Q&As

Can I use thistle hardwall to fit plasterboard on brick wall?

Hi guys, I am planning a self build and was originally looking to build a separate ‘granny annex’ to accommodate my father. However, to reduce the footprint of the buildings on site and to save costs I am looking to accommodate this within the main house now. It would be a simple layout at one […]

I have just brought a plot with planning permission. The planning had a section 106 low cost housing contribution of £27,000 plus an open space contribution of £6,000. These agreements were signed by the people we brought the plot off of. Since the new announcement of exemption for self builders has come in, do I […]

Hi, I moved into a 1960s bungalow 1 year ago and it’s very cold. It has thick loft insulation and has had cavity wall insulation (previous owner). It sits on a concrete base and is detached. The windows are double glazed and are probably about 15-20 years old. We have put extra draft excluding tapes […]

We’ve been through a torturous experience trying to get a self build mortgage. We have used an architect who has designed a partly steel frame build. We have been through the self build mortgage application via a leading broker. However, now the building society, having taken almost £1,000 of our money in valuation fees, has […]

I want to build a brick wall between next door and my home. The neighbour’s drive is above mine and I want to put soil two thirds up the wall to put in a rockery. Do I need to put holes in the wall with pipes under the soil for water to escape? I will […]

We’re at the early stages of a self build and have land with potential for planning. The question we have is we have found an off the shelf house design by a timber frame company we like. The trouble is they just supply the frame with most of the internal bits (bar plumbing, kitchen and […]

Hi, I am a fan of bright and airy rooms filled with light. We are planning on buying a house with a view to renovate it by replacing the windows in each room with larger and more modern ones to achieve this. Would you be able to give us some advice on: – whether you […]