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My bad, they are being cemented.

our builders started work on the floor, they're looking to build up to DPC today. we're going with a block and beam floor, as recommended. they just laid the beams but they're resting on loose bricks both ends. builder said this is fine and they don't have to be cemented in. for the record...

Sure. One more question: What if I make a smaller opening, let’s say 3.5m, but towards the left? Would a 665mm return (incl. extrnal wall) be enlugh to hold the left side of the beam if the other side is 2m plus?

I guess colums each side would help the lateral stability, but they’re anchored in the same foundation, right? How can the foundation not carry less than the initial weight if the load is apread across 550mm (665mm incl. external wall) each side, but can carry more weight that’s compressed in a...

for reasons I'd rather not discuss on this forum, we need to make some slight alterations to our plans. long story short, 3.9m single storey rear extension, flat roof with 2 skylights. we want to open up as much of the existing rear, load-bearing wall as possible. the initial plan involved a...

hi all, we're having an extension built and it's taking a bit longer than initially expected. we had to remove 3 fence panels (concrete posts) to dig and pour the foundation. as a result, there's no fence between us and one of the neighbours. initially they were fine with it, but since it's...

I'm wondering where I can find a copy of the official building regulations. I'm interested in understanding how much support a 6m RSJ needs each end, should I decide to rest it on the walls instead of on columns. The planning portal talks of 150mm each side, but I seem to remember something...

The way I see it, since the top/bottom beams are 6m long, they will need to be placed on the ground, next to the foundation, BEFORE the ceiling/wall is propped. With one acro every 90cm, you won’t be able to squeeze a 3m rsj between, let alone a 6m one.

Goalpost not an option due to the foundation and structural engineer wanted one. Entire! rear wall goes, so no lateral support at all.

He did propose a plywood temporary wall, I can’t see how that would prevent anyone from getting access to the property. I can literally smash it into pieces by kicking it twice. As for the beams, it might be access, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work with the walls in place.

hi all, I just want to validate my thinking about installing a box frame, having spoken to my builder. the extension floor slab and bricks up to DPC are nearly in place. the builder suggested we prop the floor joists in the existing kitchen and prop the outer wall using strong boys. they then...

It’s a kitchen extension, roughly 24 square meters, west facing, so a lot of sun from around 11am until sunset. Mainly used as an entertainment space, we spend 90% of the time in this room.

Thanks. Isnmt a stub stack a shorter pipe with an air admittance valve at the end, which does exactly what a vent pipe does, but one way and without the need to ruin the visual aspect of a house? I’m not trying to remove the ventilation functionality, but replace it with something nicer, if...

Is it posssible to get rid of the ugly, primitive soil vent pipes sticking over the roof by replacing them with a shorter stub stack?

Got it, so insulation first, slab on top. Thanks!

Got it. No UFH and the existing slab is not insulated, still warm enough, so we’ll be ok either way. Are there other considerations when deciding which layer to lay first?

Our extension project is progressing nicely and building control is super happy with the drains and the foundation. We’re laying bricks up to DPC and the idea is to pour the slab ewrly next week. I’ve been given two options by my builder: 1. Compacted aggregate, sand, DPM, insulation...

Thank you, I hope it all goes well.

The existing pipes are brittle, I’m afraid they’ll crack when removing the concrete inspection chamber around them. Then there is the lack of flexibility in connections, it’s not at a pre-defined angle (15/30/45/90 degrees). The builder seems confident he can sort it out without damage, but I...

I see. the only issue is that building control also insists on clay, which is a pain. existing pipes are nearly fossilised and at an awkward angle, making it difficult to connect them with existing connections. plastic would be much more reliable. would it be worth asking Thames Water if...