Triassic

I’ve just completed an ICF basement and we stripped the insulation from a 150mm wide area, top to bottom, in two places to inspect the poured concrete. Absolutely perfect in both cases.

Sounds like the architect doesn’t want you to use ICF!

They've specified a vapour membrane fixed to the internal face of the frame.

What's the position regarding fenestration? I'm reviewing window suppliers quotes and a couple of potential suppliers have suggested, what the architect has drawn, is not technically possible and have suggested alternatives that alter the number and position of the window stiles. So rather than having three panes of glass, I'd have two panes of glass. Would this need to be approved by the planner?

Having talked to the timber frame company, they would recommend the insulation on the inside of the frame. Looks like that's the way we'll go.

This is what the architect designed? Rather naively I thought the architect would design something that was buildable? I've just realised the opening section of the patio doors are too narrow as designed.

I’m trying to plan ahead, as my timber frame arrives in a couple of months time. The architect has specified a 50mm layer of EWI over the timber frame. He originally had a wall make up of 145mm full fill frame (PIR), with an external OSB layer, a breathable membrane, the additional 50mm of polystyrene EWI insulation, then battens, render board and render. Having read a couple of blogs and posts here was wondering if I could simply use a 50mm thick layer of Rockwool fixed directly over the OSB and breathable membrane, then apply a breathable silicone render to the Rockwool? By taking this approach it would reduce the number of layers and will save money. Has anyone got any experience of this approach? Suggestions as to companies who could carry out the work?

I recently asked about a non material amendment to save £7,000, but apparently it was unlikely to be accepted, as cost does not come into these things!

The only thing I know is that according to our planning officer it costs £234 !

My tracks fitted to the inside face of the timber that makes up the door frame.

Stick at it, one trade counter kept over charging me, I always picked them up on it and got a better price. I’ve been known to take the Screwfix catalogue into my Builders Merchants, they soon got the message, but you do need to keep your eye on them.

The only bit you’ve missed is the part where you wake up a 2am, do half an hours research on Buildhub, then go back to bed to dream a bit more about valves!

Im hoping my wife will do the same, fingers crossed!

You make a very good point. I always tile a kitchen or a bathroom floor before I start installing the kit.

How about something like this, The White Curch, Lytham, constructed using white faience bricks. http://fairhavenurc.org.uk/

A friend had a large wheeled creeper, it folds up into a low wheeled seat, or he can lie on it when working at floor lever.

I’m sure Jeremy Harris has the back story! No doubt he’ll be along with it.

If you get the insulation and air tightness right you might find your heating requirements are minimal.

As far as I’m aware, only the current plot owner can go down this route as it is they who have had the adverse possession.

That’s the function I’m interested. The summers are only going to get hotter and a bit of cooling would be nice, especially if I can find an eBay bargain.

When in Duscussions with AndyT I’d wanted a price for a couple of units capable of running both the DHW and the UFH. Having done more research into the various options, I’ve come to the conclusion that I need a system similar to Jeremy’s, with as ASHP supplying a buffer and the UFH, with a plate heat exchanger providing preheat to the DW supply to the Sunamp. I’ve also thrown into the mix, the fact I’ll have 4kw of PV. Let’s see what EcoPartners come up with!

I've now received a breakdown of the Leicht kitchen quote, as follows:- 600mm Larder unit, 2.4m tall 600 Integral freezer unit, 2.4m tall 600 integral oven unit, 1.4m tall 600 integral oven unit, 1.4m tall 600 integral fridge unit, 2.4m tall 600 mm Larder unit, 2.4m tall 1200 Draw pack unit 1200 Base unit with drawers corner base unit with Le Manz pull out unit 600 Dishwasher integration unit 1200 Sink base cupboard 600 Integrated waste bin unit 12000 base unit 1200 base unit 1200 base unit 1200 base unit 600 integrated wine fridge unit. Plus decorative end panels, trims, legs door, and all the gubbins. All the above for £12K

He fixed the problem element, but the slab of insulation is in very poor condition, the woven material is falling apart and the internal slab all cracked and in bits. This is the part he needs a replacement for?

Just be aware that the other party might counter with a clawback clause?

Could someone clarify the operation of the SunampPV? Am I correct in thinking the DC current from the PV array can be wired straight into the SunampPV, I assume this saved buying an inverter?