Lincolnshire Ian

Hi folks As we creep towards the end of the build I'm starting to think about how I can keep plaster off the oak stair parts. I have been told by several people that a splash of plaster on oak can turn it black. I have coated the oak elements with three coats of Osmo which I am hoping to help and then I will use delicate surface frog tape and some plastic sheeting to try and cover every part of the oak. Is there anything else I should be doing? Thanks

That's a good idea. Do you have any names I could try?

Hi folks We have just received a quote from Adrian Flux for House and Contents insurance. We have just finished a timber framed house which is 70% block and render and 30% composite cladding outer skin. Getting a quote was straight forward until we started to talk about the cladding which is 60% wood, 30% HDPE and 10% chemical additives (Neotimber). Apparently the Adrian Flux system doesn't have the sophistication to add details of the actual cladding specification or fire rating. The quote determines the cladding as "wood and plastic". The quote was £854/year which is more than 4x the amount I am used to paying for a traditional brick and block house. Does this quote sound about right for this type of house, or maybe someone can suggest an alternative broker. Thanks

Hiya I have quiet a few Wavin inspection chamber cover screws which are damaged. Does anyone know where I can get some replacements. Groundworkers long gone. Thanks

... we went through the thought process of thinking about making a temporary ramp and reverting to steps. Then we remembered why we fitted a downstairs shower room with a comfort toilet. We may be only 59, but over the next 15 years there is bound to be a hip replacement or something similar on the horizon.

Hi As many, we are starting to run out of money towards the end of our build and would like to postpone the level threshold/ramp element until we have sold our existing house as this is going to be a big invoice! I've had a meeting with BC and they are happy so log as the house is complete with the exception of the access they will give us a Habitation Certificate. Our hope is that with a Habitation Certificate we will be able to get "normal" house insurance so we can move in, although combined with the house being timber framed it could be more difficult. Does anyone know of an insurer/broker who would be able to help. Thanks

I really like this idea. It sounds as if this is your intention to address it in this way, rather than already completed. If it has been finished I'd really appreciate a cheaky picture. Thanks

The threshold is more than 15mm at the back, so, unfortunately this isn't an option.

Hi folks We are nearly finished - hooray! We have a conundrum with level access to the house. The difference in height from the edge of the door to 15cm below the vent is 40cm, this means we need a 4.8m long access ramp to get into the house. This has the potential to look rubbish! The front door is 8m from the road. Any ideas how I could make this look nice? Thanks

Thanks for the tip. This may be the way I need to go. How could I finish the raw hardibacker edge? The tile + adhesive could be covered by edging trim, but what could I do about the hardibacker edge between the tile edging trim and the plastered wall? Thanks

It doesn't need skimming, I am trying to find an alternative way to build the wall out and still have a good seal between the tiles and shower tray.

Hi folks The shower tray has been fitted and I have a 12mm gap between the edge of the shower tray and the plastered wall. My wall tiles are 8mm thick and I'm guessing the adhesive will be around 2mm. I obviously would like the tiles to overhang the shower tray to give a good waterproof seal. How could I bridge the 2/3mm gap needed without reskimming the wall. Many thanks

Hi folks We are thankfully getting to stuff I understand with our build - painting, kitchen, bathrooms etc. As we approach BC Completion I'd appreciate some feedback on my "checklist" for what BC will want to see. Documents * Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) * MVHR Commissioning Report * SAP EPC Calculation * Air Tightness Test Certificate Observations * Everything signed off from previous visits including windows. * Level threshold for entrance door. * Outwards opening downstairs toilet door. * Drain test. Have I missed anything? BC are coming for an "advice" visit next week and I would like to be prepared 😊. Thanks

Hi Russell Grey aluminium sounds interesting. Do you have a pointer regarding suppliers or maybe even pictures. Thanks

Hiya We have a nasty galvanised pole in our porch. I have been looking for something similar to newel post cladding to box it in and make it appear to be a solid oak post. Does anyone have any pointers for me please? Thank you.