Recent content by Idilka

Thanks Chappers Had a quote from another builder, 85k+vat. This is for a shell, site clearance, foundations, drainage, cavity walls (natural Yorkshire stone, block and insulation), slab ground floor, first floor joists, all internal walls, roof with concrete tiles and waist disposal. Basically...

Yes, renovation did help (unlike Emu pictures in photoshop?). It gave me somewhat experience, e.g. negotiating price, writing a contract (a list of work to be done), paying at stages, hiring separate company for central heating, sourcing designer radiators (ebay), liaising with building control...

I'm quite good with Photoshop. What's "Emu" pictures?

I forgot to mention that. I did renovate a full house, including dormers, chimney breast removal, full plastering, rewiring and windows. However, it was only one builder (contractor) who did the complete work and they sub contracted where necessary.

Thanks for reply FiremanT That would be expensive. I need to do my research before hand. I'm trying to get some quotes from sub contractors. Also, I've contacted couple of companies in regards to quote for complete development. I will compare the costs that I come up with and costs for...

Thanks JohnD I didn't think about part time or retired PM. Not only would a retired PM would have a lot of experience but should also cost less. Just need to find someone. Also, would get a few quotes from professional PM just to see how much they cost. £500 a day is too much. Thanks for your...

Thanks JohnD I get your point. Would be nice if there was a experienced construction project manager to guide me. Could find someone as a freelance(?). Obviously, there would be a project plan (a list of tasks and timescale) but what do you do if there's something unexpected? Would need someone...

Thanks, this is exactly the comments/advice I was after. I do respect the specialists trades including PM. However, I thought PMs would be phoning and instructing subcontractors. I could do that e.g. hiring a bricklayer, an electrician, roofer, etc. The building regulation officer will tell us...

Hi I have a full planning for a large detached. Had a couple of quotes from local contractors (waiting for more quotes) for Labour only. The difference between two is £40k. Huge difference so far but will wait to see what others quotessay. Even the lowest quotes could be reduced so I say...

Hi I'm building a detached house. Would concrete slab be a better choice over beam and block for ground floor? Also, should the first floor be beam and block or floorboards? I'm considering underfloor heating for both floors. Any comments on this? Thanks

Thanks for the replies. It's a very interesting read. Does anyone have a rough estimate of how much it's likely to cost in comparison to a standard build? My detached house floor area is ~176sqm. Also, would I need to go through the planning application process again (extra cost) for passive...

Hi I didn't know what passive foundation was so I did some research and learnt a little about passive house and Passivehaus standard. Do I really need to meet the Passivehaus standard or would passive foundation, ground source heating and solar panels be sufficient to keep the house warm...

I've done some research about passive foundation, which I would be seriously considering, and learnt a bit about passive house. I already budgeted for solar panels and ground source heating so passive foundation would greatly help to keep the house warm. I'll start a new thread for Passive...

Thank you very much for your replies. I really appreciate it. I think I now understand what you mean by bounce. I definitely didn't consider that before but will do now. If ease and speed are the only advantages over solid floor (slab) then I don't see the point in getting beam and block for...

Thanks Woody. Do you mean both will be equally strong? If so then I'm quite surprised to hear that. I was expecting a reply that the insulation block floor to be a lot weaker. If they're equally strong, then does insulation block floor have any disadvantages in relation to block floor? Thanks