Redoctober

We have one of these covers for our water meter and were supplied with a special tool in which to open the cover. The best way I can describe it is as follows - A metal tool shaped like the letter "F" when looked at in profile. The arms of the "F" so to speak fit nicely into the slots and then you twist the cover off.

Not sure about actual weights but this may help as it suggests certain depths of materials depending upon the type of usage the driveway will normally get. Hope it helps. PW. http://www.kilsaraninternational.co.uk/uploaded/53199bbbe60f19.58440664.pdf Other similar information maybe available via an internet search of block paving and weight limits.

Thanks for the update. - a great use of local and available stone - lucky you.

Loving the stone work and the contrast against the render. Can you provide details of the stone work please as this is the look we are hoping to achieve. Thanks. PW.

For what it is worth, we too are looking to be mortgage free and are therefore not duty bound to have such a warranty. Like the comments above, we will not be purchasing one either for the very same reasons. I believe they are fairly expensive and believe the money could be better spent elsewhere. PW.

Blimely, I only wish I come across this type of builder when my time comes. How far from the Scottish Borders ? PW.

An interesting point and this is an area I will be having to tackle in the next 12 months or so. On the face of it, all appears acceptable - he is a local builder with a reputation to maintain. By working with him, I'm sure you will be able to "challenge" any prices if your research suggests his prices are a touch North of what you were expecting. As you say, this approach would allow you to take a step back and get to involved and enjoy the aspects of the build that interest you. PW.

It certainly is - in addition to his cost cutting / savings he actually lived in a garden shed for 3 years - Nothing spectacular - just a basic shed from the local DIY place for a couple of hundred quid !! I shall keep an eye out online and if the article is published so, I will link it in. PW.

No, sadly like you, I can't find a link on the interweb. Perhaps whilst the Issue is still current, they withhold such features for a while. PW.

I read an interesting article in this month's Homebuilding & renovating Magazine which maybe inspirational to some, or the straw that breaks the camel's back for others ! There is a feature on a guy, who through allsorts of adversity, has eventually completed his own self built house - on an impressive budget to boot. It did take 4 - 5 years mind. Anyone else read it and if so what are your thoughts? I found him to be inspirational but sadly, there is no way Mrs W would allow me to take his approach !! PW.

My sincere sympathies Dave - What an awful situation to be in. The only thing I can add to this discussion and I honestly have no idea of the finer details, it's just something I know has been used by someone. Would taking any equity out of the house be an option? There are companies [ some may say Sharks] who would release you funds against the eventual sale of the house. Yes it will cost because they will not give you a lump sum up front for nothing, I accept, but it is just another option to explore maybe. PW.

You could always make the offer conditional on the survey. In addition, you have to weigh up the cost of the survey against total renovation costs and it may well be considered money well spent in the scheme of things ! From a personal perspective, I would seek the assurances of a survey and this would have to be factored into the overall budget. My thinking would be if I am looking to save money on the survey, then can I really afford the work needed overall? Good luck with whatever you decide to do. PW.

Spoiler ! 40 for me and thankfully got there before scrolling down - a nice little teaser from after a long and wet commute

I am no expert but from my basic understanding and I don't know why, but I believe it is the Plumber's job ! I'm sure those with more experience will correct me - PW.

Great photos and what a wonderful structure. Do you have any plans you could share? Interested to see how the space would be utilised. PW.

Welcome to the new "premises" and I suspect if we don't hear from you post Christmas, we shall have to fear the worst !! PW.

You may wish to consider Tetris Flooring or SpanTherm both similar to Jet floor . PW.

Have you considered limestone tiles - how do they compare with the likes of ceramic / porcelain when it comes to UFH?

Hi, looking to secure our plot of land in the coming weeks and then to develop it early 2018 - Scottish Borders.

Wow, I am so pleased you guys have taken the time and trouble to get this site up and running on our behalf. I'm sure those who use this site are as appreciative as I and once I post this message, I shall stand up and salute everyone of you. Well done. Now lets get back to reading and asking questions................................ PW.