K78

Passive slabs seem really straight forward to install. More so than any other type of foundation. I had a quote from here http://www.advancedfoundationtechnologylimited.co.uk/about-aft-2 They quote a price for design and supply and another for fully installed. Installed was cheaper than Mbc by nearly £4K.

I also had difficulty comparing quotes. Ive decided that if I do go timber-frame. I just want a basic frame that I can insulate myself. Ive had quotes of £12-£15k for a basic frame. I like mbc....but not at £55k (not including foundation) If you compare the cost of a house with conventional foundations, basic frame and a block skin. To a Mbc twin stud, timber clad on a passive slab. There is a big difference. The crazy thing is. A surveyor is likely to value the cheaper build at a higher price. MBC houses are very good, I have no doubt. But taking everything into consideration, they're not for me.

I like the idea MBC twin stud/slab service. But I found them to be ridiculously expensive. Most self builders use separate contractors for their foundation and timberframe, and don't have a issue.

My house will be built close to a retaining wall. It's 4m X 12m. My my bco has no interest in the wall as long as it's not connected to my house foundation. He didn't want to see a design or anything. I looked at at all the options and prestressed concrete panels are by far the cheapest and quickest option. Ground anchors and soil nailing are very expensive.

They look a bit tacky. Noticed a few new on ebay recently for half the RRP.

I looked at EWI in depth. The cost of installation is extortionate in the uk. Probably because of government grants. I think a 300mm insulated cavity is a cheaper option. Even if it shouldn't be. Most of the fitters are very inexperienced and small mistakes can cause huge issues. The render systems also don't age well. Spots appear on light colours where the mechanical fixings are. EWI works better under cladding/rain screen IMO.

I have noticed all the new housing developments in my local area are using brick and block construction. This wasn't the case a few years ago. I wonder if if this is one of the reasons why?

I had the same problem. I had a poured concrete retaining wall and foundation designed by a total idiot. If I wasn't so naive at the time, I'd have costed the materials before I paid him. The bco ridiculed it and told me to "just get on with wall. I'm not interested as long as it's not connected to your foundation, and your foundation doesn't compromise the wall." My ground workers are familiar with raft foundations and my ground is good. My budget is tight and I can't afford (or want) to spend £12k on a insulated raft.

How much should I expect to pay a SE to design a basic 86m2 raft foundation on good ground? I've had a bad experience with a cheap, local SE a few years back. He massively over spec'd a design because of his cheap insurance. Any recommendations would be welcome. Thanks