Phil D

Most helpful, cheers fellas. I'll have a look at construction channel shortly.

Jack/Peter - much appreciated. I must admit I hadn't considered the VAT implications, I've been so focused on finding an actual plot I've not given the construction methodology/costing too much thought. Should hopefully hear back this week so will know if I can commit to spending more time moving things on. Thanks, Phil

Hi Ferdinand, Yeah, thought so. We're waiting to hear back regarding our offer so little we can actually do at this stage. Some other forum members have kindly pointed out the VAT savings on a new build which may actually make it easier to demo and start from scratch. Is anyone familiar with the actual construction method for reinforcing foundations? Just for my own curiosity really, presume you would have to dig alongside existing and dowel into? I guess you could only do this if the existing are set at the right depth for fear of undermining them? Its probably an impossible question to answer given all the variables with soil type, loadings etc to factor in. Thanks, Phil

Hi Nick, Nothing as of yet I’m afraid, we’ve identified a several potential plots and for one reason or another they haven’t quite come off. We put an offer in last week for another plot which ticks all the boxes but it would seem there is some competition (keeping our fingers crossed). This one has a bungalow on site which will need mostly stripping back or completely demolishing, I would like to utilise the existing foundations wall construction but I’m unsure if it’s more trouble than its worth. Hopefully I’ll have more news this week

Hi All, Bit of a general question regarding foundations, would be great of anyone can point me in the right direction. I’m looking at a house with a view to extending & refurbishing, it’s a 1970’s bungalow with large dormer windows within roof/1st floor level. My basic intention is to retain everything from the ground to first floor finished level and build up the wall to create a proper 1st floor area (currently a dormer window config with the roof sitting onto of wall finished at FFL). What’s the general approach when looking at foundations, I’m guessing I’ll have to expose existing and assess their loading capacity to take proposed 1st floor wall loading and new roof. Is it a simple case of reinforcing existing foundations? Any general pointers would be much appreciated with the above scenario? Risks, expense etc? Am I looking at this correctly? Thanks, Phil

Morning All, Just dropping in to say hello, newly registered on this site. We're actively looking for a good plot in south Manchester/Cheshire and think we're pretty close with one. Hoping to pick peoples brains and also contribute where I can. We've carried out two refurbishments to date and are now looking for a sizeable project as the next step up. Thanks, Phil