Conor

One of the reasons we went with our architect was that his fees were based on a rate /m².... So we knew exactly how much each stage would cost. And, yes, architects are in a reasonable place to provide a build cost estimate, but they are not experts.

In Europe you'd always be adding a suspended ceiling underneath, otherwise you wouldn't be compliant with a raft of regulations. Above, also normal to grout, then insulation layer then screed. So flushness of top or bottom not really relevant. Ours were so uneven, we opted for liquid insulating screed, rather than attempting to level with sand and lay down boards. You have the curve of the beams to contend with anyway. You also have the human factor, the neatness of installation. We used precast hollow concrete planks for our build, 1200mm wide, 5m long. These were smooth top and bottom, interlocked together, in theory leaving a narrow beveled grove to grout in. In reality, beams were slightly different shape, the supporting walls weren't perfect, some beams were slightly the wrong size. A lot had to be persuaded in to position. Result being a fair bit of unevenness, top and bottom, and lots of grouting needed on top. So, do not expect a perfect finish by any means. Esp if this method is unfamiliar to those working with it.

Hi. Welcome. Lovely looking site! What do you mean by oak with ICF outer?

ventilate. The building is producing moisture, it needs to escape.

Glycol.

Usually there will be a benchmark / datum set on site, and everything will be referenced off that. The datum then usually has mao coordinates associated with it, so all subsequent dimensions can be calculated to the map grid, e.g. ridge height which would need to be known for planning purposes

You need to allow a ~150mm service void (gap from underside of block beam floor to the suspended ceiling system) On that note, you'll need to use a metal suspended ceiling system - metal brackets, hangers, channels, where plaster board is then screwed in to.) are such systems readily available in Bahamas? I really do think you're looking at the completely wrong solution for your build.

It's nothing, wood cracks and twists all the time without losing much strength.

It's nothing, ignore it.

Hit it really hard with a lump hammer. Or, phone your water company, say you've a leak but can't access your stopcock. Someone will be out sharpish. We did this, and they installed a new lid then and there.

I remember a detail on our drawings showing that steel mesh should be spot welded on top of beams where blocks were to be built off. Not sure if that applies to galvanised lintels tho.

The beam and piers highlighted pink will undoubtedly be holding ceiling joists and any partition walls above. But, anything is possible, with enough money.

Different scenario, but when I worked for a survey company, we had a min fee for turning up on site. Was £250, our half day rate. Didn't matter if the job took 10mins or 4 hours, it cost the same. My electrician is the same at £100 for showing up with his ugly face. Lots of trades do this because they have to plan in jobs and allow enough time to get them done. This does sound a bit harsh at £200 tho.

Which pipe is doing what? Please don't tell me the waste out pipe for the lot is that Flexi thing going UP at the back of the image?! If it is, then the whole thing needs to be replumbed properly so there is adequate fall after the trap. Can you provide any more context? Was this done recently or been like it forever? Where is the main sewer in relation to the photo? How does the 40mm waste pipe connect to the main 110mm sewer?

You won't get condensation on your cold pipes or cisterns, you cannot compare a static caravan to a passive house. Move on to the next problem 😃

Feck sake I've more walls to do and some patching and need it all to match! If you hear of any stocks let me know as I'll need a tub of the acrylic white

We've bought and sold many windows, doors and a conservatory on gumtree. Expect about £50 for your £400 window tho....

We laid our LVT down on 2mm foam underlay. Still had to do a fair bit of scraping and prep. Feels great underfoot

Just get a recirculating hood. The mvhr extract point in your kitchen will do the best. It works really well and I do not miss a big extracting hood at all. If air quality is a big concern, get an induction hob rather than gas (get one anyway as they are better!)

You don't want something with lots of fines. It will move about and the fines will washout. You want big stones. We used 100mm crusher run. We'll be skimming it with 50mm of 0-32mm stone, then gravel grids, and then granite gravel as the final drive.

Done. Quick feedback. The question regarding how much extra you'd be willing to spend on eco features could be broken down into sub categories, e.g heating, insulation, glazing. Also response based on a % value rather than absolute. You can then derive the value from the previous response on the building project value range.

Thats correct. Draws air from behind, expels to the front.

Just use a bit of copper wire to jump the volt free terminal on the unit. It'll get you working. The ashps own timer, flow temp, and weather comp settings will allow you to control the heat in the house.

Would you consider installing the next one in some sort of bund? I've a drain in my plant room I case something goes pop someday.

You'll just need to provide all the usual details . E.g. inverter spec, string / panel layout, and safety certificate. I'm in NI and had no issues but we've no MCS here anyway so comparing apples and oranges.