CalvinHobbes

Just printed that out - it's going on the fridge. Wise words.

I was in signing off my own self employed books and ran it by accountant. It was a big no. Hence todays announcement of him getting a new career. Tbf he was struggling with a medical isssue too. Probably best for everyone concerned, he doubted he would be able to finish the build.

Spoke to a neighbour who is an excellent builder but only works for big companies in the big smoke. He told me to employ each stage separately, a groundworker, get someone to do the blocks, roof etc and to use good people. Them spoke to relation who is a QS for a highly thought of development firm who totally agreed, he is giving me contacts including a site manager who is on a sabbatical from them for a few months. He suggested we employ him a day or 2 a week. I honestly think this is a blessing, it was just hard to see it earlier today.

We had really only started and he had done a small retaining wall but he explained he felt it was too much physically and was changing career. Fair enough really, he apologised for leaving us in the lurch. Ah well I guess best to know early. Gut punch though.

Bumping this in hope.

Also when I say rubble, what is the max size of bit of rubble? Can a full brick go in? Or is it just pea shingle until the earth? Sorry for the bad terminology.

So onsite So onside and looking at the retaining wall with drain at bottom. So fill will be 180cm and i know we need an inspection chamber with risers and a restricted lid behind the wall. Can anyone tell me what the layers are above? How much pea shingle do you use? Can I use any rubble before the earth?

Just had a chat with the building control officer who was supposed to be coming out on Monday (I delayed it). It was very helpful. So now going to go back to the architect and ask for the drainage plan. It just has felt too on the hoof. I know,fail to plan, plan to fail.

Our builder who is looking for a mortgage doesn't have a few years self employment books - he is back working after an injury where he was off for 2 years and the bank staff member told him to ask us to employ him (presumably ft). I will be in with accountant tomorrow but I detest banks, even if I gave him a contract he would need to have been on it for a year. Has anyone else been asked similar? Again I hate banks.

Thanks for the heads up Conor. I thought this was just replacement so they wouldn't have to.

Also there is an old clay pipe under road we are joining with the new pvc, I am wary of doing it with cement as I have seen before. Will measure and go to plumbers merchants.

Thanks, historically we have had issues at the bottom with blockages. I think the issue is the gradient, bluntly I suspect the water runs too fast and solids get a chance to harden. I will ensure they check it today and if necessary do a backdrop. I have been look at part h regs too.

Bumping in the hope someone with ground working knowledge will see. Our digger man had an accident at the weekend (not on site) so would just like to check this.

Hello, a wee question. On the photo below you will see where we had to dig out the old clay pipe. The old entrance will be getting a retaining wall and hard core will go in topped with clay so it matches the level of the rest of the garden. At the other side of the plot, in my sisters plot there is what I think is a backdrop drain (also clay and needs replaced). So would you put the soil pipe higher up in our former drive with a backdrop drain or would you renew the old one and cover it at that level? Incidentally we must have half a dozen robins dive bombing every time the digger bucket moves, coming back up with mouthfuls of worms.

Thanks

So this was constructed at the agreed location for our temporary consumer unit. However , the notes have this diagram with a ref to ESI standard. Will ours be acceptable?

Please can you tell me what these abbreviations mean on a plan? Guessing FL is floor level? Is RL roof level? What is EL?

Thanks, I think thats a great idea with possibly 2 ropes considering I might need a separate data cable. As I understand it the new chargers have to be smart. I saw this but have already been told go for cat 8 and which can use cat 7 or 6 end points. I would like to be able to charge the car at minimum 22kwh but considering we will have single phase not sure if thats poss. https://www.doncastercables.com/cables/17/78/EV-Ultra/Power-and-data-connectivity-combined-in-one-cable--CAT5-/

Unsure which section to post this in but the digger is there, everything is getting levelled. Trenches for electrics, drainage going in but I want to add one for charging an electric car. Should I put in the actual cable or would it be better to do just underground ducting?? Also if you tell me cable, which kind? Thanks

Really well done, very inspiring.

Thank you, 2 homes are going up there. One for my family with a granny flat and the other for my sister. We have lived in the neighbourhood for years and the neighbours are lovely.

Edit to add the requested pics,the last one is obviously from today. Wood etc was stripped before it was tumbled, I had it boarded over christmas because I was concerned a child could get in. The last pic was at the end when the discussion was re the fill and considering levelling up the garden at the front. Up to now you would need a rope on your back when using a lawnmower. The old driveway was to the front left but you would need a tractor to get up it. Total clutch wrecker. I will try and pull some footage too.

Just looking at the weather forecast and trying to work out timings. Cottages came down today - it was thrilling. An 8 tonne digger made mincemeat of them. [Mod note: I've merged the two threads on the same topic, so responses might seem to not quite follow on as you remember. The duplicate post (this one with photos) is a few posts down]

Ah right - thank you.

Please can you tell me does my name have to be on the invoice for the vat reclaim at the plant hire place or is it enough if the address is referenced and my bank card or credit card is used?