saveasteading

A like from @Nickfromwales so that's a deal then.

It is also stabilising the walls, linking them and stiffening the whole structure. Not being a timber frame expert I was surprised to find out that twist nails were the expected fixing and widely available. Our joiners knew this and were happy. They are clearly fast and easy to fix. That's for experienced joiners... a mouthful of nails, tap tap wham. I'd be very slow. But if you haven't room to swing the hammer then screws are fine but do get either a spec from a designer or approval from bco. The twist is to prevent pull-out so you'll need a coarse threaded screw. Then you can use a drill and a 90° attachment if necessary.

I've known that to be a problem when they have individual preferences and opinions, greater or lesser knowledge, or showing off how tough or clever they are. Maybe it's less risky re stage inspections. In your case do you have a formal proposal for them to consider, or wanting advice? You said above that you have sent them information. Can you tell us more?

The administrators will arrange it.

It's the absence of Atlantic hurricanes that is worrying them. Something very different is happening, so weather models aren't to be relied on... And what else might happen next... will it all come in some super storms? Or benign.. we will find out.

That's as ours. I was appalled with the quality in fitting insulation, perimeters and getting levels right. All overcome but at our nuisance and expense. I would have a sit down talk with the boss before another time and confirm expectations. Then when he sends in random uncoordinated teams we get control. Come back when it's time if you want.

If you have influence in such matters, could our small patch have a gap in the clouds please? Actually last week there was a rainstorm which covered 1mile2 at most, so I just want the opposite of that please.

Of course. But last year a forklift or excavator made 400mm indents through turf, so that will happen again, or worse. The weather prediction from the Pacific to here is very approximate of course. But for those of us with any weather dependent processes, it's worth pushing now.

We are hurrying to complete the weatherproof box, including guttering, before the rains come. The drainage needs prioritising too as we are creating a surge of water off the new roof that used to be spread around. The ground turns to battlefield conditions October to March in a normal autumn so this is a worry. El nino likely to cause wetter and warmer-than-normal autumn

Did you have to forego any areas of insulation in the outer walls?

Would Second hand do? I'm told our house was built with a timber shingled roof but it needed to be reroofed in tiles after 30 years or so.

Your concerns seem justified. I would add insect intrusion, wind damage and life expectancy (curling, splitting and rot). The one advantage might be light weight I think they might work better in other climates than UK, especially drier and colder climes. The damp UK will not suit.

Another flash gimmick and waste of money thinks philistine me. But "we" are attracted to having a flash hob because it will look sleek and be easy to clean. But will it? A 1mm gap will fill with crumbs and spills and be difficult to clean. Maybe they come with a clever and unobtrusive gasket. Or a tube of special mastic. And cutting it into a stone surface will need some clever and ultra precise work, presumably with a ledge for support. Eg cut the hole then router the perimeter.. to 0.0 mm. I've done no homework. In other words this question is the start of my homework.

Robert Watson-Watt.

There is another that goes to self build exhibitions. It's worth phoning one or both. They will know the rules and wrinkles, if you can do this in retrospect ( I thought you couldn't) and how to present it. Ask how they charge for this too. Good luck and please report back. Lots have this issue.