Introduction and wall construction type question

[Andrewb]

Hi,

I've been finding the forum a very useful source of information over the last few months and am glad to be joining.

 

I have recently submitted a planning application for remodelling our 1980s built house, going from 2 to 5 bedrooms. We are planning to split the work into a few phases over the next few years, starting with converting the integral garage into living space and adding a first floor to it.

 

The project will generally involve:

- garage conversion into office, utility, bedroom and bathroom (as above)

- large rear extension; enlarged kitchen plus dining area and 2 bedrooms 

- small front extension to sitting room with balcony on top accessed from master bedroom

- some internal layout changes to the existing house

- externally insulate and replace timber cladding and upgrade windows on existing parts of the house

 

I'm starting to think about the garage conversion in isolation. My main considerations at the moment are how to contract the work (plan to slow the work and DIY once weatherproof) and construction methods.

 

Let me know if it would be better to post elsewhere, but I would welcome any opinions on the first floor wall type options below, or other suggestions.

The existing downstairs walls are ~270mm cavity walls with yellow fibreglass insulation between (I think slumped or missing in places from what I've seen at the top of the walls of another part of the house). My plan is to add 150mm EWI to all existing walls in time, so all the below adopt this approach. These are a few initial thoughts (U values from quick inputs into Vesma calc):

1. Match downstairs and continue the 150mm EWI up from groundfloor (0.15 W/m2K) 

2. Side laid thermal blocks and continue the 150mm EWI up from groundfloor  (0.17 W/m2K)

3. Timber I-beams with frametherm insulation (~220mm) and continue the 150mm EWI up from groundfloor  (0.1 W/m2K)

 

My assumption is that the foundations are capable based on some original construction photos, but I need to dig a test hole or two. Any comments on material costs, time and complexity, or other considerations would be very welcome.

 

thanks,

Andrew

[jack]

I can't help you with your specific questions, but welcome to the forum.

 

You might find you'll get better answers if you post your questions in specific sub-forums, as not everyone reads the Introduce Yourself posts.

[markc]

good morning and welcome

 

[Andrewb]

Thanks, I'll post in a relevant sub-forum