DavidO

My platforms were red…😂

I do understand the argument….and partially sympathise…but only partially, and I don’t think that retaining wavy glass is worth the compromise in energy efficiency, especially in a building which has already had so much of it’s historic value desecrated by the (former) local council 🤭

We have factory built/painted wooden framed double glazed windows in our current (self built) house which were installed 14 years ago when we built which haven’t even needed a lick of paint since and are clearly not deteriorating at the rate that many UPVC windows do. Allan Brothers, Berwick on Tweed; they supply nationwide…even Cornwall. They also do a heritage range of similar construction.

Thanks Rt. You’re correct about the openings. It looks to me that when these 70/80s frames were installed they also widened the openings and put it new sills and lintels (cast concrete..!!), presumably in order to get more light into what were then offices (the local council ironically!). If you look either side of the lintels you can also see that they must have removed part of the decorative course of bricks below the gutter in order to accommodate oversized lintels? Almost vandalism…but council workmen were empowered to do whatever they liked in those days!

Interesting thought Mike. My son thought that the windows prior to these 1970s/80s timber (not the originals which would have been something like 200 years ago) might have been metal windows (so could possibly have been Crittals…?). I will see if I can get some pre 1960s photos from our local historical society!

mjc ……> The point about listing is that it should stay in the style that it was at the time it was listed. This is even if, to some, the style of any part of the building is ugly, inefficient or not up to current standards. Even for bland 1970s windows made of poor quality timber??? As a decade it was probably the high point of my life, but certainly NOT of either architecture or building standards. What is the logic of preservation of crap and perpetuation of environmental wastage?

Very interesting Garry, thank you! The landvac u value is amazing for that thickness. Do you know how it compares from a cost perspective?

Does anyone have any experience or expertise re replacement of windows in Grade 2 listed residential buildings. I am considering a significant renovation job which is G2 listed. There is existing planning consent but it does not appear to include replacement of any of the windows. The statement in the approval document simply states “existing made good”. I can’t think why the planners or conservationists would want to retain the existing windows as they have no architectural or historical merit as far as I can tell (pics attached). To me they look like 1970s ish replacements complete with inappropriate lintel and sills. What does anyone think about persuading the planners to accept a tasteful, heritage sympathetic but energy efficient replacement (about 10 windows in total; similar story with all of them). Many thanks!!

Been able to get a bit closer today….So, yes there is also cracking visible on the outside. It looks as though à door or possibly a window has been filled in right on corner of the building a most of the area below the window has been repointed at least a couple of times? Also significant is that there another door just round the corner which is still in use, so the adjoining 90degree wall isn’t going to contribute much in the way of structural integrity to that corner of the building as a whole. Does anyone think it could be satisfactorily tied together with stitching rods?

Thanks Alan…Yes….good suggestions especially reconfiguring an alternative solution for what ever function the existing RSJ fulfills. We have also been thinking about replacing the stairs with something different, or a spiral, or even a lift. The previous “fool” actually bought this building as part of a much bigger package which would have been 15 apartments + this “cottage” if he hadn’t gone bust first, so the price would be impossible to untangle. The receivers are now finishing the project (which is very unusual) apart from this unit, probably because it’s a bit too difficult for them?

Think you have probably looked at the right property…there are two separate buildings joined together in an L shape. The agents details are extremely sketchy

Another thought. Google the property and you may find the original sales advert as a barn for conversion, with some clues. and the planning portal is worth a try to. It’s in my home town so already know a bit about it…but not how the former (failed) developer managed to make such a mess of it. The planning portal is a good shout, and I’m also going to try to consult with the local BCO.

Thanks very much…! Will report back in due course 🤞😬🤣

This is the best I can do for the time being…

Yes the second picture of the 3 I attached shows the window which has the cracks below it, but that is as close as I can get. I also think that what might have been visible from the exterior has been masked by repointing?

I’d be very interested in opinions on this RSJ in a botched half completed renovation which I’m considering? It looks like an old railway line to me? Whilst it appears to be supporting another RSJ which supports the floor above I’m questioning whether it was actually originally intended to tie the gable wall which it attaches to at the other end? But is it actually doing anything…or perhaps doing more harm than good because of its weight?

Pics attached separately…due to space constraints….

Be interested in experienced opinion re this cracking in the upper floor of a Victorian renovation project I’m considering? Does it look like a serious issue? If so how serious and what remedial measures are required? My worry is the location on the upper corner of the building. It looks straight enough outside from both the ariel and ground view, but it has recently been repointed so maybe exterior cracks have been covered up (see pics). There is also some cracking above the window where the wall joins the ceiling but it has been patched up so not worth attaching the photo.

I think you’ll find that solicitor was lying. An example of just one of the motivations to consider doing it myself!

Morning All…. Does anyone have experience of, or any opinion on, DIY conveyancing for plot purchases?

Helpful….Thanks!

The water sounds rather expensive compared to your other utility charges? Is it Thames Water in Oxfordshire?

Thanks Dave….We don’t actually have any quotes yet. I’m trying to get a feel for the connection costs in order to calculate what we can sensibly afford to offer for the plot. It looks like most of the connections should be through an existing boundary wall into a back alley behind a neighbouring terrace; so hopefully short runs in a very quiet spot 🤞🏻🤞🏻?