ETC

It’s unfortunate that when you pay for expert advice you often don’t get it - and to find out about needing timber frame panel drawings far into the process is very disappointing. In my previous life I would have taken my clients step by step through the building process and would have tried to explain in simple terms how they get from a brief to a completed home. I would have felt that if a client did not understand what I was saying then I needed to explain the process in a different way or in simpler terms. I reiterate what I have said in the past - I am a BCO and RA and if I can help with anything I will.

It should be possible. Speak to your SE about an alternative solution - which may mean more reinforcement in the pad foundation and a larger beam. The masonry is probably just there to conceal the UB and if you’re happy with the UB exposed you just need to paint it to get the FR.

I feel very sorry for those who feel that they have been ripped off and haven’t got value for money when appointing architects, architectural technicians and engineers. When I see the fees being charged and the level of frustration and mistrust I almost feel that there is an opening for a co-operative not-for-profit organisation that can help self-builders get their projects off the ground at a relatively low cost. I see that this forum is often a last resort for many self-builders who are trying to make sense of what they are going through in their self-build journey and in many cases the advice they receive can unfortunately often be too late.

Seems strange. You sent him your building regs drawings and he’s asking for them? What did you give him?

Who did you speak to and who drafted the quote?

It always amuses me to read posts like this - the old chestnut about architects and architectural consultants - and architects getting a hammering yet again! Try reversing the argument with the architect with 30 years of experience and the architectural technician fresh out of college doing a few “homers” in his bedroom at night knocking out a plan for a couple of hundred quid and most likely without PII. I know who I’d rather employ. Had a conversation with a colleague recently who employed his friend - an “architectural consultant” to help him do the plans and engage a builder. Completely forgot about CDM and a suitable contract and has now turned off his phone. Great friend. Give me a break!!!

Can you put a couple of measurements on the plan?

Why have you mixed timber frame with a masonry cavity wall construction? Timber frame will mostly get its thermal protection from insulation in the inner frame. 50mm Rockwool seems a bit thin for a cavity wall to achieve any decent U-Value. However - if the BBA Certificate says it can be used with brick then it can. Check out the BBA Certificate.

Good luck trying to sue BC. Use the small claims court for the builder. Ask him directly for a refund if not go to the small claims court. I presume you don’t have a contract?

Can you post pictures?

Now that’s what I call a barn. And it’s in Suffolk!!!!

Why on earth would anyone spend a shed (or in this case a barn) load of money on a house but pay peanuts to get it designed. If you’re going to invest a large sum of money in your home invest in a good architect. He or she will save you money in the long run.

Sorry - looks terrible. A lot of wasted space, badly laid out rooms and unusable balconies (in this climate?). Very contrived elevations. Could be much, much better given to the right architect.

I’ve just had a quick look at the contract. I think clause 5.3 snookers you into paying for the utilities. I also don’t think that this is a great contract. I see there is a Target Price - this is not fixed so you won’t know until the works are well underway what you are paying. No wonder the workers on site are taking their time. Who advised you to sign this contract?

There should also be a programme of work showing what works have been completed by a certain date.

How are these workmen employed? Do you employ them directly or have you employed a single contractor? Day rates are a big mistake in my view - there’s no incentive to complete the works. By the way do you have a contracted complete date and are there liquidated damages stated? (Do they still call them this?)

It’s a bit ambiguous - are you responsible for the site or have you handed it over to a main contractor? If you have handed the site over to a main contractor he/she will be responsible for everything on the site and that should include all plant and materials including water and electricity. If however you are managing the site and you are responsible for the site security, materials stored and plant then I would suggest that the bill is yours unless you have a clause in the contract to suggest otherwise. Get those brass balls out and bat that bill right over to the contractor. Being liable to provide a service does not necessarily mean you are liable for the cost. Can you post your contract or post what type it is.

Their work looks great. Look forward to seeing what they come up with. Good luck.

Happy to have helped out in some small way. Looking forward to seeing what your architect produces. Care to share his/her work?

Go and speak to an engineer.

Thought it said machine gun there for a moment;)

All structural steel - not just that on the ground floor - will need fire protection.

What happens to a house over three floors?