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Everything posted by ToughButterCup
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Insightful piece on more or less today.
ToughButterCup replied to MikeSharp01's topic in Environmental Building Politics
Way back then ( ...old threads...) I think the core of the argument against pv and battery installations - at that time - was the initial upfront cost and payback time. That equation is now different. I've lost 'track' of the cost / benefit analysis. How long does ( should / might) it take -now- to repay (say) 10K's worth of battery installation? -
Chicken Shed - Self Build in Mid Devon
ToughButterCup replied to Willus's topic in Introduce Yourself
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Talking to our architect about leaks - he mentioned one he was working on for a client - who has spent a lot of money and months searching and can't find the source. It happens to be my gym. It has had a leak for two years now; it still drips (gently) next to one piece of equipment I always use. They've had several contracting companies look at the issue - crawling up in the roof space, window seals renewed. It takes roughly one whole day from rainfall to one drip appearing in the bucket. And continues to drip for a while after the rain stopped. I used to think it was only boats that leaked in a really annoying way - right over my bunk bed. Not anyone else's bunk. Mine. My roof leaks once a year. A tiny 'weep' . Now I know better . You are in good company lad.....
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Sweet spot when buying a digger
ToughButterCup replied to Post and beam's topic in General Self Build & DIY Discussion
Exactly what I would have said. -
Moving in before completion
ToughButterCup replied to Lincolnshire Ian's topic in General Self Build & DIY Discussion
Exactly the same issue here. Different decision : money-based. Only just sold our house 10 years on. Moved in before completion years ago. In terms of VAT have a look at my posts about that - not complicated but you need to know and be able to challenge others who should know the system thoroughly (because its their job) Read and re-read the VAT and Local Authority rules on habitation - and know what the local LA Valuation Officer's agenda is .... 😑 LAs appear not to apply their own policies uniformally The Local Valuation Officer's decision is (is highly likely in your case) to be the trigger for the VAT process. In brief my learning was: The key question is : when does your LA Valuation Officer regard your property as Habitable. Be clear about the rules Keep brief informal records because I forget stuff Keep the HERAS up and secure all the time. LA Valuation Officers have been know to just walk on site without permission. Move in I avoided thinking about site insurance. Stupid as running across a motorway. My excuse? Two hip replacements and the associated pain. Keep my other half in the loop - it's a jangling experience Think of England, Harry and St george. -
All part of the service, sir.
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We solved a similar problem in a stuff-it-can't-find-the-right-product-way (wrong angle in the available standard stock) Not exactly the same issue as yours - but close..... Like this - a few holes drilled in the bottom. Take the boot off, flush out the leaves bingo.
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With a bit of luck we'll be blessed with a couple of sunsets and dawns while camped out of the wind on a ridge line. (Sulphur Skyline) Fabulous night skies. And nay bloody midges.
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Thought about condensation on the pipe?
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Sunk Cost. No option. But come what may I'm going walking in the Rockies this summer. Maybe a bit of scree running and a bit of ice work. It's the bears that add a bit of spice....
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Yer a genius if you can .....
ToughButterCup replied to ToughButterCup's topic in Building Materials
Well there's nothing for it : instead of talking about it, or counting dimples, I'm gonna have a to get off my Botticelli and do some laying. Nuvver steep learning curve on the way. 🫣 -
I'm DIYMax. Retired the day we got full PP. If you don't require a formal qualification to get the job done , I'm on it. Not from choice. Or ability. Or bent. Just financial necessity. We're in a Development Zone so trades are like hens teeth. Which means 10 years in so far and still lots to do. MVHR second fit, Part P, Air Test, lobotomy. Learnt a fair bit mind ....
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Yer a genius if you can .....
ToughButterCup replied to ToughButterCup's topic in Building Materials
Grandchildren are coming round this weekend....😈 -
Yer a genius if you can .....
ToughButterCup replied to ToughButterCup's topic in Building Materials
Oh , OK then. 😡 -
Yer a genius if you can .....
ToughButterCup replied to ToughButterCup's topic in Building Materials
Ok, I'll sample 100 sq mm , and then multiply by 6 ( 600 square) Ok, done that - now what? -
Yer a genius if you can .....
ToughButterCup replied to ToughButterCup's topic in Building Materials
I'm having a bash at laying with zero grout - just butted up to one another. Not easy - it would be easier if the bloody things were exactly the same size but they're not -
Yer a genius if you can .....
ToughButterCup replied to ToughButterCup's topic in Building Materials
No @Pocster, wash your mouth out. Rong. Not paying attention to @SteamyTeas post. Bad Boy. Stand in the corner. The side with the Bevel is down . Fewer dimples. Why? Cos the bevels release the mold more easily. -
Yer a genius if you can .....
ToughButterCup replied to ToughButterCup's topic in Building Materials
@SteamyTea strikes again ..... There is a bevel folks ... A BEVEL I tell ya ! I hate it when @SteamyTea is right. -
Yer a genius if you can .....
ToughButterCup replied to ToughButterCup's topic in Building Materials
That's taken all the fun out of that one then hasn't it -
Yer a genius if you can .....
ToughButterCup replied to ToughButterCup's topic in Building Materials
Shoulda known better... Utility paving slabs often have different dimple patterns on each side because one side is typically designed as the "top" surface with finer, closer-set dimples for a non-slip finish, while the coarser, more widely spaced dimples on the underside are a result of the manufacturing process (sitting on the mould). (Google Gemini Downloaded July 2025) -
Yer a genius if you can .....
ToughButterCup replied to ToughButterCup's topic in Building Materials
Woooohooooo, big guns ( @saveasteading) . are at it now..... Time for some close-up dimple pics - The argument now is; some dimples are harder than others. Hard dimples down then... Some dimples do, some dimples don't Some dimples need a lot of wearing, some dimples don't Some do, some don't and some dimples lie .... (Apologies Racey) Pics in a minnit -
Yer a genius if you can .....
ToughButterCup replied to ToughButterCup's topic in Building Materials
Well, class of 25, I'm disappointed in you all. And as for you @TerryE, I am particularly worried at your sudden lack of nerdery. Almost as bad as that @SteamyTea fella. At least he had a (serving) suggestion - look for a taper. And why @S2D2 has the temerity to post at all is beyond me. No experience, but a sharp eye I see. @G and J concerned about how pretty it all should be. Thinks we're all going to be looking at our feet every time we step on a paving stone. So arty farty. So superficial Hmmm, must understand wimmin like my wife well. Both sides have dimples: dimples I tell you. Why the differing dimple density? It's such a simple question and yet the BH hive mind doesn't know. Ha! I'm delighted Where's @Onoff when you need him.? Or Jezza? -
Yer a genius if you can .....
ToughButterCup replied to ToughButterCup's topic in Building Materials
That's just exactly the problem both of you. Both sides have dimples. Side A has more dimples than side B. Or in your words @SteamyTea, they are stamped out, but the stamps are dissimilar. Why? -
tell me which is the right way up for these please. Notice I'm only asking you all to decide which is the top side of any of the slabs I've just had delivered. Because given that, even I can just about work out which face should be on the bottom There are no indicators anywhere round the edge of the slabs. This one (A) Top - side ? [ more dimples] or This one (B) Top side? [fewer dimples] And because I'm a teacher, please when you respond, show your workings for more marks. And a biscuit if you agree with SWMBO. 😜
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Butt. Because a butt joint was complicated enough for me.