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Things are going OK, so far. The existing garage has been demolished and site cleared ready for foundations excavation, and building control have been along for a first inspection. We've got 19 linear meters of trench at 1m x 600mm to excavate, which will be mass filled with c9 cu mtrs of...

After discussion with the extension designer, we have decided to use steel beams of a smaller section than a Catnic lintel, so only two courses of bricks now need to come out. I'd still be interested in any views about the likely cost of installation.

My kitchen is being extended and on the external cavity wall there are two windows, separated by brickwork. The windows are due to be taken out, and a new opening made, with a span of 2.6m, to extend the depth of the kitchen. I'm advised that 2 x Catnic Lintels (either CN6XC or the newer spec...

It's 1800mm x 600mm and has an output of 768w. That's more than enough for the size of the room, factoring in the number of external walls and the degree of insulation present. I'm just worried that the radiator may not get hot enough, because of restricted flow. Anyone?

I've bought one of those ladder-style towel radiators for my bathroom and will be installing it in place of a bathroom CH radiator, together with an electrical element for the Summer. I have all the parts, including a T-adaptor to fit the radiator valve as well as the element. Putting it...

A semi-retired bricklayer doing a very small job for me today suggested that he'd far rather work directly off the concrete, than build off someone else's DPC - fair enough.

So far, so good. Lots of decent quotes for the demolition stage received, and our preferred tradesman can start tomorrow. He's interested in the foundations & drain laying job too, and at last, our relatively simple extension will be under way. So I need to put Building Control on notice that...

Thanks: I'd never have worked that out all by myself. The issue for me in defining these stages (not the sequence of them!) is whether the wallplate is really part of the roofworks or of the wall construction.

I've had no luck in obtaining quotations from builders for a single-storey side and rear extension to an average-sized 1950s semi, so I'm trying to get quotes from separate trades to do the job in stages, instead: Stage 1: Demolish an existing garage and clear site. Stage 2: Excavate and...

I hadn't thought of foam all round: sounds easier! Would the foam not provide an effective moisture barrier? The existing internal cill of the larger window has a great thick layer of mortar and the two skins of the wall are bridged by it (but there's never been any sign of damp penetration).

Yes, they are. I'm not thinking about the external cill, but the internal one. I'm seeing the window company in the morning. Yes, and the two windows will fit with our intended layout perfectly. Yes, but decided against it because a) we would need to take out considerably more...

I've knocked together a small bathroom & toilet. The toilet had a small square window, and the bathroom a deeper rectangular one. They're on the same wall, about 18 inches apart. I want to enlarge the opening of the smaller window so that it is the same depth as the larger one, and then have...

I've got 18mm moisture-resistant chipboard (in good condition) on my bathroom floor, but we are renewing everything, including a new freestanding bath (not bigger than standard) that stands on four 'Dragon Feet'. I'm a bit worried about the weight of the bath/water/bather creating excessive...

I would guess that a gas fire has been used in the fireplace previously. Is there a gas supply there? If so, the sort of relatively lightweight liner that they call for is completely unsuitable for a stove, but at least it suggests the presence of a working flue. Assuming that the flue remains...

Thanks: very useful info. The bend formers are just what I need to save some money & time!

I'm about to start installing pipework for my new bathroom & CH installations, and while I've done plenty of DIY plumbing before (using copper compression fittings), I've never used plastic fittings, but have decided to try PolyPlumb push-fit fittings & pipe (below floor/out of sight) mixed with...

There will be 2 x conventional ovens + a microwave combi-oven. If they are connected on a radial circuit, would there be any need to run 6mm cable beyond the 1st connection unit? If each appliance had its own CU, then I'm guessing that 4mm cable would be OK to continue to 2nd & subsequent? The...

He wants to see more information about intended appliance ratings, but I think the advice is to have: 6mm radial for the (3) ovens + hob ignition & extractor. 4mm radial for washing machine + tumble dryer + dishwasher 2.5mm ring for sockets with spurs to fridge/freezer + boiler...

We're painting the whole house in brilliant white (for now) and I've tried various brands of paint, looking for decent covering power and a decent finish. I've eliminated the budget ranges, and have been disappointed with standard ranges, and I'm still looking for a decent product. The latest...

I'm just about to go over to the house for my discussion with the electrical contractor. I'll post his recommendations later.