freshy

Thanks, some good points. ? The stairs, I'm struggling with the most, initially they were coming up from the hallway. I'll post the first floor plan and external scheme soon as I can.

Yes, It's a knock down & rebuild. Planning restrictions = chalet bungalow style and we are building it to live in.

I've lost count on what version I'm at.. This is the latest, thoughts and opinions appreciated. ?

Following, thanks for sharing your experiences!

Please do share.. ?

This is great! Gotta love this forum.

How bad is the fading on black, my first choice is black. ?

The previous owner tried that & failed, best was a pair of semi's.

I feel a bit like that too. There are 3 separate new builds (all 600sqm+), within 1/3 mile radius, due to be completed this year. I would hate to think what they would feel like if mine is too big. Trying to stay focused on my build, these are my first draft plans & I'm aiming to incorporate a lot of the valuable feedback in the next version. Thank you.

@Conor Thanks for the feedback, some very good points. Planning restrictions as I'm replacing a bungalow, I'm aiming for 2.7m ceilings. Architect keeps reminding me about windows & heat gain/loss. Agree about the kitchen designer hopefully see one next week. I'm not happy with the upstairs at the moment as my wife wants a walk-in, large bathroom, etc, so this will have the biggest change. I'm truly thankful with all this feedback, I can't even begin to imagine how bad the final design would have been! ?

Just some more context around the plans, the draft plans are based (more or less) on the footprint of the approved pair of semi's for the plot, as for budget I'm aiming for £1000/Sqm using contractors and DIY. My requirements were for a double garage, cinema room, drawing room and open plan kitchen/dinner/lounge. I wanted to keep the design simple from a cost perspective, knowing this is not my forever home (max 10yrs). This is a reasonable amount of time so I do want some niceties to enjoy, I see this is a stepping stone to learn from before I build my final home. I've had to scale back my plans already (double height/vaulted ceiling, basement, etc..) as my initial designs were far too ambitious for the local area (SL3). I have looked at many local properties and spoken to estate agents, the current size & outline design are inline with local demographics. I'm trying to reach a happy medium if there is such a thing, I hope this makes sense. All your feedback is thus far is much appreciated. ?

@Ferdinand I appreciate the feedback, some real good helpful advice there... I already carry a laser measure with me! ? I'll be sharing my second draft with updates in due course. Thanks all.

@Bozza Excellent! Thanks.

Thanks @PeterW I'll look into blown bead cavity, any recommendations?

Yes! Agree. Upstairs needs more work. I'm planning to reduce the landing & insert a first floor utility room for washer/dryer.

Agree, I've ruled out ICF now. It's most likely going to be traditional brick/block or timber frame/SIP.

There is already permission granted to build a pair of semi's however, we have decided to build a large single dwelling. Our plan is to build & learn, stay put for 5-10yrs, then move further afield and then build a passivhaus where we can retire.

@Jml Thanks, when the utility is repositioned. It will have 3 doors, one to the garage, the kitchen & external (right-hand side).

Any comments appreciated. I've already requested a few changes i.e. missing w/c under stairs, door to garage & utility to move between garage & kitchen area amongst other small things. 

I should probably start a blog, but here is a before picture.

From what I understand, there is a big difference in theory & practise when it comes to demolition notices.

Not sure at the moment about the slab type, I'm still in the planning phase, but will take time to read, thanks. ? Good to know, no insurance claim was made against the property (the previous owner paid out of his own pocket) so assume no marker. ? Trial pits certainly make sense since I will have a digger on site during the demolition (fingers crossed) in spring 2021.

No cores taken. The subsidence was on a relatively small section of the original 1930's bungalow and was picked up during mortgage survey. Hence, Geobear carried out £7-8k worth of warrantied work to support the area from further movement. A marker? Do you know where will this marker maybe? This is historical movement before the previous owner moved in 40 yrs ago. He extended the bungalow in 1985/86 with 1 mtr deep x 600mm wide foundations. I'm expecting the worst and hoping for the best! Worst case piling or 2m-deep trenchfill foundations in some places.

No issues as such, I'm planning to knock down the 1930's bungalow & rebuild a 1.5 storey dwelling. A neighbour mentioned that there was clay in the ground, when he extended his house and had to dig deeper than 1.2m for his footings. So since I managed to get this report from the previous owner I'm just trying to gauge what type of foundations or issues I may face when I'm doing my new foundations.

These are actual test results from the previous owner, he had some Geobear stabilisation work done to one room.