Bonner

Do tell, where did you find such a bargain Ebay, FB market?

As above it would be better in two pieces. I am surprised you could get a 12m beam in one piece, and get it delivered.

I prefer internal but that’s an awkward drop so put it in the corner outside (B)

Looking good but where’s the cat slide gone?

Stairs look the wrong way around, is there any reason for that? First floor bedroom suite is huge in comparison to the living/dining area. Could you make a bedroom in the mezzanine?

Lots of online services, I used Compliant EPC

Isn't it normally 1/3 of the area of a house ?

I agree, looking at the existing house and nearby properties, it just needs simplifying a bit. There is no reason that this should end in a refusal, a conversation with the planners and your architect will resolve it quickly. Take the opportunity to make it less costly and easier to live with.

Have to agree with the planners I’m afraid, it looks very busy with too many ‘pointy bits’. You say there is no strong architectural style in the area but are there any common themes you could pick up on, and create a modern interpretation? Maybe simplify the design with one or two gables and lose that dormer, it looks like the architect got carried away with the triangular stencil. Sorry but you asked, hope that helps...

@ToughButterCup, any more ‘confessions of a window cleaner’ you would like to share ? Maybe a different thread or even a blog?

Sounds fantastic! Are you really building underneath the listed property or at a lower level behind it? Look forward to seeing lots of pictures and plans!!

+1 - looks like a good job to me. Traditionally slate and tile roofs had slight kick at the gable end to prevent rain running off the edge.

Easier, no need to chase the wall, just drill behind the skirting, no plaster needed to make good

Not a problem drilling 50-60mm hole in a 200mm joist as long as it is mid depth. A bit of reinforcement won’t do any harm.

Fixed price main contract, the builder won’t get anything until joists. It’s just frustratingly slow and unpredictable. I need to order windows but can’t be sure when they will be ready.

Brickies started my build on Friday last week. I met them on site and we agreed mortar mix, pointing etc. good lads.They built a section of wall which looks great ... not been back since! Spoke to the builder who said they have gone on another job. I can’t be sure the same lads will be back, what’s the point of starting a new job for one day?!

Can anyone recommend a zero/low standing charge electricity supplier who will fir a new meter? I have a new connection in a kiosk which will new used as temporary building supply. Tried searching the web but I can’t see anything suitable. All the comparison sites want to know my current supplier and how much I am paying now ... ?

I am building the third property severed by a private drive. I do not own the drive, only right of access over it (and contribute to maintenance). Highways initially wanted the driveway modifying but when I told them it was existing and not my property, they backed down.

This would apply to any window as far as I can see. The window is simply packed out with a timber spacer to avoid burying the frame under cladding. Frame needs to sized accordingly, ie. opening dimensions - (cladding + battens).

Chimneys were often parged with lime mortar to protect the brick work, improve draw and prevent leaks. Yours does look in good condition and remarkably clean.

Granny used to polish glasses with newspaper dampened with water or vinegar. Dipped in a bit of soot from the fire to remove stubborn marks. Some of the old tricks still the best IMO

Agreed, it could cause balancing issues if not set up right. I had minimal flow through the towel rads restricted by 10mm pipe and lock shield valves. Did not have any impact on radiators or hot water. Just an idea, worked well for me but not for every situation.

In previous houses, I have run several towel rads from a tee before the diverter valve. They come on with both hot water and heating, controlled manually or by TRVs. Simple!

Welcome, don’t worry there are no stupid questions here ? I had similar experience with trades over the years and I learnt to do almost everything myself. But bricklaying (and plastering) is something I will always leave to the professionals!

Don’t be put off by any apparent scepticism, this is what a normal house should cost! Self builders tend to focus on larger, high spec homes which cost much more. Developers will be spending this kind of money on houses they sell for £250k+ but they have economies of scale. Watch out for utility connection costs but as you say, this will be funded by the mortgage ... To answer your specific questions, you can make any offer you want (subject to contract) then sort out the mortgage. Bear in mind, in a competitive market, sellers will prefer cash offers. Survey costs depend on the lender and your attitude to risk.