David H

Just the info I was after. I was struggling to find the industry guidance never mind preferred sizes used by pros. I will get some ordered

hmm I might have to test on a broken slate and some spare batten. My tiles are 5.5mm thick apparently :) and was hoping they would be ok, as you don't hammer them too tight but will do a quick test. I am using slate hooks for the main courses, it's just the eave course that's nailed. Literally only just ordered the 30mm copper nails then saw your post :) I am using slate hooks as the pitch is 20 degrees and I read that it's better to use hooks at a low pitch but I have also seen some web sites that contradict that advice, so who knows!

Build with A&E youtube channel did a good video on using resin for anchor bolts, let me dig it out.. HOW TO USE RESIN ANCHOR BOLTS: What you need to know! | Build with A&E - YouTube

Thanks all, I have ordered them. It's a worry when the website pops up a message that they are too busy to answer phone calls even before you have ordered!

Thanks for the responses. I will go with the coursing blocks then. Not sure if I can post links but I think these are what I need and they seem to be able to deliver to my postcode:- Dense Concrete Common Brick Grey 215mm x 100mm x 65mm – JMD Building & DIY Supplies (jmdbuildingsupplies.co.uk) The description on the site:- Coursing bricks can be used in all type of construction and in conjunction with dense aggregate blocks.

Thanks, I didn't think it would be an issue but thought I should check

Hi, I am attempting to complete most of the work on my extension myself. It's going good so far, foundations dug, poured and just building cavity up to damp in prep for the oversite. Its brick and block construction and it's 8 courses between the foundations and DPM.I am happy that the outer cavity will just be 8 courses of F2/S2 bricks but for the inner cavity I plan to lay 2 courses of solid concrete blocks and 2 courses of engineering bricks. Is this acceptable or do I need to buy Dense Concrete Common Bricks Grey 215mm x 100mm x 65mm to use for the top 2 courses above the concrete blocks (to make up to 8 brick courses)? Concrete commons don't seem to be available near me and I have some engineering bricks spare. Thanks, David

ah yeah, good shout, I hadn't thought of that.

Hi, I've spent my spare time in lockdown learning Autocad, laying bricks/blocks to a line and attempting to build corners I've bought a belle mixer, 110v transformer, wacker plate, hilti 3000 breaker, blakes profiles, cat scanner, pick axe trench shovel,wheelbarrow and all the hand tools required for brick laying I plan on trying to do as much work as I can on a small front extension. The house is semi detached and staggered, so my house is set back from it's attached neighbour and the neighbours already have a single height front extension. Other houses in the street with the same configuration had planning approved for single height front extensions, that extend out to the end of the party wall to match attached neighbours. Originally I drew some plans that were for a single height extension, which I was reasonably happy with but then I thought I might try to get planning permission on a partial double height extension to allow the upstairs bathroom to be extended (it currently only has a shower, as there isn't space for a bath). I was about to submit my attempt at plans but I have just realised I have an upstairs cavity wall floating above an internal (100mm) internal wall (circled in red below):- and wider cavity wall on the first floor:- Looking at the above, I have also just realised I have drawn a cavity for the extended section on the ground floor but a solid block on the first floor, should I change that? Can I just put a beam in the drawing, as below? Would it need a vertical post where I have circles it in blue? It would have a 100mm internal wall under to support it. I guess a structural engineer would advise. Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions on the drawings/build. Cheers, David

Hi, I am going to attempt building my own front extension. Doing as much of the work myself that I can, including drawing plans for planning permission! Probably have lots of questions but will hopefully help others if they are doing the same Thanks