Bonner

BC won’t be remotely interested in the size, that’s a planning issue which is nothing to do with them

Following my experience, I just don’t believe the build costs in most of these programs! It seems they don’t include all the fees and subsidiary expenses. Also, much of the uplift in value is market increase which is realised by other properties. Still enjoy watching the programs, just don’t believe everyone is going to make £x00,000 added value by self building.

+1 To be fair to the architect, I think the design is very close to your precedent images. It’s just a matter of selecting slightly different materials and textures for the cladding. Also the windows could be changed to something a bit less fussy. The whole facade can be softened with less contrasting colours and textures to make it more subtle, which may not date so quickly. It’s not easy to articulate exactly what you want without asking the architect to produce numerous drawings. Best way is play about with images yourself with a sketching tool, I found PowerPoint quite useful!

Like the way you have referenced the local vernacular in your design ?

For comparison, my build is 260sq.m, similar spec but with MVHR. SAP maximum heat load is 4.5kW, I will be going for 8-9kW ASHP.

Our plot has neighbours services running down one side close to the boundary. Rights are established in the transfer deed.

What about ventilation, are you planning MVHR? Uncontrolled ventilations losses will create significant heating load.

Years ago, I was chopping out a network of old lead pipes from under a suspended floor. Water was already bypassed with new supply, gas wall lights no longer supplied with town gas! However one of them turned out to be our lead sheathed incoming electric main which I cut straight through with a hammer and bolster ? Beware!

TBS bricks are made by Nelissen who have a good joint selection tool on their website. You need to find out what that brick is called by the manufacturer as TBS use their own names for the UK market.

My DNO sent me the same drawing but accepted a GRP cabinet, which I bought on EBay. Note the drawing title ‘typical’ ... cubicle.

It looks like your example is pivoted rather hinged. Something like this might do the job, depending on the weight.

Agreed, would look good stepped up the bank to create terraces for planting. If you paint them, make sure you use an etch primer for galvanised steel.

I can’t argue with any of the advice given here, only to say there are different routes depending on your attitude to risk vs cost. If you are prepared to take an active role one approach could be: Architect for planning and building control approval (plus additional construction drawings if required) QS or on-line estimate for costing (for comparison of quotations) Manage the tendering process yourself (get to know the builders; look for recommendations, take up references) Main contractor to act as project manager (with oversight by yourself) This is the route I have folllowed on previous extension projects and going down now with a complete new build.

Unless it is a really unusual construction, get a online cost estimate done. Tender for fixed price quotes and let the main contractor manage the build. The main challenge is finding a good builder. Local through recommendations and references is best.

The entrance hall section lends itself to an alternative cladding, timber for example. You could use the same material on the garage block and/or rear gabled sections. With a huge double height space above the hall why not do something different with the windows?

They will tell you that retrospective warranties are expense because they are trying to sell you one now! Others have purchased one for not much more than an upfront one but may not be accepted by all lenders ... I have decided on a PCC for about £1200. It has some limitations but it will be issued by the structural engineer who has done the design. He is carrying out regular inspections to make sure the house is built properly.

Have you got any suitable accommodation? I have seen working holidays for young people but not sure how that is organised. You might struggle to attract experienced trades but you could get a few pair of extra hands in exchange for somewhere to stay in an attractive location.

RAL 7032 according to the Rationel catalogue. That is one of the colours I was looking at, good to see it on real window frames rather than just a swatch.

They look great, are they Alu-clad? What colour please, inside and out?

In our planning approval the Highway authority stipulated the first 10m of driveway must be wide enough for two vehicles to prevent cars having to stop, or reverse into the main road. The driveway serves three properties.

Hmm ?, got me thinking now. First reaction was to go with white boards but the grey looks very smart

2 acres of PV would keep you warm ?

Look in the local authority planning portal. The approved documents should include a material schedule.

For brick and block, 3-5 stage payments. First payment at DPC, nothing in advance. All stages written in contract.

I am starting to think the same. I know many here have installed their own but not sure if it is for me. With so many other things to do, I would prefer to get an approved installer to do my ASHP, cylinder and controls. I know they load the price but at least the installation cost will be paid by RHI (not sure if it will pay the entire cost?). Then the warranty is a big bonus to me.