Design my extension & hopefully build thread with updates!
Discussion
We bought from iBathUK on ebay - wasn't expecting a lot as they were cheap, but the quality was actually very good, metal stand offs, all the fixings required etc. Not the sort of sttyle you're after, but we had one of these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/310307568179
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/310307568179
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Where does one start and finish!I'll start with this one as it should have been so simple to avoid, all the builder needed was this:
http://www.britishlead.co.uk/patination-oil.htm
The fact it was missed/ignored or not thought a requirement answers many of your other questions.
20:20 hindsight is always easy!
Looks like you have pretty well got what you wanted. Most things will be long forgotten: a white vent on that bathroom wall will be okay, I would say.
I absolutely understand your point about there being many decision points, and sometimes you won't see them as such.
We feel we have been really lucky with our builder on a sunroom, he really does listen....but we did spend a stupid length of time planning it first (bubbling for a couple of years as our old conservatory got worse & worse!)
We went to 3 builders recommended by the architect: they all came round to look and chat: all seemed okay. Then the quotes came in, and two of them had missed off various things: I just knew those things would become extra cost items by the end.
The one we picked called to check we had received the quote, pretty well had the shortest quote, BUT had included all the key pieces.
I don't think there is ever a complete answer: communication is perhaps the KEY thing (both ways), & unless you can be involved every day, then that can be tricky.
Looks like you are getting there though: enjoy!
Looks like you have pretty well got what you wanted. Most things will be long forgotten: a white vent on that bathroom wall will be okay, I would say.
I absolutely understand your point about there being many decision points, and sometimes you won't see them as such.
We feel we have been really lucky with our builder on a sunroom, he really does listen....but we did spend a stupid length of time planning it first (bubbling for a couple of years as our old conservatory got worse & worse!)
We went to 3 builders recommended by the architect: they all came round to look and chat: all seemed okay. Then the quotes came in, and two of them had missed off various things: I just knew those things would become extra cost items by the end.
The one we picked called to check we had received the quote, pretty well had the shortest quote, BUT had included all the key pieces.
I don't think there is ever a complete answer: communication is perhaps the KEY thing (both ways), & unless you can be involved every day, then that can be tricky.
Looks like you are getting there though: enjoy!
I would make a few observations:
1) Sounds like you do have great attention to detail, and a good eye for things - this I suspect helps you greatly in many aspects of life! I feel I'm the same. However one cost of this is that you probably do have higher standards than other people. So I would urge you to think carefully about items you will really notice, vs items you won't once a month has passed. For instance, with the extract fan, I don't think aesthetically there is not a huge amount of difference. So I would save up the annoyance etc for items which are really really off. e.g. the white caused by the lead.
2) For the spot lights, I would consider just putting in LEDs, and having them on a dimmer. Might be simpler. If you do use a connection box, don't forget to be compliant they must be spring connectors e.g. WAGOs. A normal screw junction box is not now allowed in a non accessible location.
Starting to shape up nicely overall, try to keep that in mind.
1) Sounds like you do have great attention to detail, and a good eye for things - this I suspect helps you greatly in many aspects of life! I feel I'm the same. However one cost of this is that you probably do have higher standards than other people. So I would urge you to think carefully about items you will really notice, vs items you won't once a month has passed. For instance, with the extract fan, I don't think aesthetically there is not a huge amount of difference. So I would save up the annoyance etc for items which are really really off. e.g. the white caused by the lead.
2) For the spot lights, I would consider just putting in LEDs, and having them on a dimmer. Might be simpler. If you do use a connection box, don't forget to be compliant they must be spring connectors e.g. WAGOs. A normal screw junction box is not now allowed in a non accessible location.
Starting to shape up nicely overall, try to keep that in mind.
[/quote]
Case in point: Some of the doors have been installed. Yet the latches looked off to me and I noticed virtually immediately. I asked what had gone on. Apparently they've fitted them all a fixed height from the floor. But because it's an old(ish) house the floor levels vary (we're talking 10-20mm here and there). That means none of the latches (and therefore the knob positions) are the same on any of the doors.
Edited by toxicnerve on Sunday 13th December 17:24
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I wouldn't be accepting that. Occasionally you have to do things that look correct to the eye that may not be square or true but with a panel door they should all be the same in relation to the rails/panels. A flush door might have got away with it.
If you are not happy with the knob handles, changing them to lever ones could solve the clearance issues and possibly cover the existing holes on the face to line them all up.
Is the bathroom ceiling having a false one, or has it still to be boarded and plastered?
anonymous said:
[redacted]
The builder is trying to baffle you with regs to justify extract hole position. He has put it low to go under the lintel, but there is no reason from what I can see that it could not have gone above or above and to the left.
Builders are good at building. Kitchen and bathroom installers should be good at the finer detail / aesthetics.
Those shower tiles are exactly what I'm looking for for our ensuite. Could you share where you found them, please? Shower pan too, if you could.
It looks great so far. Yes, always a learning experience. I thought I'd avoided a lot of these issues by paying my architect to PM for me. I should have known better, as he barely bothered to show up, and only noticed most of the problems after we pointed them out.
It looks great so far. Yes, always a learning experience. I thought I'd avoided a lot of these issues by paying my architect to PM for me. I should have known better, as he barely bothered to show up, and only noticed most of the problems after we pointed them out.
Yep, those are the ones. Cheers.
Careful with the walk in entrance. I was about to do one of those, and was advised that they tend to be on the drafty side when you're using the shower. As it happens, my hotel room last week had that type of shower, and it did seem to generate a bit more cool air than I'd like, compared to a sliding or otherwise closed shower cubicle.
Careful with the walk in entrance. I was about to do one of those, and was advised that they tend to be on the drafty side when you're using the shower. As it happens, my hotel room last week had that type of shower, and it did seem to generate a bit more cool air than I'd like, compared to a sliding or otherwise closed shower cubicle.
I think I'd try and have a meeting with him and explain the above. He either understands where you are coming from in relation to rectifying issues or he doesn't. If he doesn't then I don't think you have any option but to bin him and move on. You would of thought he would need money coming in to help with his issues but he may not be clearer enough to see it at the moment.
Maybe a QS or someone could work out how far down the line you are versus how much you have paid. Not sure what you do after that if you are in the red though!
Maybe a QS or someone could work out how far down the line you are versus how much you have paid. Not sure what you do after that if you are in the red though!
Have you thought about employing a project manager/QS/surveyor to finish this off on your behalf?
You are pushed for time and don't have much experience of what needs doing (nothing wrong with that as most people in the same boat as you) . Your current builder is staring down a potential assault and drug charge added to possible estrangement from his family. He is understandably not in the right frame of mind to deal with any issues on your job - not the best combination of client and builder!
The project manager/surveyor can come in, advise you on quality of work done to date and help steer you in the right direction. If he's happy with quality of work of existing builder he can be a convenient intermediary between you and the builder to take the heat out of the situation and make sure the rest of the job is finished to his and your satisfaction. If he's not happy with quality of work the he will probably know some reputable firms that can finish the rest off and can guide you on pricing. His fee should pay for itself with saving of time and negotiating down price of chosen new builder if that's the route he recommends.
Might be worth considering in the circumstances.
Hope that helps.
You are pushed for time and don't have much experience of what needs doing (nothing wrong with that as most people in the same boat as you) . Your current builder is staring down a potential assault and drug charge added to possible estrangement from his family. He is understandably not in the right frame of mind to deal with any issues on your job - not the best combination of client and builder!
The project manager/surveyor can come in, advise you on quality of work done to date and help steer you in the right direction. If he's happy with quality of work of existing builder he can be a convenient intermediary between you and the builder to take the heat out of the situation and make sure the rest of the job is finished to his and your satisfaction. If he's not happy with quality of work the he will probably know some reputable firms that can finish the rest off and can guide you on pricing. His fee should pay for itself with saving of time and negotiating down price of chosen new builder if that's the route he recommends.
Might be worth considering in the circumstances.
Hope that helps.
Yep,
I think it's gone to far to let him finish it, you've lost trust and he doesn't sound like he wants to go the extra mile or put the extra effort in... Also, no matter how good he potentially is, the drink / drugs thing is surely going to affect him and his ability and this shouldn't be your problem!
I'd maybe consider (as he still has tools on site and you've paid him) agreeing to him getting to a certain point over the next 2-3 months with the actual shell as he knows the job (and hopefully this is the bit he's good at) and whilst that is happening maybe get people round in the evenings to quote for the rest - this maybe work out better for you as the finish is in the detail and you can get specialist trades in particular areas.
I think it's gone to far to let him finish it, you've lost trust and he doesn't sound like he wants to go the extra mile or put the extra effort in... Also, no matter how good he potentially is, the drink / drugs thing is surely going to affect him and his ability and this shouldn't be your problem!
I'd maybe consider (as he still has tools on site and you've paid him) agreeing to him getting to a certain point over the next 2-3 months with the actual shell as he knows the job (and hopefully this is the bit he's good at) and whilst that is happening maybe get people round in the evenings to quote for the rest - this maybe work out better for you as the finish is in the detail and you can get specialist trades in particular areas.
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