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Housing - New Build: How to value and sell a half built project

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    • CommentAuthorseascape
    • CommentTimeFeb 12th 2012
     
    Just come in from visiting someone's house who has slab, foam (possibly cellotex), chipboard and fitted carpet or laminate throughout ground floor. I was surprised as it felt very solid, like concrete - itching to pull up a corner to check! I presume chipboard and foam should be flooring quality.
    • CommentAuthorqeipl
    • CommentTimeFeb 12th 2012
     
    It's common practice hereabouts to use EPS under a floating floor and I've never heard of a problem.
    If you're worried, use XPS which seems to be a lot denser than EPS.
    Always use 22mm chipboard for a floating floor - the 18mm stuff is too flimsy.
    • CommentAuthortony
    • CommentTimeFeb 12th 2012
     
    check the overall U value of the floor over the garage before doing that one.
    • CommentAuthorBen1974
    • CommentTimeFeb 13th 2012
     
    Thanks for the comments, my feeling is that the insulation slab method would be the easiest to install and address the floor/garage U-val requirements at the same time.

    The stairs are already in so no possibility of moving them around now. (The wife and I fitted them late summer last year with the help of the kids!)
    • CommentAuthorBen1974
    • CommentTimeFeb 19th 2012 edited
     
    Our architect visited last week and is in the process of preparing drawings. The strategy has been to include everything in the spec for now even the remaining landscaping. He has also suggested that we retain the underfloor heating in the initial specification on the grounds that it might not work out as expensive as we fear and it's better to work downwards rather than up.

    Funnily enough I called in at a building firm in nearby marple bridge the other day to see if they would be interested in tendering for the work. They knew the building and when I told them I had done the stonework asked if I wanted a job/ It might have only been half joking but it was a real boost to my moral.

    One issue that has to be addressed is the raised ground level to the rear and side elevations of the building. When I originally constructed the building I had a very workable external tanking scheme. Unfortunately an errant building inspector arrived on site and we ended up tanking the internal leaf behind the insulation boards using DPM taped to the DPC. Not being that experienced I didn't realise how unsatisfactory this would be in practice. The attached PDF shows the as built arrangement. The architect seems to think it will be OK (ish) but suspects we may need to avoid the possibility of the cavity filling with water. The drainage is via open perps in the tounge and groove foundation trench blocks. We are in Derbyshire though and it can get bloody wet at times. His idea is to surround the raised levels with pea shingle. This would have a perforated land drain running through it to keep the water level down.

    Other than that he didn't seem to foresee to many problems but no one else apart from me does!

    Cheers

    Ben
    • CommentAuthorBen1974
    • CommentTimeFeb 19th 2012 edited
     
    Sorry just re-read the post. The point of it was to see if anyone had any comments regarding the tanking and whether some additional measures might be called for?
    • CommentAuthorTerry
    • CommentTimeFeb 19th 2012
     
    As long as you create a path of least resistance for the water to take it where you want it to go you will be OK.
    A perforated drain and gravel will work, but perhaps wrapping it (drain & gravel) in geotextile to keep the fines out will improve the longevity of the system?
    • CommentAuthorBen1974
    • CommentTimeFeb 19th 2012
     
    Would painting the outer face of the wall with a liquid DPM be of any value? My fear is that may only serve to trap water with in the outer leaf.
    • CommentAuthorBen1974
    • CommentTimeFeb 24th 2012
     
    • CommentAuthorBen1974
    • CommentTimeFeb 24th 2012
     
    • CommentAuthorBen1974
    • CommentTimeFeb 24th 2012 edited
     
    Just thought I'd add a couple of photos of the sections in question. The inner DPC is at the same level as the bottom course of 440 by 215 block work in the photos. The idea was to raise the path so that it sat level with the top of the course of engineering bricks.

    I'm not averse to the idea of taking down and rebuilding the additional outer leaf if there is a good bullet(ish) proof suggestion that would allow the ground to be banked up against the building without to much risk.

    The back filling with gravel and land drain is good but as I understand it this would have to dug down to foundation level before being put in place. Obviously if there is another solution!

    Don't worry about the gutter down spouts BTW that is just a temporary arrangement!
  12.  
    Hi Ben,
    Why not leave the path at the same level as it is. Then build a small retaining wall if required ?

    Regards Richard
    • CommentAuthorBen1974
    • CommentTimeFeb 29th 2012
     
    Hi All,

    Well as predicted the spring has arrived and my outlook on things has started to improve a little. In the interests of moving things along while the architect is busy i've been working on a drystone retaining wall a bit each day. It means I'm outside getting fresh air and exercise. It's a fairly low stress activity and low and behold while I'm doing it various ideas about finishing the building have started to pop into my head!

    Through the forum I have managed to sell on the tank and pump from the solar heating system. Although the panels are on the roof now I know we are not going to want to plumb them in at this stage. Realistically it might be a number of years before we want to revisit them so selling is the best option for now. Some provision will be made for accessing the plumbing connections at a later date. Also Stoves Online very kindly allowed us to return the woodfire 12i stove and gubbins to them for a small re-stocking fee. The flue will be left in place so that a stove can be added later when funds allow. I'm selling a classic car that I restored a number of years ago to free up some more cash. Anyone interested in a very rare Rover P6 Estate with 4 litre fuel injected v8???!!! Not very green (primrose yellow) but lots of fun!

    There have been a few ideas mentioned about how to deal with the raised ground level and I'm hoping that when the architect gets back to us we'll be able to discuss these with the building inspector and agree a workable solution.

    Anyway I've added a picture of the wall and me emerging from my winter hibernation to say thanks for all the ongoing support. I'm sure there are going to be many more questions along the way!
    • CommentAuthorCav8andrew
    • CommentTimeFeb 29th 2012
     
    Ben, good to see your smiling. Just spent today on an access tower finishing gable ends and block work and it's a joy when we have a beautiful day such as today (here in the West country anyway). Here's to an onrushing Spring.
    •  
      CommentAuthorSteamyTea
    • CommentTimeFeb 29th 2012
     
    :clap: :clap: :clap:
    • CommentAuthorJonti
    • CommentTimeFeb 29th 2012
     
    Ben,

    good to see you in better spirits,

    Jonti:bigsmile:
  17.  
    Hi Ben,
    Always nice to see a smile :smile: I have the winter thing - seasonal affected disorder(SAD). I had it for years without realising. October would be the time it would kick in. At first I used a light box which did help. But now I just take St Johns Wort in the winter months. This works for me. Up at 6-7 AM in the winter and full of beans. My better half used to call it going into hibernation :bigsmile:

    Regards Richard
    • CommentAuthorBen1974
    • CommentTimeFeb 29th 2012
     
    Cheers all,

    Yes I do suffer from SAD but I suppose I didn't realise how bad it could get with all the other stress piled on top of it. I was given a light box for Christmas but I think I'm going to try and prepare myself for next year. Perhaps I'll try some StJohns Wort and see how that goes.

    The biggest thing for me has been getting out and running everyday. Free drugs!
    • CommentAuthorCav8andrew
    • CommentTimeFeb 29th 2012 edited
     
    Hi Richard(and Ben), it's strange how you can suffer from this condition without realizing and suddenly put together the time at which it occurs and then it all makes sense, which I found helped massively.
    I have found that much as I love the countryside, in the winter I find it too full on in your face, I need the facilities of the city, lights, people, the cinema, a really good independent coffee shop, bookshops, etc. Even if I am not using them just knowing they are a walk/bus ride away makes a difference. Just my way of dealing with it I guess.
    So need to sort out how I will deal with new project, countryside located. Keeping active definitely makes a big difference as does trying to break big projects down into small manageable portions. Then when at the end of the day you have mostly achieved them there is something to tick off the list.
    As I said earlier a day like today is a giant feelgood boost. Triple espresso x 3
    •  
      CommentAuthorSteamyTea
    • CommentTimeMar 1st 2012
     
    Posted By: Cav8andrewa really good independent coffee shop

    Works for me. :cool:
    • CommentAuthorBeau
    • CommentTimeMar 1st 2012
     
    There is something very therapeutic about ticking things off on a list.
    I watched a friend of mine make a to do list, the first line was make list. Then when he finished writing he ticked the first line. Genius
    • CommentAuthorseascape
    • CommentTimeMar 1st 2012
     
    Great wall too! Glad things are moving along and getting sorted.
    • CommentAuthorBen1974
    • CommentTimeMar 1st 2012
     
    Cheers All!
    •  
      CommentAuthorSteamyTea
    • CommentTimeMar 1st 2012 edited
     
    Don't thank us all yet, we are coming to the house warming to trash the place :crazy:
  25.  
    ST, yes, but we've go to go and help finish it before we can go to the house-warming!
    •  
      CommentAuthorSteamyTea
    • CommentTimeMar 1st 2012
     
    Yes. :bigsmile:
  27.  
    ...what a great thread... :bigsmile:

    Despite endlessly telling client not to underestimate how stressful self building (ie actually doing the work) can be I've spent the last 2 years putting myself in just that position and we may well be a year off yet!!

    I have found that there are definitely ups and downs of enthusiasm on a 3 month or so cycle with the downs weighing so heavily on your shoulders it saps a great deal of your energy and a vicious cycle looms. But as its been going on for a while I now recognise those periods and just concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other.

    Good luck; keep at it.

    J
    • CommentAuthorBen1974
    • CommentTimeMar 14th 2012
     
    Hope no one minds.

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170803169703?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649#ht_1225wt_1139

    A link to the car that I am trying to sell to fund the work on the house. As I said not very green but a beautiful opportunity if you like unusual and old cars. Pass it on to anyone you know who might be interested.

    If it's not appropriate for me to post an ebay link here just reply to let me know and I'll edit it straight away. After all the help and encouragement I've received the last thing I want to do is upset anybody.

    Cheers

    Ben
    • CommentAuthorBuzzfan
    • CommentTimeApr 6th 2012
     
    Ben, just wanted to add to those who've been offering support, I've only just read your thread but empathise totally - I'm just bouncing back from a situation where I'd underestimated the work & committment, and had a pretty rough winter. I hope after such a sunny month that you're back on form & the project news is good - Nick
    • CommentAuthorBen1974
    • CommentTimeApr 19th 2012
     
    Hi All,

    Haven't posted for a while so I just thought I'd an update as things have really started to look up.

    Following the advice given here we have put the remaining work out to tender and received back quotes that although a little higher than expected are still affordable if we borrow some more money. We scaled back the plans as advised and so sold off the thermal store and solar station (to a forum member so it's gone to a great home) The wood burning stove with back boiler was returned and also I managed to sell the car linked to above. This has given us a bit of cash to play with.

    While the tenders were being prepared I completed the dry stone wall and made provision for the services to be installed. (We have gas and are imminently waiting for electricity and gas to arrive) I've also tidied up the site and got rid of all the waste wood (heating the house we are in at the moment) The wall is looking great and it's lovely to see some of the plants and shrubs that we saved from the plot coming into bud as the weather warms up.

    The best bit of news though is I managed to find a job! Before we started the build I was working as a self employed electrician but with the recession and focusing to much on the build I had let the business slide a little. I've been out of full time employment for 10 years now and have a little bit of an unusual career as I went from an electrical engineering degree into computer programming for 7 years before moving into computer programming.

    To cut a long story short it's been a hard 6 weeks searching working everyday sending out CV's and hassling employment agents but it all paid off and I ended up with two offers in the same week! I've accepted a great job as an electrical engineer in really interesting field. The strangest thing of all is they were particularly interested in me because of the house building and car restoration! They were looking for a mixture of academic and practical skills.

    So things have turned from incredibly bleak to pretty rosy. I can afford to borrow to complete the house, we've got a short list of 3 good building firms and are going to make a decision in the next few weeks. Looks like whoever we go with will be able to complete before the end of the summer or at worst early autumn and we should be in for the winter.

    Once the building work gets under way I'll post some updates with photos.

    Thanks again to everybody for the advice and support it really has been fantastic. It's helped us through some very dark times.

    Cheers all

    Ben

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