saveasteading

I'd be nervous too, and measuring has been my life. The two decimal places is false and unnecessary precision. 7mm difference is perfectly normal. But what if the shape isn't quite square? Actually it can't be with that 7mm. A proper template would tell if all the corners were 90 degrees. OR they would show diagonal distances as checks I think I'd be telling them it's their job to measure and get it right... which clearly they aren't comfortable with. ... which puts their measuring skill in doubt. And point out the missing dimension.

I don't understand that, perhaps because I've never built domestic buildings as business. Surely they detail what level of cover there is whether limited at 10k or 500k? e.g. at extreme: If a pile fails and a building becomes worthless isn't a warranty for the whole cost necessary? Or is the client buying limited insurance and it isn't a contractor warranty at all. What level of cover, and at what cost are these?

My main point is that some consultants recommend all that stuff and heavy penalties, and that I as a contractor would regard that as increased risk, and a legalistic client, and probably increase the tender sum. I've explained that to some clients, (business people), who were happy to negotiate a happy medium. Also to some consultants who admitted that they hadn't thought of that.

Agreed. And we are helping fill these potholes with free reclaimed hardcore.

A good point. But how many domestic subcontractors will be worth suing? Any warranty or insurance has a cost somewhere. You might find that Nudura provide a warranty of some sort though, being the main element, but I'd expect it to be limited. Ditto a big window supplier.

In a nearby worktop company's yard I saw a rack of large offcuts, broken slabs and some with holes for sinks. A high risk business. Although maybe that was years' worth.

That's a good point. We see it in denailing... nails bend but screws often snap. So I withdraw my 'use screws' suggestion unless there is no other option, and then use big ones and lots. That doesn't sound like a formal spec does it?

Welcome and good luck. JCT is a well designed contract that is designed to be 'fair and equitable' to both parties. Avoid making any changes to it. Changes shift risk and deserve additions to the contract sum. You shouldn't need a solicitor and I worry about what they might think they add to the process. A very experienced QS, Architect or SE yes. The contract does require admin throughout the construction process, for which you should plan. If either party wants any change then it needs recording, with time and cost consequences. If you use the clause for time damages then be aware that the contractor doesn't want to lose that money per week over-run. So what sum is fair? Some solicitors and surveyors think it's clever to put in a large penalty sum. The contractor will add some allowance to counter this, and you pay this within the process even if it finishes on time. Then they will rightly record every change and major weather event to extend the programme. As to warranties? That would have a value if selling on. I can't see the value to you. Why does your advisor say its worth considering?

Expect yes. Have certainty, no. It's easy though to show interest and ask how they deal with your concerns. You can't expect perfection just because it is expensive. The big house developers (some) sell poor quality. There are lots of rubbish builders. Nobody starts a business on rhe basis of ' I think I will set up a stone worktop business. It's expensive, skilled and high risk. They will have been making gravestones and tiles first , as an example. Then the fashion for worktops comes along and they segue into that, take on staff and expand. If they are passionate they won't mind the questions.

I didn't know that. Do you know why?

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.