Redoctober

Very interesting - just searched for ours and found it to be recorded along with stand alone car port. They must have visited whilst we were away as we had no idea this had been done until this thread prompted us to search - [Time line involved - April 2018 foundations down - moved in in Nov 2018]

@zoothorn Fair enough, I'll take that on the chin and move on. Good luck with your project.

I'm sorry but I can't help thinking that this thread some sort of wind up?! @zoothorn it seems to me [and please forgive me for being direct but I agree with many others above that the flavour of this thread is somewhat disturbing - ] that you are quite liking this attention and regardless of the sound advice being offered, you are more than happy to just crack on with the worries / concerns. You need to be mindful that peoples sympathies will soon turn if such advice being offered is being met with continual indefensible comments. For the sake of everyone trying to assist, please do what @Carrerahillhas suggested and save us for all the dramas because I can't help thinking they are self inflicted and you are not interested in changing anything. As I said earlier, this build will just lurch from one drama to another and I for one will not be investing anymore of my time in it if you don't seem to be helping yourself.

Amusing as this thread was initially and having followed it, I can't help thinking that you @zoothorn need to take some firm action with regards to your builder and the relationship you have with him otherwise your health, both physical and mental will suffer, if it hasn't already. I can't believe a builder will "bully " their client the way you are describing, if proper terms / discussions have been agreed upon. After all you are the person paying him. In basic terms building is no different to any other transaction - if you don't like it either don't pay or pay up and move on with another builder! After all, whatever it is you are doing with this builder clearly isn't working and it could only get worse as the build continues, it would seem. Failing that, ask someone you do know and trust to speak on your behalf. Surely you must have at least one person who can communicate for you - a sort of go between maybe? You are only at the foundation stage and already you are lurching from one precieved crisis to another, so, like @Russell griffiths has said - show us your plans etc so that suitable advice can be given from those on this forum. This might then provide you with more confidence etc. Otherwise it is going to be long and painful run up to Christmas!

Agreed with above comments - we put our windows into our TF before the external skin went up - Just a pointer though and I'm sure you won't make the same mistake as I did - make sure the windows protrude from the frame sufficiently as to allow the fire batons to work - I initially had them set flush - which was the mistake! See images below for how they should look.

I think I understand what it is you are asking - across our plot prior to digging out the foundations, there would have been a series of land drains about 800mm - 1000mm deep I suppose. Either way, deep enough to avoid the plough! These land drains may have been / were broken once we started digging the foundations, albeit only a short section would have been broken at any given point. We didn't repair or replace the sections that were broken. The drainage trenches were dug and filled with a bed of stones prior to being backed filled. Upon completion and what we are finding, is that any surface water penetrating the earth across the plot, is accommodated for by the remaining land drains that exist within our plot. We have found our plot to be a very well drained plot which doesn't suffer any standing water despite the good old Scottish weather! Interestingly enough though, prior to us developing the plot, there was a section that was always prone to standing water. That problem is no longer as I believe the trench we dug for the power cables took care of that little problem. I hope all this helps.

Yes they have, take a look at the drainage plan attached - D3199 - 2001B - Drainage Layout.pdf

As for land drains and the issues they may present, well I'm with @JSHarris on this matter. We too built on a section of an agricultural field. We came across field drains - didn't replace or repair as such as the drainage systems we installed, more than covered the purposes of the ones we came across.

WOW - 400 Metres away from the pole! Not sure of the cost of cable but I do know that Scottish Power who dealt with our Electricity were happy to supply 50m of cable within their quote for us in order to get connected. The Engineer went on to say anything over and you are "talking big money"!! Also, there is a member or two on this site who has had expensive experiences with energy supply issues. Tread very carefully would be my advice.

Welcome - you may wish to have a read through this thread as various suppliers are mentioned.

I've been using Longbow with a back pack on an area which measures about 600sqm - and found it to be very effective against the weeds Approx cost - £85 for 5ltrs. Back pack around £50 - worth investing in a decent one. I suspect my 5ltrs will last a very long time so no worries on that front.

Sorry, I can't bring myself to write what is actually on my mind - it's a family forum after all ?? Brightened up a dull Sunday afternoon for me anyway.

WOW - I have workshop envy. What a place!

Cheers - I appreciate that. ?

This thread is an interesting one as we too are just coming to terms with our UFH and DHW systems, driven by an ASHP. Our individual room thermostats allow us to set the UFH to be called into action when the temperature drops below the level I have set them for, during particular periods of the day. The Master panel, which I confess I never touch, shows me when the DWH is being called upon and also when the UFH is being called for. The main temp is set for 21c. @PeterW - sorry for my ignorance but how can the UFH be set for 35c and the room stats at 20.5c. Would the UFH not will cut off in those rooms once the temp reaches 20.5c?

Yes I can see that an overarching text / summary would be useful, but I have to say, I think that this is a well thought through list of requirements. I'm sure the architect will be more than happy with this type of approach and it will no doubt assist when it comes to discussing particular matters. Well done I say.

I was with @NSS on this particular matter - our RHI payments, which came through fairly swiftly I have to say, amount to £211 per quarter [£444 per annum] on a 84 EPC rated 165m2 house.

Plus one to the above - we used him and would fully recommend him. We used him for the same reasons as @joe90 Total reclaim came back at £5k on a build that cost £300k -

Another lovely looking house emerging within a truly wonderful setting.

aahh the memories. A sure sign though that things are going in the right direction. Just can't get enough of those views - do you keep thinking to yourself, how lucky you are? I would imagine so, as we often catch ourselves reflecting upon a wonderful achievement, even still, after being in for nearly a year. I think it must be a self build thing. Anyway, good luck with the forthcoming progress.

Welcome aboard and I would echo the comments above with regards to your wealth of experience and knowledge. I'm sure it will offer members that something different to tap into as and when. I feel I should ask you to cast your eye on our stone built cottage, erected last year but in a way, I'm not sure I should - The phrase " careful what you wish for " springs to mind!! ?

We opted for an oak frame carport and integrated shed - cost of frame etc without roof slates and foundations came in at around £26k - no VAT payable as it was a design, supply and fit. Oak frame with larch cladding. See image - 7m wide by 6m deep. [Early 2018 prices].

Welcome - I look forward to seeing this development unfold, so please do keep the reports coming. Yes, I would echo the sentiment that a 7 month build schedule on £1200p.s.m. is tight indeed. Don't go putting yourself under any unnecessary pressures as it will bite your backside!! We managed a seven month build from breaking ground to moving in and I did was sweep up after the tradesmen!!. I didn't manage a £1200 p.s.m. budget either. Good luck.

Hello and welcome to the forum. The way to get the best out of this site is to treat it as a two way street. Where abouts are you building? Is the intended build a complex one? Keep us updated with progress and ask as many questions as you like.

WOW, that does look impressive - and to think I thought you were developing a stone cottage !!! ?