Bozza

Thanks chaps

Sooner than expected we experienced another 24 hr power cut due to storms. My newly purchased wee inverter generator performed perfectly for our needs. Having gone down a rather simplistic and cost effective route of running extension cables around the house to the required appliances,, this required the power lead from the generator coming through an open window, which is not ideal in a storm. So what I would like to do is to have an exterior hook up socket to supply a dedicated internal socket entirely independent of the house circuits. Though there are plenty of industrial wall mounted sockets, I’d much prefer to have some sort of waterproof enclosure but these are designed for standard external sockets and I cannot identify anything suitable. I did briefly consider utilising a standard enclosed external socket and running a cable from genny to it, with male three pin plugs both ends but I’m pretty sure that’s unsafe in many ways. I’ve seen caravan style hook up sockets with flaps, but unsure if that’s suitable in stormy rainy conditions as they don’t seem to create a watertight seal. Any suggestions / knowledge very welcome.

Our TF went up during the winter. Exposed to weather. No problems.

Completely agree with what proDave says. In particular cable runs so Additional sockets can be added easily if needed. One thing we did was to have bedroom light switches also next to beds, so main light can be turned off when you jump into bed. Also ability to turn downstairs hall lights on/off from upstairs. where TVs and computers may go put in more than you think. you’ll need. Pop in a socket in each of the big cupboards and plenty in utility room too.

Thanks everyone for the replies and ideas. A few boffins amongst you for sure If budget was unlimited there’s lots of great solutions, some which would put me well off grid. I did look into the car battery / invertor issue, only problem with that being if the cars are not at home Something that interests me is the idea of battery storage but the costs seem prohibitive - £thousands. That said I was wondering about linking car batteries, on mains charge, and utilising an invertor (I have a suitable outbuilding). To keep me going until I need to use a genny, to run the essentials. Any thoughts on that as a solution? I suppose it comes down to risk and returns of any financial outlay. Anything over a grand just probably isn’t worth it. As I live ten mins from the city so plenty of cheap hotels, even factoring cost of freezer contents.

…also I can recommend Tuck Tape Construction Epoxy Sheathing tape 216 ft - £25.54 from Amazon if you need it.

Go for the smaller width. far easier. Being windproof, it acts like a sail if you even have a slight wind. Don’t faff around with cheap staplers, get a decent one. I made the mistake of doing mine when it was windy, attempting to do it myself, with a crappy stapler. Paragliding is probably a lot of fun, but not when you don’t intend to do so.

Last week I received my claim acknowledgment letter from HMRC. It states clearly that I am unable to make further claims. Don’t know if this was always a standard thing that was said, or in response to this case.

Unacceptable workmanship. Don’t pay until rectified. Get independent reports etc. Document everything. Take approach of “happy to settle as soon as workmanship is to an acceptable standard”. what does the contract say ? If contract is between you and builder it’s for them to resolve not any sub contractor. Or get a quote from another builder to “put right” these issues and deduct from outstanding balance.

Currently approaching 3rd night without power due to storms. Now looking at a back up generator system for my rural self build. My understanding is that I’ll need to have a supply switch installed to switch from mains to genny, etc. And only run essential circuits. House & water heated via ASHP. Looking ideally to run heating fridge, freezer, telly, just the basics. Looking at this genny: https://www.costco.co.uk/Home-Improvement/Power-Tools/Generators-Pumps/Draper-Petrol-Generator-with-Wheels-25KVA/p/329871 I’m certain someone here will have a back up generator system. Any advice appreciated.

Acrylic caulk is what you need. Was told that by my decorator a couple of weeks ago. Especially in new builds.

I went with anthracite matching door and it looks good but with hindsight I perhaps should have gone for something a bit different light grey or maybes a light sage. I think you’re right to consider something a little different for your front elevation, just to lighten it up and add interest. I love your design btw, please don’t see that as a criticism. I really like the symmetric elevation, kind of Georgian. Couple of tall plants either side of your door would look really nice, if your not doing a porch or anything. We went for slate too you won’t regret that decision.

Just had a call from HMRC today 12 Nov.. My self build VAT claim was submitted in June. She just had one simple query re my form. I think they have someone checking the forms and paperwork prior to forwarding to another dept to check the invoices etc. Otherwise she said everything seemed ok & in order. She provided me with the following information as I had a few questions: 1. Based upon current turnaround, my claim can be expected to be paid end of year so a 6 month turn around thereabouts. 2. During the lockdown HMRC were paying out 70% of claims pending application review that has now ceased. Normal process now review then pay out has resumed. 3. My scenario was building control sign off in March 2021, for the house. Since then I have purchased numerous eligible items eg to build garage, landscaping material etc. She confirmed all would be eligible as within 3 months of house sign off. 4. In my claim many of the items weren’t proper original invoices, often online copies as due to pandemic paper copies weren’t provided. no issues it seems for that. 5. My garage had PP but didn’t require a warrant due to size. No issues with materials for that on the claim. 6. With my claim I submitted a covering letter with explanation of certain claims and timings etc. It seemed that was very helpful for them. thought others may find this helpful.

I think your poor experiences must down to your particular local authority. I think city based councils have less self building experience. I’m in Aberdeenshire and my BC & planning depts were brilliant to deal with, even during lockdown. I had a main contractor but they were very happy to deal with me personally as the house was handed over on a temp hab certificate for me to finish kitchen, do driveway etc. Very customer focussed but probably more experienced with self builders. Irony is that as self builders we are trying to build better quality homes than some of the rubbish that main developers build, so BC should be supportive of that you would think. Shame on GGC. Have you thought about speaking to your local elected councillor? They carry a lot of clout with the council.

I think standard residential mortgage providers would likely get the eebee jeebees regarding offering a mortgage in such circumstances. Have you had a chat with Ecology BS? There is a reason their rates are higher as they offer products in more unusual / bespoke circumstances. I’m with them and happy to pay the higher rate for the flexibility offered/service provided. In the near future I’ll switch to a standard mortgage when I don’t need that flexibility. I don’t think interest rates are likely to rocket like in the 80s,, though may increase a tiny bit, as the economy and inflation, post pandemic, returns to some degree of normality. Pandemic & Brexit are relatively temporary things not an inherent problem with the economy. Just my opinion. will be interesting to see what solution you find for your circumstances.

Yes agree with Andy 100%. Almost no cost during a build to have some empty conduit run through various locations/rooms throughout. Never know what you might need them for. I have a few conduits with discreet blank plates running from loft down into cupboards etc on ground floor. So I know if I do need to do something, I know I’m not going to compromise the timber and insulation, and make a mess doing new cable runs. Though my layout didn’t allow for it in ideal world would have had a top to bottom / left to right hollow void with access hatches that could take pipes/power/data if required to most rooms. And to re-enact scenes from Die Hard etc, white vest and all.

Re question. think about sound insulation between walls. And deflection in ceiling joists (not unique to TF)

Steel roofing sheets ? £15 sqm something like that. Some beautiful buildings on Pinterest that are clad in steel sheets.

Stick with ecology. As has been said not difficult to achieve their SAP.

Go to Ecology, they are quite superb. I also owned the plot so just had to lend for the actual build. Obviously they will value the proposed finished build and lend on that basis. They will check you are able to afford the mortgage payments. If you already own a house that you intend to sell they can lend that amount of equity on an interest only basis, meaning you have lower monthly payments whilst owning one house while building another. Then when finished building you can sell your own house that equity can pay off the interest only element of your self build loan. You’ll only struggle to get a self build mortgage if your project values don’t add up, or there is an affordability issue. I actually found dealing with Ecology for a self build mortgage easier than previous traditional lenders / mortgages. Phone them, you’ll be surprised that you can actually speak to a knowledgeable member of staff who answers the phone, as opposed to a generic call centre. They seem to be a small and thus personable company.

Regarding overheating southerly facing glazed rooms, this summer we have survived some pretty hot days in a very highly insulated house with full height southerly glazing, by opening windows and using voile curtains, and wearing shorts. Also having a central hallway with four veluxes acts as a natural heat egress point. Just saying that there are alternative solutions than to external blinds if you have budget constraints. welcome & good luck with the build.

@Dutch I have attached a sketch below for you to think about. A bit rough but I think it could work. A few advantages of this proposed layout: 1. Squarer bedrooms with built in wardrobes acting as sound insulator between hallways, bathrooms etc. 2. Wider hallway downstairs with plenty of storage. Assuming this is a family home downstairs hallways are a pinch point so every inch helps. 3. Stairs moved forwards from current design. 4. Makes lounge more of a room than a thoroughfare. 5. Incorporates either normal or spiral staircase for mezzanine, but doesn’t get In way of sofas etc, so lounge is better shape. 6. Creates a landing area at top of stairs that can be left open plan or potentially walled. Light should come through from dining kitchen window to this area. 7. Bathrooms and en-suites sit above each other so easier for plumbing. Upstairs loo as far away from living space as possible. may not be suitable for you but just giving you alternative ideas. Hope this helps.

If you reverse your stairs it will give a nicer impression coming into the house, rather than walking down the hall and back on yourself. I’m assuming the house faces south and being elevated is it exposed to extremely of weather both sun and storms. If so best to have your main bedroom at back where extremities of weather won’t disrupt your sleep as much. Ideally have cooler rooms as bedrooms. I know this from my experience we have a large glazed south facing bedroom and it gets very hot. And I’m in Scotland, I know the temptation is to have bedroom with a best view but like I said your more likely to appreciate view from dining kitchen living space. just my opinion. Your house

Or this

Lots of good stuff there IMO. Your 1st floor bedroom is very big in comparison to livingroom, and you’ll spend longer in livingroom. You could definitely shrink that bedroom and as suggested create cloakroom next to en suite on that floor. I totally get the mezzanine floor/void but personally not too keen on the spiral staircase in addition to staircase, might make the livingroom feel a bit like hallway/thoroughfare. Suspect you’ve got a southerly view being an upside down house. As have I. But generally the view will be of less benefit in bedroom than living & kitchen so have you perhaps thought about swapping kitchen with bedroom, which could create a wee hallway for stairs to mezzanine with bedroom to left and kitchen/livingroom to right, and wc and staircase up to mezzanine. Double glazed doors to right leading into living/kitchen/dining. a bit rough, but sketched up what I was meaning per attached. reversing main staircase, as suggested, will create the staircase void closer to your southerly balcony window and will take light down to your ground floor which appears to have limited light. …just throwing idea at you it’s your house of course !