CalvinHobbes

Wise re locks. You may have seen this alreay but just in case http://www.consumerrightsexpert.co.uk/when-your-builder-goes-bankrupt-before-job-complete.html. Also I would put one of those apps that tapes phonecalls on your phone....

Wow, some difference between the bricks.

This looks good. We can go up to 200.So you are getting to passive standard with this? EWI is really expensive would like to skip it if we can. Are bricks better insulators than block?

Hi, so if you have a 150mm cavity how can you get to passive standard? I realise we will need the triple glazing properly sealed and thermal bridging and air tightness is everything and wet plaster internally (no dot and dab).Would battens work to make it easier for services since labour or block & beam floors? What about insulation? Eps in Cavity? What about outside?

Brilliant. Yes, hope to.

Arpie sorry to read about your husband. I can't help you with the above enquiry but I thought I should tell you about something I recently discovered. She sheds. The one in our area runs courses that help with joinery, electrics/white goods and upholstery. I have heard others do plumbing. TBH it's brilliant because for whatever reason, women are best to be able to do some basic fix's if they can, life can throw some of the most unwelcome curve balls. Most of all it's fun, gets you out of the house and you get to meet other humans!

Thanks Gus, excellent points very well made. Puts it in perspective. Appreciated.

I thought the same when I was at the Internorm showroom, my mother is 84 - she couldn't work the door.

We did go to the self build show but I realised my lack of knowledge in this means I find it hard to work out when sales people are being misleading (though as a blond female you can get stereotyped?). I figured word of mouth from those that are buyers and who obviously have gained a lot of knowledge like yourselves would be of value. I really appreciate all the answers above, it gives me a good basis to know where to go to get quotes. I saw another thread which was pinned which was good in that it explained to get quotes like for like etc. I will do my homework and hopefully gain a lot better knowledge before investing. Thanks all again.

As little maintenance as possible, open minded.

Any recommendations for any other brand that isn't quite as expensive?

Jeez what house has never had a leak, a burst pipe or a kid that's decided to put cling film over the sink because they saw it on you tube (yes seriously)?

TBH my head has been totally deeved over TF vs block. Spoke to cousin yesterday, he used to manage building maintenance for lots of govt buildings of many diff types. He said he would only go for block. He said if there is a leak the moisture ends up being locked into the wall and rotting it.

Better than a fooked back.

Considering the Mica scandal in Ireland (look up 100% redress) this comment chilled me.

Cheers, tbh th lifespan of a TF being allegedly 10 - 40 years is a bit grim (though I get they can last longer). I also don't want to submit a redesign, the delays have been horrendous already. Cost wise, there doesn't seem to be much of a difference with wood so expensive. Deffo will re read that thread Ferdinand highlighted.

So wondering is there a good way to get accoustics better? Also is using block inside more useful for hanging pictures and reducing vibration?

So went out tonight and brother in law (a spark) told me we should switch from block build to timber frame. He said we would save a lot and it would be warmer. Services could go in much easier and it's better environmentally. I have been obsessed with accoustics after living in noisy old houses. He assured me modern builds are much better. Anyway we have put in for planning but we haven't done up the construction drawings yet. I posted it below. Will it be a big hoo hah to change? To be fair to our architect he did tell us to do it in timber frame in the first place.

Maybe but never been on a wooden staircase that doesn't creak and our lot aren't exactly light on their feet.

Don't want squeaky wood so which do you think Precast Concrete Stairs or metal?

Frustrating and wasteful.

Ok so on tight budget and this forum has made me conclude we need wet plaster. Yikes re the price so was thinking surely by 2021 is there a machine that would help a novice get a professional job done? What about spray plaster - any use?

I keep seeing warnings regarding applying for CIL early. Do we have them in NI? Just waiting for PP, doing a gantt.

Oh dear patp, did you get it sorted in the end?

Anyone any opinion or experience of this lot? https://www.profile22.co.uk/homeowner/