BotusBuild

As John said, send the SE design calls for the ICF walls

What did the builder work from when installing the ICF? The architects plans? I presume the ICF manufacturer only provides a series of installation guides (PDF or Video). The things I've mentioned are all that I had when we did our ICF walls, and some help on a couple of days when starting and during concrete pours

Still trying to figure out what "cat iron" is to be honest 🙂 But, IMHO, take the guttering down, clean it all up removing loose paint and rust with a good steel brush (maybe use something in a drill?). Paint. Yes to a primer, then you top coat. If you can afford it Farrow & Ball do downpipe paint (but I guess its for the guttering as well). Other alternatives - Rustoleum, FLAG, Bedec and Centrecoat

Yeah, maybe "watering it" was the wrong terminology

I was prepping a strip foundation for a retaining wall yesterday. Lost count of the number of litres of water I drank. Finished it early this morning before it got more scorchio. No concrete until next week. Its just too effing hot and I can't be arsed watering it while it dries

Mine is/will be about 10% (or second hand Aston Martin sized) 🤣

As you know I got the GROHE frame and pan installed, but it seems the flush does not want to work. You have to keep the buttons pressed in for the water to flow. Basically the release valve (correct term?) was not engaging. First picture shows the top of the release valve on the left, and a part of the refill/float mechanism to the right. The second picture shows where the top of the release valve should get to when a flush button is pressed. But, it is catching as per the next photo I've tried "twisting" these two apart but hard plastic don't give. Question - cut the top of the release valve (enough to allow it to rise properly), or cut the alternative installation slot and that "flange"? Othe photos

Pause, sit back, breathe deeply. Now your relaxed, read the advice, research solutions e.g. the resting bend collar issue, and work out your plan of action. Write it all down, and cross it off as you go. This is satisfying as you can see progress. Regarding the brickie. From the picture it looks like what he's done is good work. Unless you have had a major falling out with angry words exchanged, it may be worth eating a little humble pie and asking them to return when needed.

Yes. You can put some polystyrene round to protect it a bit if you want. I remember digging a foundation by hand years ago, and coming across the storm water drain, then the foul drain below it. Both were encased in concrete. I had surround these with polystyrene, then reinforcing rods before the foundations for an extension were built. I was a teenager at the time, and my reward was a new stereo 😀 You'd think I would have learnt my lesson before building a whole house nearly 50 years later

I have to concrete part of my rainwater drainage as well. Been told it doesn't have to be a strong mix. Must be capable of holding the pipe in place and stopping surrounding ground movement (or wall movement ib your case I guess) I'd remove the pipe bedding you have and prop up with offcuts of blocks then pour concrete. No need to change the pipework.

Where the (bleep) did that come from? Obviously a brainfart on my part. It was Wren Kitchens 🙂

Thanks, but not clear who the manufacturer is. Can you provide contact details please?

Thank you to those who commented and voted. I have been recently persuaded by SWMBO to use ICF for its strength and DIYability. Now researching garage doors and the roof.

@Russdl, where did you get those steel joists from? Looks like an interesting solution for my soon to be built garage.

@saveasteading, how did you get on with your garage door search? Assume you bought one by now. (Whoever that supplier is who charges extra for Cornwall can go do one!)