ToughButterCup

Thanks @Mr Punter I'm using 80mm of insulation under the rafters. So, it's drywall screws and penny washers (and alu tape) I need then?

Because I did not know that insulated plasterboard exists. The inexperienced self builder strikes again

I have already put 200mm of insulation between my rafters, and now I need to fix 80mm of Celotex under those rafters. Since I should be able to do that by attaching the insulation to the bottom of the rafters, I am guessing that I don't need to use thermally broken fixings. But I have been known to be wrong before - strangely. So I just thought I'd check. Anyone got a suggestion as to which fixings I should use for 80mm Celotex?

First, a warm welcome. You have a brilliant little project , and if the photo is to be believed, a demanding dog too. So, that makes two clubs of which we are both members. Joined the small budget club too eh? And if your labour really is free, pop up to J33 on the M6 and I'll be happy to reinforce your delusion. I'll pay yer mileage. Exterior walls - I don't really have a technical answer, but I would start by looking at what others in your area have done / are doing. Like I say M6, junction 33, 0900 sharp tomorrow morning.

Blimey! that was quick. Thanks Ian

I came across this video showing an inelegant 'flexarm' reading light. It incorporates a USB charging slot. In other words perfect for SWMBO. But I'm finding it difficult to trace a version of this idea that's available in the UK. Does anyone know of a reading light that incorporates a USB charging slot thats available here.

Right oh! I get the picture... channels at the back of skirting boards are for mice. ?

Look at your cost-to-completion spreadsheet. Put both numbers in. Decide whether the cost difference makes any material (sorry) difference.

OK, time for the story of one of the few times in my life when I came close, very close to wetting myself with laughter. Please bear in mind that I am German. Walking down the High Street in Skipton with a mate of mine : he has a razor sharp wit And what do we see, but a group of similarly clad people (as those in the image above) , of whom two were in Nazi regalia. The following exchange took place... Hiya Lads ... what's 't crack then? Vee are Officers of Ze Tcherman Army. Aye , ah can see that : 'ow's it goin' like ? Vee Tcherman Officers are taking our job seriously, vee do not smile, vee have no sense of humour Eeee, 'appen tha's just had yer gas bill then ? I nearly died.

Hmmm, pleased my Caution Circuit is working....?

Somebody recently wrote about MDF skirting and linked to this (or a similar) page. The image shows a skirting run with a wiring channel cut into the back of the board. Great idea, I thought! Then my caution circuit clicked over to 'On' . It's such a neat idea, there must be something wrong with it. Is there?

With me, it's a good idea to check. Thanks. Our lad needed the trailer....... tough luck

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Not allowed a garage (Planning) . But I could duct the heater airflow from the digger cabin heater.......... now there's a thought.

Digger and toothed bucket: no go Crowbar and anger: no go Pickaxe : no go ' ... Mortar and pestle... ' southern softies....... ya gotta love 'em

The best I can up with is to cover the sand with a dark colour membrane, perhaps a bin liner, and hope the sun will heat the sand up a bit. Same principle as a a solar shower... Well she would get the hump if you heat up one tonne at a time, poor lass.

I left a tonne of sharp sand in a trailer. Well, it's not sand now, Its rock. Phhhhhhh. God's havin' a laugh innee? Help!

One of the principal ' worries ' we had about Durisol ( one of the ICF systems available) was the loss of internal space because of the width of the blocks. The argument runs: for any given area on which you can build, Durisol uses more space than average. Our blocks are 365 wide with the normal plaster coating inside But its simple. And, correctly stacked and poured, properly plastered, delivers a reasonable U value.

North facing, triple glazed velux roof window, 3.30 this afternoon ..... on the outside, partly melted ice re-freezing

My wife puts it pithily.... A self builder is not a repeat customer. Trades prefer working for them. Self builds are one off. (Unless you are called @Stones)

Too much. As usual, @JSHarris has examined and written about this issue in some detail , and so has @ProDave. I'm damned if I can find the thread where they both discuss the topic in some detail - it was a while ago. And I've got to fizz off somewhere now.... I'll try and remember when and which thread. I remember one phrase in particular - something like '....well if the power's off for that long, treat the family to a meal out....' No point in writing the same stuff twice.

Most if not all self-builders start with a time-line in mind, and then change it in the light of experience. I don't want to hint at pessimism in my first response to you: but. I started employing people (groundwork, piling, initial build) , got my remaining 8 fingers burned. So, cheerfully, I'm doing it myself (except the clever stuff). The odd mate or two turn up, take the mickey mercilessly, do a bit of work, take the Michael some more. In revenge, I encourage our chickens poo in their shoes. The odd child turns up, does a couple of hours, tells me I'm doing all right for an old git, allows me to squeeze some cash in his pocket (for the grandson) and disappears. Stressful (because I know sod all about building), regularly losing sleep and having the time of my life. Seriously.

Welcome! I seem to remember a Building the Dream episode that echoes yours. I cant remember which series and episode, but the content is about a young couple who hated their bungalow. Its the one where they end up with a metal cow in their lawn, there's a large black trellis on the front and back..... Take @PeterStarck's hint about a tarpaulin roof seriously. When we priced that option it would have cost us £5000 for 146 m square. Good luck Ian

Very interesting indeed. And the others are?