Stratman

I recently saw a refurb where the newels had been beautifully overclad in oak. i would never have known, it was so well done.

Not a deal breaker for building control, I agree, but if I provide ample accurate data, I expect them to use it. Also, to improve the result they suggested doubling up on PV which would have cost me unnecessarily.

I just got the design stage SAP report. Rather shocked at the predicted energy rating of C despite it being a build with high insulation, triple glazing, good airtightness , etc. So I read through the calculation worksheets to discover a load of errors. U values higher than the MBC thermal modelling that I sent them, MVHR completely ignored, generic oversized ASHP used, wrong building dimensions (like 30% greater floor areas and storey heights!). Entering the correct ASHP alone has dramatically improved the results and I have insisted they redo the whole report using the information I provided. Very poor effort. I suggest checking any report or calc you receive and don't be afraid to question and push back if it looks wrong to you. We pay good money for services like these.

This stuff is good: https://www.remlandcarpets.co.uk/commercial-flooring/entrance-matting/super-magnum-1m-2m-wide Ive used it a few times and it's thin enough to use without a well if adjacent to carpet, laminate, etc. just an edging strip.

Thank this is really useful. I will ask BCO about mist system as at the moment the sprinkler company is concerned that water pressure will be inadequate so will need a pump set and tank to the tune of several more grand cost.

Fantastic - thank you! And I see the pipes are just tucked over the battens below the VCL.

Hi There Looks like you didn't get any responses to your query. Did you get it resolved in the end? We will have vaulted ceilings upstairs and I just came across similar advice from the sprinkler company - actually 130mm void. Also in Wales by the way. The TF supplier is installing only 25mm service battens below the VCL to the underside of the roof joists. Does anyone out there have any experience or suggestions?

This manufacturer has guidance for fixing their channels in various conditions https://posiglaze.co.uk/

I think it's about 5mm plus 10mm carrier board on say 40mm vertical battens to ventilate the cavity. Have a look at the K Rend website for typical build up.

Cavity barriers in external walls FAQ.pdf This document might help with locations for cavity barriers in external walls by LABC Warranty. I also found this diagram helpful:

SUDS Approving Body - fancy name for the council department that deals with them. I think they are part of the civil engineering department as they seem to be the planning application statutory consultee that tells the planning officer to include a SUDS condition in a relevant planning consent.

I'm just going through similar process now. The amount of 'guidance' referred to by the SAB for SUDS is quite overwhelming. Did you get anywhere with this? Apparently I need SAB (also the county council but separate from planning department) approval before any development starts, whereas planners only need the application to have been made before they will partially discharge the condition to the consent.

Thanks guys. I feel daft for having considered this route, but at least now I have seen the light! Learning is what it's all about on here, right?

Yes, I would cover it with a skirting for protection.

I've seen several posts on here recommending ducting services through slab. I assumed it was for better insulation and airtightness. Maybe I've got the wrong end of the stick.

Hi All and Happy New Year! I've been going through Building Control queries to my recent application and came across fire separation between the house and adjoining garage. There will be a connectiond door: FD30 with self closer, that's all fine. It's an MBC timber frame and insulated raft foundation - MBC will install waste pop ups and services ducts through the slab. I would like bring the electrical cable from an outside wall meter cupboard into a consumer unit in the utility. And also run pipes from an ASHP outside via the garage, into the house and to a utility space. I'm proposing this detail below, but would appreciate some feedback on the duct (depth and radius suitability for pipework and cables) and suggestions on how to maintain 30 minute fire separation between the house and garage. Any thoughts?

That's quite a limited scope of service. For planning application things like stairs and drainage won't be designed in sufficient detail to submit for building regs. You'll probably need to supplement the design with other details and specs for things like overheating (to part o), stairs and guardrails (to part k), ventilation (part f), accessibility (part m), fire safety (part b), etc. But you've probably looked at those already so apologies if you have that covered. Part o seems to cause a lot of confusion if you want to follow the 'simple' method. It has caused me some headaches.

There's more to technical design than just the timber frame. If you don't appoint (and pay) your consultants to provide this service you can do it yourself if you feel qualified, or go down the design and build route with a general contractor. One way or another you'll pay for it.

These are the details I'm playing with to get the weep/ventilation gap and finish the window head without rendering. Any thoughts and opinions would be welcome.

It's not visible in the photos - did you render the window head reveals? On ours I'm concerned it would be too awkwardto render.

I do like the look of the Brimstone Ash (from Vastern Timber?). I tried several samples including it as well as Western Red Cedar and British Larch, one set indoors and the other outside to weather. The Brimstone faded to silver grey really quickly. It also proved a good demonstration of why you don't use galvanised fixings which was all I had to hand... black staining within a week! Are you leaving the bottom edge over the windows as in the photo? I am thinking of adding a drip edge piece in timber or aluminium profile. Would you mind sharing the detail?

So, we decided to go with MBC for frame, insulated raft and Rationel windows. They have been so helpful after Scotframe pulled out and I now feel it was meant to be. We completed on our plot purchase yesterday after 3 years of solicitors buggering about so celebrating tonight! Hopefully breaking ground in February.

Try these guys: https://www.watersideblinds.co.uk/ We had our whole house done a few years ago and it didnt break the bank.

I believe it's only required for new properties o where they are being converted into dwellings. This guide is useful: https://developers.dwrcymru.com/en/help-advice/domestic-fire-sprinklers

Just to update you... After having appointed Scotframe to start their structural scheme and SAP assessment a few weeks ago, I've now been informed that they are restructuring and closing thier factory. Which means that they are no longer offering their closed panel Vaultherm+ system or additional elements like windows, stairs, etc. which was the whole point of chosing them. I do hope that one of the other suppliers I got quotes from (and were very patient with me) will still be willing to deal with me.