Got a question about your self build, home renovation or extension project? Find the solutions with help from your fellow self-builders, renovators and industry experts
We bought a bungalow 2 years ago and we’re looking to do a loft extension with a dormer to the rear and possibly two peaked dormers at the front. The house was completely underpinned 11 years ago, as it is built on very soft ground. Will the existing underpinning be suitable to hold a loft [...]
We bought a bungalow 2 years ago and we’re looking to do a loft extension with a dormer to the rear and possibly two peaked dormers at the front. The house was completely underpinned 11 years ago, as it is built on very soft ground. Will the existing underpinning be suitable to hold a loft [...]
Can you please tell me if I need planning permission to build a shed constructed of breeze blocks in my back garden? It will be at least 10m away from the house and 4m x 3m x about 2.5m high.
We have obtained full planning permission for a residential conversion on a timber frame barn that we originally built in 2004. The Building Regulations, design plans, SIP calculations, structural survey, and ecological surveys have all been done. The structural survey shows that as the barn is only 20 years old, and the timber frame, weatherboarding, [...]
I am about to commence a self build on the site of an existing barn, formerly part of the neighbouring farm and yard. There is a live electricity cable running under the site which used to supply the barn but now bypasses it and carries on to the yard. The groundworkers say they need this [...]
We recently bought a bungalow constructed in 1959 with an uninsulated 150mm thick concrete floor. The radiators are over 25 years old and we’re planning to completely renovate the house in order to make it as eco-friendly and efficient as possible. We’d like to install a wet underfloor heating (UFH) retrofit system. We’re looking at [...]
I submitted for planning consent about 12 months ago and the process has been extremely slow. For the latest delay in agreeing an S106 agreement the council have taken 5 weeks and have still not instructed their own lawyers. Also, they haven’t requested an extension. I’m currently paying £1200 per month in finance costs which [...]
How can I go about understanding how the construction method I choose will impact on the mortgage I can obtain further down the line? Some mortgage lenders seem to be strict in their preference for brick and mortar, or more traditional methods. Is this the case generally? How will the construction affect my chances of [...]
I’m looking to build my own home but would like some advice on the different structural systems. Could you please provide a comparison between timber frame, pressed metal frame, and traditional build with random stone outer leaf and blockwork inner leaf, in relation to their pros and cons and costs. Many thanks, John
