saveasteading

I think top entry is OK. I would be browsing through the regulations though. Building Regulations Document H. As you say, angling in the direction of flow would be good. It will reduce turbulence, hence aid flow. It also provides a little more flexibility for fixing.

About 700 miles from you, but the Crestala Fencing website shows pictures of every fitting you could imagine, and more.

It is a heavy duty cross bolt. I didn't know that: I did a search for you. Surely the big Inverness merchant will have them. You might want a "loop over" as well.

The reason I asked is: if this was a mass produced timber frame, then it is very unlikely the wall was built incorrectly. I think 900 cc is very unusual and with osb being 1200 wide the boards would be horizontal.

Was there a manual with the house? There should be, and advising what the walls are doing..... I've only seen one such and it was junk.... no useful info at all.

Im guessing a bit here. The wall is not supporting floors or an upper wall, or the studs would be closer together. But it is an important racking (anti domino effect) wall, hence the osb and should not be removed. Needs a proper assessment by an SE. Because other people have done it, doesn't make it ok. This really could fall down. Was this built as part of a big development?

But it says that is covered and we all pay towards that risk. PI will say that reasonable skill must be applied. PI is very expensive even with the qualifications and experience. I think we paid £25k (current equivalent) per annum for 30 years, and no claims.

No. Firstly he prob hasn't got PI. He is a builder not designer, as far as we know. Secondly he has not built as designed or competently. Insurer would decline and walk away.

Yes. Keep them apart.

...remedial action within a reasonable time.... it says. Perhaps you should suggest what is a reasonable time. I'd suggest you have already given notice and sufficient time for them to consider the remedy. You have now to give a target programme. So...you look forward to his formal proposal by ...date. 23rd September? Which is to include his programme for the remedial works. Failure to do this will result in omnibuswoman considering having the necessary remedial works by another contractor. You the builder will be liable for these costs, consultants and other costs arising, and also liquidated and ascertained damages caused by the delay. I hope it doesn’t come to this and look forward to receiving your constructive proposals ASAP. Something like that, and refer to the contract

Principal designer, principle contractor. Both but only when substantially the main player....and sometimes would decline.

I can see the attraction of accepting the role. Being in charge, you can send other trades away, and not have them getting in the way. Also they will have an inspection before commencing, and again can refuse if there is an issue, ie the site is not ready or safe. And then a time comes when they hand over and are no longer responsible. This is better than being subservient to a non competent contractor or client who might be getting in the way.....or worse is that nobody is in charge.

So you would all be in trouble. Why not dig the trenches but delay linking to the ditch? Then the almost clean outfall soaks away but you haven't connected to the ditch. 135 litres per person per day isn't much liquid to soak away, and you could reduce that if it mattered.

I'd say the contract is for now. What does it say happens in these circumstances?

It's not a protected word, unfortunately in the way that Architect with an A is. On the continent a Chartered Engineer can put Ing in front of their name. In due course we may learn the builder's name and remark what a decent chap he is, accepting his mistakes and remedying them....or otherwise. If he did happen to be qualified in a recognised (and relevant) body, he could be disciplined and even lose it.

Ditto. Real people, but understaffed of course. Keep it an easy read...some misunderstanding .....there is and will be zero waste.....

I think it is technically all sortable. Time and timber to straighten the joists , strengthen them, and to spread the load. It is unlikely that the builder will agree, as all the signs are that he doesn't understand structures in the slightest.....and he doesn't know how little he knows.

If old they will be brick. If new then GRP. Dig an exploratory and let us know.

In a foundation use solid concrete. Under a slab or patio use type 1 first. Do you have an onsite mixing supplier nearby. Technically 'volumetric'. They will do it a barrow at a time, but you still need to shift it fast. Or they can sometimes bring a pump with them. Phone your suppliers and explain that it will take 2 hours and see what they suggest. OR mix it on site, a barrow at a time, and you have control and a sore back.

Agreed as above. The bco won't necessarily know all these things, and doesn't appear to have spotted errors to date. Are you holding payments? Do so..it concentrates the mind. Have you put in writing that the work is unacceptable? Do so. An email will do for now. These things are wrong, you insist hheg are put right within the next x days. No payment until then AND you will pursue them for any further cost in rectifying the works. Lawyers can do the same later. It is horrible and unpleasant but essential. You can limit and phase costs by first requesting an inspection and verbal report.

they are the biggest name. The sections are robust and durable, and snap together well. The price is highish accordingly. If you hire a tower it is very likely to be Youngmans.

I was talking to a gang putting in a water connection, this week. They used rod divining, even though they had a cat scanner provided. A 100mm steel pipe would not be the most difficult to find. But they reckoned it was more accurate and the accuracy saved digging.

Are the base plates sitting on the concrete pads, or did you shim them? That timber template for bolt positioning and casting in solid is my preferred method on bigger buildings, but I would probably have used threaded rod and epoxy on yours.

I said 28 man days for skilled erectors, without cladding. Ie 4 x 7 days. You?

Exactly. No need for it to reach the roof or have a ceiling. But if I do put a ceiling on I might leave the gap. I simply decided to let the osb rest on the floor (it's on a concrete plinth) so it was short at the top. Plus the plinth is miles off level.No sole plate as that was another piece of wood..... Obv I could add a top plate if I want. I've learnt that this is tricky. Panels on the ground are very heavy. Leaving off the osb leaves them wobbly. Stick building in the air is very tricky. Def a 2 person job. No building regs. It's an existing pair of wcs in an outbuilding, where the enclosures had been removed for some reason. Goes to a septic tank. Site toilet is quite a bonus.