Pemu

Yep, but the cost and hassle of internally putting in brackets/beams and all the mess that will cause is beyond anyones budget and tolerance threshold. Therefore, removing the majority of the stack from on top seemed like a good half way house until we can get a roofer in to do the rest properly. Some of the neighbours have done the same.

There's a chimney stack on the party wall in the back room of Victorian terrace. Previous owners on both sides removed the breast and there are a few courses of brick in either loft. Perhaps 10 courses below the roofline and about 15 above so seems very too heavy. I was wondering if it would help to get up there, knock off about 10-12 courses and seal it up until time and finances allow a proper removal and patching of roof. Neither property is using the chimney for anything and neighbour is happy for it to be removed but can't afford to contribute anything ATM.

Good afternoon everyone I hope everyone is well. I'm struggling to find good information online about how to build up the floor for a vinyl wet room, ie., what goes on top of the sub-floor, what adhesive to use, how it's set, etc. I assume that's because these things are usually done by specialist companies. I'm trying to get the best DIY result I can with my limited capabilities. Scenario: I am installing a new bathroom on a suspended timber floor. We have a large family (including kids who aren't always careful) and frequents guests. Previously we've had leaks that have come through to the ceiling below. Although just tiling it all properly would probably mitigate that (as it previously wasn't done properly) I want to go belt and braces and essentially create a wet room floor with a drain in it also. This make cleaning the bathroom easy too as I could clean the toilet much more freely and then wash the water down into floor gully. Current floor is 18mm OSB and I'm currently looking at Ploysafe wetroom vinyl: https://flooringking.co.uk/product/nordic-grey-4090/ I plan to then take it 150mm up the wall with coving. There's quite a bit of info about how to do that part online. Now, can I just glue that down onto the OSB or would the screws in the OSB start to show through, or the small ridges in the fibres (as OSB doesn't have a mirror finish)? If not, what would I put between before the OSB and the glue and how would I secure that? Do I need to lay some things screed? Do I need to use hardboard sheets? Also, what type of glue would be better for me to use? The website lists F44 as recommended but then there's F46 pressure sensitive adhesive. From googling, I couldn't fully understand the benefit of the pressure sensitive stuff over the normal stuff. I've seen in some videos them using contact adhesive. Where is that needed and what's the benefit in that? Also, is it worth me using a tanking kit before putting the vinyl or would the vinyl make that redundant? It's a small bathroom of only 1.7m x 1.9m so I can do it in one piece without any seams as the rolls are 2m wide. Thanks in advance for any thoughts, advice and experiences.

Thanks for all that. I guess that might explain why the current one is not very effective despite being so loud. So would I be right to assume that the powerful ones, by default, have 6" exhausts which is why they don't mention anything specific about it in the listings and drawings? I guess that means I'll have to buy a 6" core drill. I hate to think how much that's gonna be.

Hi I'm trying to work out which cooker hood to get and also make sure I have the right wiring/ducting planned beforehand. I want a powerful one as my previous one wasn't too good at getting rid of the stone curry smells our cooking produces. I have read mention online of the more powerful ones requiring 6" or 150mm ducting which makes sense but I was struggling to find the information I need on websites like Screwfix and AO. The listing don't say what the exhaust looks like and what size ducting is needed. I've currently got a 4" / 100m hole and I need to know if the type I need would need a larger hole and then I'd have to plan to enlarge that and so on. Any general advice in the topic would also be helpful.

Thanks for the heads-up. Conveniently they sell them in Screwfix too, but they're all on next-day as opposed to over the counter. Has anyone come across the AKW Tuff Form stuff which is less than half the price? https://www.heatandplumb.com/acatalog/akw-tuff-form-waste-adaptor-25124

Good evening I have a suspended wooden floor on ground floor. On top of the joists is 18mm OSB. There's at last 30cm of clearance beneath. I would like to put a small, round floor drain into the bathroom. I intend to finish the floor with linoleum/vinyl. All the drains I could find online seem to show it being installed into concrete. Are there any particular models that would be more suitable for my floor or is there any particular way of installing it the isn't easy to glean from the general instructions that are usually for concrete? Thanks

Thanks Let me see if I can find anything

Good afternoon all I'm making a wet room and thinking of doing all the walls and ceiling in hygiene cladding. My thinking is that it will be easy to maintain whilst being waterproof. At the same time, I'm thinking, if I just put it straight onto the stud work, it will save me the cost buying and installing plasterboard or OSB behind. There will be sound insulation between the studs behind and then plasterboard or bricks on the other side (depending on which wall). I will appreciate any thoughts on the above including any recommendations for which cladding to use. I don't want to overspend but don't want something that will fall apart if someone coughs at it.

I think what I am exploring is classified as a "garage conversion" and according to the article below, there are companies that specialise in this. If anyone can recommend any such companies that serve North London, please do so. https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/garage-conversion/ They also mention that foundation will likely need investigating to see if they need reinforcing. The also mention it requires "change of use". Is that like a separate application to the full planning application?

Thank you for all the very useful advice everyone has offered. Based on my specific circumstances, I'm currently inclined towards seriously exploring the idea of getting planning permission to convert the current structure into a habitable/rentable space. The main attraction is that this will help me buy more time to start the eventual build and give me a relative safety net if something goes wrong and I can't build at all in the next 5 years. As advised above, I understand that will require various things like a proper planning application, separation of services, register for council tax, etc. San anyone share thoughts or advice on the following for now: 1: Is there anyway I can get a survey done of the current structure to advise me if it's likely I could get planning permission for it as well as a list of work that would be required to meet BC regulations, etc. ? Is there any particular type of professional service I can employ for that and how much might that cost? 2: The current structure has been there for well over 10 years (well, 41 to be precise). Will that make BC, etc., any easier, or will they hold the building up to the same standard as a new build? The owner doesn't have any documentation for the work as it was probably carried out a few owners ago. Thanks again

Am I correct in understanding that standard residential duty will be payable on the purchase price of the land regardless of any of the above possibilities due to it originally being part of a residential property? I read some details on this site: https://www.mortgagesforbusiness.co.uk/news-insight/2015/february/stamp-duty-land-tax-on-development-land-purchases/ If anyone knows any different please let me know.

What do you mean by "detailed"? DO you mean submitting detailed plans to the council, including engineer's drawings, etc.? If so, none of that has been done. It's just a basic outline for the principal planning permission. Sorry if I'm messing up all the jargon.

Thank you for the ideas. When you say Outline Permission expiring, you mean the 3 years on the permission for the new dwelling expiring or coming close by the time the seller has managed to get all the utilities separated, etc? A lot to think about... Please do continue with your thoughts, even anything that's stating the obvious as it probably won't be for me.

Thank you for the thoughts. So, the cost and hassle of making it habitable, only to then later demolish it could potentially outweigh the income gained from renting it out for 18-24 months. The potential income in that period would be £10-15k. Other than all of the above, from a Planning Permission perspective, would would the process be? So, from the previous post, I understand the land registry aspect is a separate, isolated one and perhaps not that relevant here? After that's done, or irrespective of that, what would the process be (in terms of applications/etc.) of converting an existing structure into bedsit? For argument's sake, if we agreed to go through all of the hassle, what would this sort of conversion be called and what sort of professional and legal services and expertise will be required and what kind of time frame?

Evening everyone. The land/property I am looking to buy is an end of terrace plot which the owner of the last house has obtained PP to build a 2 storey house on and will be splitting the title for and then selling. Currently, there is an extension on that land the footprint of which is the same as the eventual houses. The extension was build in the 70s and there are no plans, certificates, or detailed planning documents. On the council's planning portal it just has the date of the application for an extension and that it was granted, without any further details. The extension has garage shutters on the outside but has for a long time been used by the current owner as a habitable room. On the new planning application is was put down as storage and bathroom. My question is, when the current owner applies to split the title of the property (and I have no idea how that process works), what is likely to become of that structure? Can it, for example, be registered as some sort of habitable space as it is? The new planning permission mentions "Subdivision of site involving demolition of garage and erection of an end of terrace 2 bed single family dwelling." One of the main reasons for asking is that between dividing the property and beginning construction may be a year or two and we would rather try to let the building in the meantime. Does anyone have any experience or clue about what would happen here and is there anything we can/should do to ensure that is feasible? I am attaching pictures of relevant parts of the application.

Yes, so that is the idea I had in mind: Contiguous piling for the walls but also forming the foundations for the house above (is that possible?) Likewise, internal drained cavity was what I was thinking as there would be less to go wrong or at least easier to troubleshoot if it did? As for daylight, ventilation, insulation, etc., what I had in mind was to get the designs done for the whole basement as I would eventually like it but then only do the essential structural parts than can't be done retroactively without too much cost. The basic philosophy is this: If the whole basement would cost, for argument's sake, £100k to complete if done now, I would instead spend £20-40k now to get the bear minimum done and come back later (even in 10 years perhaps) and do the rest then as I can do without that space for now. Even if it then ends up costing a total of £120k (e.g., 30k now and 90k later), I would perhaps still consider that worthwhile due to the other advantages mentioned, e.g., being able to move in earlier, save up in between, stagger the cost, avoid spending all money on basement and then get stuck finishing ground and 1st floor, etc.

Thank you @Conor for your reply. At your convenience, could you kindly elaborate on why you are sceptical about viability? I'm not saying you're wrong but am curious to know what challenges and obstacles you see. Regarding how you are going about things, what steps are you taking to ensure that in the future if you apply for planning you're not asked to redo any work you have already done? Is keeping pictures, etc., sufficient or do you have to get any particular inspections done, etc?

Good morning everyone, Hypothetical scenario I am exploring which very well could become a reality and I was hoping for your thoughts on an idea I had. I admit I have no idea if this is even possible to begin with let alone worth the money or hassle. The New build is in London. In the long run, we definitely want a basement but don't currently have the finances to do the full build with basement, etc. Need to get the shell complete and move in ASAP though as paying for alternative accommodation atm. What if we were to get all the relevant soil surveys done, have all the plans drawn up and spend extra on piling to make the foundations sufficient to support the house and not need underpinning later. Also, have the ground floor installed as if there is a basement beneath it. A few years later, or when finances allow, we dig out the basement from outside without disturbing the rest of the house. Here's a YouTube series of someone digging a basement from outside the home without disturbing it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1LuFYIrUGw&list=PL51J3HlkH-iKNwCCk8krxfiNvLf9cEfyz&index=18&t=417s. If an entry point was planned in advance, we could do the same. Here are some pros and cons I can think off, if it were possible: Cons: The total cost would be more as the eventual excavation would take longer and be more tedious. The piling could/would cost more than digging the basement first and then using concrete strip foundations and reinforced retaining walls If you dig basement first, you can make a continuous retaining wall with waterproof concrete and then potentially not need a drainage system. If you retroactively do the basement, does that mean you can't make such a wall and would unavoidably need the drainage? Doing the basement later would mean the walls would be thicker in total (piles+walls) making the internal area smaller. If there are unforeseen issues in the basement build, much harder and more expensive to remedy. Pros: Cuts the time until moving in to the house, hence saving money on alternative accommodation (which would offset extra cost) Once moved in to the house, it should be much easier to oversee work, improve quality assurance and do more DIY (again hopefully offsetting extra costs) Much less likely for the project to stop mid-way due to funds running out. Once all is said and done, more money has been spent on the actual fabric of the house. Piled foundations and a basement drainage system, although more costly, provide more peace of mind and longevity? Allows time to save up or arrange alternative funding (loan, etc.) for the basement. Will appreciate comments and thoughts on the above in terms of feasibility, costs, more pros and cons, etc.

Thanks for the info. Can that clause be appealed/challenged in any way or can you apply to have it removed? Also, does it apply forever or only for the duration of the initial build? 10 years into the future, for example, could you then do permitted development?

Good afternoon everyone Complete newcomer here who has no experience with planning applications or dealing with the council so will appreciate even the most obvious of advice. I'm negotiating purchase of some land that has planning permission. It's at the end of a terrace and the current owner is splitting his garden (which currently has a garage on it). In the surrounding roads, most similar plots have already had massive extensions built on them or new homes (but nothing very recently). Currently, the permission is for a 2 bed, similar to the standard, mid-terrace homes on the street. That, however, leave 2-3 metres of empty space on the side of the plot which others have included in their construction. Others in the area have also build further back on the first floor. None of this was put in the application by the current owner, but I would like to do that at the time of construction as well as add a basement and/or living space in the loft. I'm attaching an arial picture of another house which was build on an almost identical plot where they have extended out to the side on ground floor and backwards on first floor, compared to the other houses mid-terrace house (one of which is in the picture). An added complication is that the permission has the following clause and I'm trying to understanding if that means we can't do anything ender "Permitted Development" now or in the future. "16 - Notwithstanding the provisions of Classes A, B,D &E of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 or any amending Order, no buildings or extensions to buildings shall be erected without the written permission the Local Planning Authority. Reason: in the interests of safeguard the residential amenities of neighbouring properties and the appearance of the property in the wider street scene." Please advise what you make of the above. Also, in general, what would be the best way of going about things to try to make sure I get permission for what I want to do? Would it be, for example, to begin construction and apply for some sort of amendment? Would it be to arrange a meeting with the planning officer to see what they say? Would it be to submit an entirely new planning application, and if so, what would be the risks or benefits in that?

At the moment, I'm at the stage of investigating whether the cost will be worthwhile. Based on what I am hearing so far, it seems more likely that it won't be, but I still want to explore it thoroughly before I make that decision and that includes getting a soil survey done. Regarding the VAT, to my knowledge, it will be a new build. At the moment, it's someone's garden with a garage on it. Is there anything that disqualifies it from VAT exemption?

Can anyone recommend any basement experts, structural engineers with basement experience, etc., who serve the North London area. I want to perhaps try to speak to at least 3 before committing to anything with one of them. Thanks

Thanks everyone so far. Some clarifications and some more questions: Yes, the existing landlord is splitting his garden and has also agreed to any party wall requirements, etc. The Thames Water report shows a 150mm waste pipe running through the middle of where the basement would be so I'm investigating costs and implications on that. I made a separate thread about that: Are there any other checks that you can think of which I should get done (e.g., for other underground services)? Is this the correct website for doing some background research and finding data from other boreholes? https://www.bgs.ac.uk/discoveringGeology/geologyOfBritain/viewer.html I haven't come across anyone else locally who has a basement so can't think of where to get a ballpark figure. @Ferdinand did you have anyone particular in mind from Milton Keynes or was there a reason you were suggesting looking there? Also, can anyone recommend any companies and companies for getting the survey done whom they have used themselves, heard good things about or would just be good yardstick for prices, etc.?

Morning everyone, I have made an offer on a piece of land subject to satisfactory sub-soil survey which I need to get done. I am keen on exploring the idea of adding a basement to the build and need to get a survey done that gives me sufficient information. Naturally, I want to save as much money as possible as well. I also want to have all the information I need to them get quotes, work out costs, etc., to then decide whether or not I want to build a basement. I've read posts where people have had to get a second survey and I want to avoid such costs. This is all new territory for me so any advice and information will be very helpful, including recommendations for good companies who serve the North London area. Questions that come to mind: To what depth do the samples need to be taken from? How many holes need to be dug and where? What details do I need to have included in the report? I'm sure there's more. The plot is at the end of a terrace so there's a pavement and then a road next to it. My goal is to include a basement under the main footprint of the house which is about 11 metres long and 6 metres wide. There will be a further 2.5 metres between that and the border of the property/pavement where I will try to get permission for a single story side extension separately. I'm attaching a picture of the outline of the property. Any other general advice for this stage will be helpful. Thanks