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I have a problem with a Megaflow Direct Immersion Heater and Thermostat shorting. When the immersion heater is switched on, its shorts with the thermostat and there is a bang/flash and the fuse blows. I thought it was a faulty TSE thermostat but having replaced the old thermostat with a...

The Party Wall Act will apply for any excavations within 3m of your neighbour's foundations/boundary, so you will need to comply with the requirements of the Act accordingly. This is not complicated if they have no objections, so worth having "a chat".

Building Regulations requires you to provide a vent. However, there are some clever devices which work in conjunction with the toilet pan. Some local authorities accept this approach. See attached link for example: http://www.airaway.biz/built-in-toilet-extractor-system.html

I don't understand the comment from your surveyor. There is nothing within the Building Regulations which state how chimneys shall be supported if the chimney breasts are removed below. The only bit is that all structural work shall be done safely and be capable of transmitting the forces to...

Flitch beams are useful but they rely on the composite action between the steel plate and the timber members. There are a number of ways to produce them. All of them need to be designed by a Structural Engineer. You will also need to Building Regs approval. To answer your specific...

The only reason to obtain a soil sample is in order to determine the potential shrinkability of the clay. If you don't want to do the sample then assume it has high shrikability (which is the general rule for most over consolidated clays). Depth of foundation will then be determined by the...

You should be able to visit the local planning authority and inspect the planning application and planning conditions. They usually only charge if you want a copy. These days planning application are all online but back in 1980 I am guessing it will be on microfiche. I would be surprised if...

Take a look at Section 2C38 of the Building Regulations - Approved Document Part A http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/approveddocuments/parta/documenta

Depends where it is and what environment. There is a trade off between durability, strength and workability. Most structural masonry above DPC will be Grade (iii), whilst below DPC will be Grade (ii) Grade (iii) would be 1 part cement, 1 part lime and 5.5 part sand Grade (ii) would be...

Your best bet is to have a look at the guidance in Good Building Guide 27 published by BRE. http://www.brebookshop.com/details.jsp?id=324509 A 9" (215mm) brickwall will retain upto 825mm of retained soil. Don't forget weepholes, to avoid water building up on the back of the wall.[/url]

You will also need Building Regulations Approval. This can be done through your Local Authority or with an Approved Inspector.

If the concrete floor is supported by the ground (ie ground bearing slab), then there should be no problem cutting a channel in the floor. If it is suspended, then you should not cut into it. There may be a screed above the actual structural floor (usually about 50mm deep), which should be...

Have you got Building Regulations approval? Was this inspection by the BC Officer? Sounds like some localised movement but should be monitored.

Quite a variation I agree. Not sure how much detail was shown on your planning drawings but the likelihood is that each builder has priced it differently because there is insufficient detail. Did you issue a specification as well? Probably worth asking them to give you a detailed...

Sounds reasonable. However, depends whether the walls will have any windows, doors or other openings. Thee is guidance in Part A of the Building Regulations for small domestic extensions. If you can keep the height down, you may be able to avoid Planning Permission as it could be...

Hi Kevin, An oak tree is a high water demand tree. For Highly shrinkable soils Foundation depth for a tree 12m away is 2.3m Yes, you need to add the width of the claytite to the foundation width. Take a look at NHBC Guidance Chapter 4.2, for more information. Regards Nick...

Hi All, I have a Megaflo CL210 unit, to which I have recently installed a device to divert surplus electrical generation from a PV supply to the immersion heater within the Megaflo. This has generally worked very well, except that sometimes I return home and find that the MCB has tripped...