Trw144

Rather than a new thread I thought I may as well tac onto this one.... I have just had a budget cost for a new electrical connection. It's two new build houses, and then potentially changing the house already connected from single phase to three phase. I originally had it quoted prior to April 2023 (budgeted then was £23k), I held out at the time thinking the changes to how network upgrades were costed would benefit me but have just had a quote for £30k. I've attached the budget quote and breakdown, and also how much of the upgrade I appear to be contributing to (90%!). I must admit I don't fully understand how the whole costings work and if I have any case to argue this is for "re-inforcement assets" as mentioned in the thread.

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Yes will be screeded over.

Yes, had thought about doing that as an option - wasn't sure how well 450mm x 1200 sheets would "sit" down to lay and then put UFH

Was my original plan - why is PIR not seen as good on the forum?

Hi all, With my project slowly progressing, I've come across the chance of a deal on some PIR insulation. I'm trying to see if I can make it work for me and save me a good few thousand in the process, the issue is the the cavity insulation available is 75mm so not enough for what I am trying to achieve. Has anyone/is it possible to double up the insuation or would it become a complete faff to install? thanks

Not sure there will be tax to pay (except for some import admin fees), though there will be VAT to pay as it enters the country, which you should then be able to reclaim. Not quite how it will work for an individual though (I import as a company) - I'm assuming you will just get an invoice for the VAT elelement which you can then reclaim.

Yes, way too big for what I need at circa 600+m2 and by the time I actually get around to building it the kids will probably have moved out. 350 gabion baskets arrived yesterday on a container from China so at least I can now make a start on some retaining walls.

Yes appears geobrick is now referred to as Geostylistix.

Out of interest, what bricks have you been looking at? I m currently looking at Geobrick

For information, just had an Internorm quote back - as I quickly calculate it, roughly 130m2 (including front door, some additional exterior doors, and two large gable ends), came in at roughly £850m2 fitted.

What U value does this come out at? Ditto for yours @joe90

Yes a small section needs to be 5m (depending on some other landscaping factors - long story), the vast majority is one story in height

So have spoken to a couple of people today, and gabions are looking a possibility with initial suggestions it will be a 2m base tapered down as it rises. The base only needs to be type 1 mot, rather 200mm of concrete/rebar as in the original design (and 3.5 meters deep for the heel). Once the design comes through I can cost it more fully.

Yes, gabion is currently what I am looking to explore just to see if it is viable and more cost effective. I have looked into sheet piled steel but that was way way over the concrete/rebar route (even if much simpler to install) For both properties it's circa 100 linear meters of wall required so not insignificant. On the plus side, once this is sorted the build becomes more straightforward. Space required for gabion isn't an issue on this site.

Hi All, been lurking in the background having planning permission for the next build. We're now starting to move the soil ready to build a retaining wall, which brings me to the first question. I've had a SE design the retaining wall, and several people I have spoken to believe this to be overkill from experience. I know a few basements/hillside builds have been done on here so looking for a some inputs or maybe a suggestion for a good SE so I can get a second opinion (for reference the retaining wall will be separate to the house structure). My quick calculations put me at 2.5m3 if concrete per linear meter of wall, and circa 3.5m of wall heel that I would have to dig out and then backfill. It had been suggested to me that a multiple thickness of gabion baskets might be an alternative option (which would be both cost saving and far easier to install). Woodlands Retaining Wall Plan Markup_23.08.09.pdf

Thanks, and what sort of space does this take up? Do you have a picture

Hi. Do you have a list of the blocks you have?

I have four sets of the Raynaers CP130, the largest being 10m (4 x 2.5) and have to say I've been pleased with them (been in 6 years now). I actually liked the look of the chunkier frames and (touches wood), have had no issues with condensation. Personally I think Raynaers have a good price performance ratio so will be one on my list for the next build.

Following closely as it sounds a bit like my project, 600m2, three stories and into the bank. Fortunately a friend is a builder and has experience of basements so hoping to save a chunk on this.

7kW I believe

Too be honest, I could nt find a lot on it (but admittedly only had a quick google search). I'm a western power area. Did find this (not sure how if a self builder and developer would be treated as the same)... https://www.premierenergy.co.uk/blog/electricity-connection-charges-good-news-from-april-2023/

Might not be applicable to you but I have asked for 3 phase supply for the new house (development of two) and received a quote a few months back for it. I called this week to go ahead and it was suggested to me I would be better waiting until April as they are changing the way they charge. Costs of upgrades required being absorbed by a central pool of money (ie. Put on everyone's bill) rather than charged to the individual

I have this condition... a) At no time shall any external lighting except in relation to safe use of the approved or existing buildings be installed or operated in association with the approved development and no permanently illuminated external lighting shall be operated at any time, without the written approval of this local planning authority. b) No external lighting should illuminate any biodiversity enhancement, boundary feature, highway corridors or adjacent habitats. All lighting installed shall demonstrate compliance with latest best practice guidance relating to lighting and protected species-wildlife available from the Institution of Advanced Lighting. Haven't thought far enough ahead on lighting (other than I actually wanted lots of outdoor lighting) - guess I just need a good reason for it to be there for "safety" reasons so I can walk around my house/garden at night.

Which ICF system did you use @Conor? Did you add extra external insulation or was that a standard offering?