flanagaj

Your windows are exactly what I am proposing. We are potentially installing MVHR (depends on cost), but I still like a window that can be opened wide if you want to. A large single pane glass window will most likely be a top hung which for safety reasons only opens a 100mm or so.

Thanks for clarifying.

Hence the redesign. I posed the question below to the architect regarding the full panel windows and I got the response in red. I have no idea what that means. The currently designed windows will be a problem for BC, As the bedroom windows will need to be EEW compliant, they'll will currently require opening stays to satisfy the EEW. I'm not a fan of this and instead would prefer windows that have a fixed lower pane and an opening upper part. Just want a window a window that meets BC regs. You have a protected means of escape so not an issue..

So our planning application was approved on the design below. I personally am not sure about the following aspects, and have come up with a redesign below. The main aim was contemporary a) How the windows will satisfy EEW given they are bedroom windows, and how you will be able to open them if you want to during the summer. Just not sure they are practical. b) I am also unsure whether I like the vertical aluminium sill section that is under each window. I am contemplating one of the two options below and I would appreciate feedback. It's a bit of a spot the difference, eg subtle. Main change is a fixed lower pane on the upstairs windows to enable top hung casements.

Estimators online came in at 23k ex vat. I appreciate they spec'd double glazed aluminium and I have no idea who they benchmark their prices from, but it's a significant difference. I am waiting for Norrsken to come back with a quote, but if that too comes back double, then I'll have to look at others. Ideally, didn't want to spend more than 35k plus fitting.

So our first window and door quote came back today and I nearly choked on my coffee. 70k including installation seemed like an awful lot of money. I actually have no idea what is realistic when it comes to windows and doors.

Did you have a CEMP in place as part of your planning conditions?

It does seem like money for old rope for the companies that provide these reports. I am in the wrong industry.

Thanks for that. That is really useful.

I had a sleepless night last night regarding the CEMP. So it appears that my self-build dream has suddenly been turned into a bureaucratic nightmare, where I apparently need to notify the neighbours if there is going to be anything disruptive happening on site. I too don't like dust and always use water suppression on my stone saw, and understand that making a lot of noise on a Sunday is not good for neighbour relations, but at the end of the day I am trying to build a house and you cannot get around noise, dust and the occasional inconvenience when large lorries are trying to deliver materials. Am I too governed by the 0800-1800hrs Mon-Fri / 0800-1300 Sat working hours on site? I have a full time job and during the lighter months, I will need to do stuff outside these hours, otherwise, I'll still be building in 10 years time.

But all the example ones are for huge infrastructure projects. I'm only building a house. I suspect they've requested it because I spent three days breaking up 200m2 of concrete with a pecker, on the previous planning grant, before conditions were signed off. On reflection I could have got my wrists slapped.

We have 25 conditions associated with our planning grant. A number are simply informative, others, such as those below, are ones which potentially involve more cheque book interaction 😥. So I was wondering whether my new friend 'ChatGPT' could create said reports? 1) Scheme of hard and soft landscaping, specifying species, planting sizes, spacing, number of trees/shrubs ... 2) no external lighting shall be installed until details of lighting have been submitted 3) prior to development a Construction Environmental Management Plan needs to be submitted. ChatGpt? 4) prior to development a Biodiversity Enhancement and Mitigation Plan. Is this required for self build? 5) no development shall commence until a tree protection plan has been submitted. This was documented in one of the reports submitted for planning. 6) no development shall commence until a Radon gas risk assessment has been submitted 7) within 3 months of commencing construction a statement needs to be supplied detailing how the new home shall meet a water efficiency standard of 110 litres or less per person per day. Can I say, "I'll beat my wife with a stick when she leaves the tap running"? There are others, but the pre commencement ones are the high priority at the moment. Since getting planning the architects are ignoring me. I do have a habit of upsetting people 😂

I would most definitely agree. They didn't even add in a disability ramp. Who knows what other else they have missed. Hopefully, nothing too serious that prevents us building the house.

I have subsequently found the post below which clarifies the situation. So looks like full height is acceptable, but as you say it will require a restrictor. Not sure how practical that is, especially during the summer when you might want the window wide open.

What are EEWs? I was aware they would need to be toughened internally, but wasn't sure how you can use restrictors and also have the window meet regs for fire escape.

So when the architects submitted our planning application they designed the house with full length pane windows upstairs. Given that habitable rooms require a means of escape, it surely won't meet regs unless a juliet balcony is installed. Juliet balconies were not shown on the design for the PP, so we are now in a position where the approved design won't meet building regs, without a change to the windows, eg a 2 pane window. Will a minor amendment have to be submitted?

I am literally just starting to research finding a lender and I have no idea how much money just getting self-build finance is going to cost me. Does anyone have any figures as to what I will need to pay out. Looking to borrow 250k. Land is purchased outright and I just need funds for the actual build.

There is no CIL for a single dwelling with Basingstoke & Deane. So I had a response back from Development Control. They basically confirmed what the architects stated. "The siting of the mobile home and the hardcore standing are permitted development for a temporary period whilst the dwelling is constructed. The siting of the mobile home and hardcore would not constitute commencement of the development."

When I raised this question with the planning consultant, he said it did not need to be added to the PP as it was covered by Class A of permitted development. Class A – temporary buildings and structures Permitted development A. The provision on land of buildings, moveable structures, works, plant or machinery required temporarily in connection with and for the duration of operations being or to be carried out on, in, under or over that land or on land adjoining that land. Development not permitted A.1 Development is not permitted by Class A if— (a) the operations referred to are mining operations, or (b) planning permission is required for those operations but is not granted or deemed to be granted. Conditions A.2 Development is permitted by Class A subject to the conditions that, when the operations have been carried out— (a) any building, structure, works, plant or machinery permitted by Class A is removed, and (b) any adjoining land on which development permitted by Class A has been carried out is, as soon as reasonably practicable, reinstated to its condition before that development was carried out.

Very hands on. Will do footings myself, all 1st and 2nd fix carpentry, plumbing. Appreciate this is going to seriously push out our build time, but if it keeps cost down, then it's a win.

Great to hear. So both @Nod and yourself are my inspiration for my build.

Does the same logic apply for a two storey property. You just keep raising the scaffolding and pumping in the concrete?

Ok. That is a significant sum of money. Given we will be living on site and getting the build done for less money is a far greater priority than getting it completed quickly, I think I won't bother with the SIP option.

The architect failed to put a disability ramp on the planning drawings, so that will have to be added. I was planning on having this incorporated off the driveway sloping along the hedge to the patio. This will negate having a long ramp near to the house.

Thanks. I hadn't considered a timber frame. I will have a look at your blog. Did you choose timber frame for cost reasons, speed of build ... ?