. Unless they have used extra long nails it may be that those on the lower course of full slates will not have enough embedment. Also the membrane looks like it will not direct water off as it goes level / up at the end.

Good recommend as it is often the case that windows are let down by install. Ideally best to have someone do the whole job so you are not left with issues. Often I have used approved installers who are really slapdash. They send semi skilled teams who just want to screw the windows in the holes and on to the next job.

@Vijay and @willbish Leave out at least one external door threshold so you can sweep out the water after it rains. I have some big squeegees from a janitorial supplies for just that purpose. The Egger Protect lasts several months in my experience.

The JJI type joists are untreated as standard with treatment as an option. If you are using timber frame, as standard the the roof structure is untreated and the rest is as per

Did you check to make sure it dos not step in a bit inside behind the door?

You will need to establish the soil type and strength, neighbouring foundation depth (as the existing house will need underpinning) and ground water levels (as a basement that is below the water table is considerably more problematic). You may need to include contamination assessment as well. The cost of the soil survey is fairly low in the great scheme of things. You should also establish the exact location, depth, material and diameter for the sewer. You will need a Party Wall agreement or award with the neighbour. You will need a design from you architect / engineer for the upper floors as that will impact the basement design, especially the ground floor type, proposed basement waterproofing and basement to ground floor junction. You will then be able to use the soil report and architect drawings to get a price from some basement companies for the whole job so that they are the main contractor for the basement phase. I would want them to include excavation, underpinning, temporary works, drainage, welfare facilities, structural engineering, site security and all insurances so that they hand over a completed and signed off basement. Will cost plenty.

The £10,000 is only 3% of GDV although at 14% of profit it is a bit hefty. I think he may settle on £3,000 though. He would not have offered £1,000 if he did not think there was any agreement.

Further to this, perhaps write to him asking for the £10,000 and pointing out that this is as per your agreement made on xxxx that in the event that he purchases / develops / the site at xxxx he will pay you £10,000 in respect of a finders fee. If you took this to a small claims court the fee is £410. See if they come back with a better offer. I think they will.

If you think you had a proper verbal contract at £10,000 - that is a no its or buts type - then the builder should pay that to you. When was to trigger the payment - was it purchase, gaining consents or selling? Did you ever ask for the money? A verbal agreement can often be binding.

The I beam walls should not be a issue as it is just considered timber frame. I would not be convinced that a wood / plastic mix for cladding is great and you may find a cement based product, natural slate or clay tile to be more widely accepted and a lower fire risk. Why the green roof? If it is not a planning requirement then a pitched tiled roof is safest.

I see what you you mean @Russell griffiths, they look a bit like truss clips.

No Friday drinkies til you've finished!

I feel your pain @Big Jimbo. I cannot work out why anyone would be a planning officer. Understaffed, underfunded, not respected yet requires wide ranging skills and knowledge. I don't think an extra week or two would make me bother to appeal.

Looks like he tipped it on your shrubs. If the quarry have a grab lorry you could ask them to come back and move it.

@D Walter do At-Eco supply and fit or supply only?

With some councils it it is not possible to speak to the planning officer. Did you ask when he estimated would be determining the application? If not, phone back and ask. If you do not like what you hear, then appeal, but bear in mind that the appeal process is several months.

If I were you I would find out exactly what this is about or it may come back to bite you. Did you get your information from the previous owner directly? Unless there were strong grounds, why would they change the description and lower the price? Is there a dispute with the freeholders as to whether the bedroom is legitimate? Is it the case that freeholder consent should have been granted but was not? I think your issue is legal, not planning.

On the previous thread I asked @timn1423 "What leverage do the other freeholders have to oblige this to be advertised as 1 bedroom in sales particulars?" If you could answer it may help you with achieving your aims. We sometimes have garden rooms etc indicated on plans. This has been due yo being in a flood risk area where a habitable room would not be acceptable. There may be other reasons.

I would price up a normal screed. It does not take long to do (for the screeder), it is normally cheaper and you can tile straight onto it. 75mm thick fibre reinforced seems to be a favourite.

I am a bit late to this thread. Is it possible to excavate a little more to get an acceptable level of insulation AND a floor slab that won't crack?

And there is of course