Bonner

I agree, don’t know why the architect put an external soil pipe when we were going for a clean contemporary look. But my fault for not spotting it. Told the builder to move it inside where it can be hidden.

Yes, the idea seems to be running drains to the corner so at least we don’t have an external soil pipe on the front! I would prefer not to have an internal drop from the family bathroom as it would be in the middle of the kitchen wall. Expect the pipes will be under the floor (parallel to 254mm pozi-joists) but no idea how the rodding eye would work? @Nickfromwales, any suggestions, internal or external SVP in that corner or somewhere else?

Only drawing I have to be honest ? We are just getting out of the ground so need to ensure we get the drains through the slab in the right place. Then work out the first floor runs later ... Only got drawings for BC so lacking a few details

If I may jump on this thread ... We have started building before I noticed what looks like an external soil pipe! Is this normal in a new build? Can I just move this inside the corner of the en-suite? Does it need a 110mm pipe through the roof if so? The room below is a study, would someone be able to hear things going down the pipe? ?

In the words of Manuel, I know nothing ... however if you search for “horizontal cylinder” you will find it has been discussed before.

Very tight but very tidy ?

Very surprised if a utility company sells property before the auction. Normally they have demonstrate transparency through open bidding at auction. Biggest obstacle could be access unless it is next to a public highway.

Why do you need to put it on concrete? What about stone and gravel? Then build a workshop around it on normal foundations ...

Not what I heard, Hannibal ?

The only way developers make money is buying land in bulk and economies of scale from building multiple houses. Everyone I know in the trade told me they cannot make a profit on an individual plot / single house build (partly due to self builders paying a premium). Ambitious timescales aside, I am quite sure this scheme would not keep under the radar for tax and other liabilities. Five houses in 15 years maybe ...

I had a similar issue, garage on the boundary with block construction with timber cladding . BC actually suggested fire retardant paint, just for the timber cladding on the boundary side but I decided to render instead as it can’t be seen due to hedging. Not sure if fire retardant paint would be enough for timber frame as well.

Looks very similar to these on eBay, with health mark up!

Just rang Protek, they are still unable to offer any policies. They are looking for an alternative underwriter and recommend trying again towards the end of the month ...

It will be 3 months or so before I need one so please share your homework ?

Also interested in these units, seem to be good value but not sure about reliability?

From work experience, silicone release spray is best. It is expensive but it goes a long way, a fine mist will stop anything sticking. Anything else may need a thicker film and could leave a residue on the moulded surface.

... no, that is useful public information thanks ? anyway, which model? Is it an internal or external sensor? Sensor control is good for managing humidity levels but I would install a manual boost switch for aforementioned reason

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!