Ask a building designer/surveyor anything

[RATATTAK]

Go for it

[mybrainhurts]

Do you know a cheap source for pencils?

[RATATTAK]

mybrainhurts said:

Do you know a cheap source for pencils?

Try nicking them from your workplace

[mybrainhurts]

I can't, they're alarmed....

[RATATTAK]

mybrainhurts said:

I can't, they're alarmed....

I'll make a note of that

[RATATTAK]

RATATTAK said:

I'll make a note of that

Hang on ... do you have a pen/pencil ?

[mybrainhurts]

Don't start writing about me with your stolen pencils, my lad...

[037]

Are current prices too cheap for domestic work?

[RATATTAK]

037 said:

Are current prices too cheap for domestic work?

IMO domestic prices should incur VAT at 0% ... until they do, we'll never get rid of the black market

[037]

Agreed.

[SCEtoAUX]

Do you think that The Paddington Cube is an abomination or a beautiful piece of architecture?

[RATATTAK]

SCEtoAUX said:

Do you think that The Paddington Cube is an abomination or a beautiful piece of architecture?

Probably both but don't really care

[eltax91]

I’m building a house next year so this thread may come in handy!

1/ block and beam or concrete slab?
2/ council building control or 3rd party company (some builders don’t want to use council, I do)
3/ how the fk do I keep control of costs when I’ve no idea if what I’m quoted for is the whole job, or if the builder is just setting traps to get extras out of me because ‘well we didn’t quote for that’

[bobtail4x4]

are you aware of the "backhanders" to private inspectors from builders?

[Triumph Man]

eltax91 said:

I’m building a house next year so this thread may come in handy!

1/ block and beam or concrete slab?
2/ council building control or 3rd party company (some builders don’t want to use council, I do)
3/ how the fk do I keep control of costs when I’ve no idea if what I’m quoted for is the whole job, or if the builder is just setting traps to get extras out of me because ‘well we didn’t quote for that’

1. Depends, although I do err toward beam and block

2. I flit between the 2, depending on the rapport I/ the builder have with either the council or an approved inspector. A rapport is extremely important!

3. When they're quoting, ask for an itemised breakdown. To do a proper quote a builder will have to do one anyway. If they refuse, don't entertain them further. Extras do happen, it's the nature of the beast, but allow a 10% contingency And you should be ok.

ETA- if in doubt, ask on here, I'm sure there's loads of us who can give advice on the makeup of a breakdown and check things are included where they should be. Of course we won't know the full nature of the job, but anything obvious should jump out

Edited by Triumph Man on Monday 25th December 13:45

[Lukeypoodle]

Fancy taking on someone who has just finished their MSc in building surveying?

Fingers crossed.

[Bungleaio]

Lukeypoodle said:

Fancy taking on someone who has just finished their MSc in building surveying?

Fingers crossed.

My firm is looking, based in Nottingham, any good?