Brand new house built in 12 weeks
Discussion
TooMany2cvs said:
Problems come when the unmapped rights turn out to be something more than that...
I'm just surprised the vendor's solicitor didn't wave a hundred quid's worth of indemnity policy as a solution.
I do remember looking into indemnity insuarance at the time but I can't remember why we didn't go that route. It may have been timescales, I'm not quite sure - but you're right - indemnity insurance isn't very much in the grand scheme of things.I'm just surprised the vendor's solicitor didn't wave a hundred quid's worth of indemnity policy as a solution.
The groundworks moved on quickly and wasn't long before grass was layed. We wanted to do a nice artificial grass here but had to pull the plug due to overspending in other areas.
My dad helping me out here too.
A few stoned areas to help get things looking finished.
Making sure I had some power outside for convenience.
Just tarmac to finish outside the garage.
Inside is coming along nicely too, appliances arrived.
And I got to pick this awesome fridge
Double door for fridge and freezer below, rather than side by side.
There is a full width tray section which has its own temperature control. It's supposed to be for cooked meats etc but I claimed it for beer storage only. I always have it at zero degrees so I have ice cold beer all the time. Such a great feature.
Insert beer here...
Such a great design too. This shelf on the right slides back...
And creates some room for storing tall items...
Freezer has excellent design too. Full width storage here..
And the top tray slides back to access more storage space below. This overall design means nothing gets buried, lots of room, and everything is easily accessible. I just love this fridge
Pretty cool, huh? Pun intended
My dad helping me out here too.
A few stoned areas to help get things looking finished.
Making sure I had some power outside for convenience.
Just tarmac to finish outside the garage.
Inside is coming along nicely too, appliances arrived.
And I got to pick this awesome fridge
Double door for fridge and freezer below, rather than side by side.
There is a full width tray section which has its own temperature control. It's supposed to be for cooked meats etc but I claimed it for beer storage only. I always have it at zero degrees so I have ice cold beer all the time. Such a great feature.
Insert beer here...
Such a great design too. This shelf on the right slides back...
And creates some room for storing tall items...
Freezer has excellent design too. Full width storage here..
And the top tray slides back to access more storage space below. This overall design means nothing gets buried, lots of room, and everything is easily accessible. I just love this fridge
Pretty cool, huh? Pun intended
Edited by soupdragon1 on Sunday 24th September 09:34
At this point we are finally moved in. The house was move in ready after 12 weeks as planned, however the kitchen wasn't ready so it was more like 14 weeks. We actually moved in with pieces of chipboard for the work tops because the stone people wouldn't cut the stone until the kitchen was fully installed. It took another week to get the quartz work tops fitted but in the grand scheme of things, we were happy enough with those small delays.
Example pic of the stone installed with upstands and windowsill finished the same as work tops.
Movie room got a vinyl floor but plan is now to change it to carpet as that's better for acoustics. Just some random old furniture chucked in to begin with while we waited for sofa to be built.
React sesame screen on the floor, 104 inches with a special contrast enhancement feature which gives better contrast in a lounge environment.
And we're up and running, albeit with random furniture, projector not mounted (Sony hw50 initially before I later changed to Jvc) but at least it was functional at this point.
And it wasn't too long before the new sofa arrived, with cinema style headrests.
This sofa didn't last too long though, as it wasn't big enough in hindsight.
Despite the slightly disfunctional decor to start with, at least I got my lovely focal speakers back singing again
The local tapestry person wasn't too long in getting our window seating made.
So at this point we are in, we're happy and it's just finishing off the decor now. Lighting had been ordered, new furniture was on order too and various other bits and pieces.
I was also taken to task around the walk in wardrobe that I had promised the missus I would DIY. We had 7 wardrobes in total to go in a U shape, about 20ft wide worth and once I put a couple together as a starting point, I quickly dawned on me that it wasn't going to be simple. All wardrobes were the same height but the sloping ceiling would prove to be a massive headache.
In the next posts, I'll be able to get to the bits where the rooms are actually finished, lighting etc.
Example pic of the stone installed with upstands and windowsill finished the same as work tops.
Movie room got a vinyl floor but plan is now to change it to carpet as that's better for acoustics. Just some random old furniture chucked in to begin with while we waited for sofa to be built.
React sesame screen on the floor, 104 inches with a special contrast enhancement feature which gives better contrast in a lounge environment.
And we're up and running, albeit with random furniture, projector not mounted (Sony hw50 initially before I later changed to Jvc) but at least it was functional at this point.
And it wasn't too long before the new sofa arrived, with cinema style headrests.
This sofa didn't last too long though, as it wasn't big enough in hindsight.
Despite the slightly disfunctional decor to start with, at least I got my lovely focal speakers back singing again
The local tapestry person wasn't too long in getting our window seating made.
So at this point we are in, we're happy and it's just finishing off the decor now. Lighting had been ordered, new furniture was on order too and various other bits and pieces.
I was also taken to task around the walk in wardrobe that I had promised the missus I would DIY. We had 7 wardrobes in total to go in a U shape, about 20ft wide worth and once I put a couple together as a starting point, I quickly dawned on me that it wasn't going to be simple. All wardrobes were the same height but the sloping ceiling would prove to be a massive headache.
In the next posts, I'll be able to get to the bits where the rooms are actually finished, lighting etc.
Where did you get the screen from? As I will be looking at getting a 104-106 TAB AT, currently looking at the Grandview ones but as it will also be in the lounge, might look at these.
Also I have the same Samsung fridge as you We use that bottom draw for vegetables too as it's darker in there, and we removed the bottom left shelf, as the right once sliding back is good but we found it easier to just use the left space for tall items/stacking stuff.
Also I have the same Samsung fridge as you
We use that bottom draw for vegetables too as it's darker in there, and we removed the bottom left shelf, as the right once sliding back is good but we found it easier to just use the left space for tall items/stacking stuff.Edited by hyphen on Tuesday 26th September 12:26
hyphen said:
Where did you get the screen from? As I will be looking at getting a 104-106 TAB AT, currently looking at the Grandview ones but as it will also be in the lounge, might look at these.
Also I have the same Samsung fridge as you We use that bottom draw for vegetables too as it's darker in there, and we removed the bottom left shelf, as the right once sliding back is good but we found it easier to just use the left space for tall items/stacking stuff.
I got the screen from Allan @Ideal AV. I would recommend the react screen rather than an AT one, especially if you have light coloured walls and/or difficulty removing light bleed into the room from windows etc. Unless of course you really need AT to hide your speakers.Also I have the same Samsung fridge as you
We use that bottom draw for vegetables too as it's darker in there, and we removed the bottom left shelf, as the right once sliding back is good but we found it easier to just use the left space for tall items/stacking stuff.Edited by hyphen on Tuesday 26th September 12:26
Best to try and get a demo if you can. Depending on where you are based, further south you have Ricky @ Kalibrate who can also demo the screens. He's Surrey direction if I remember correctly, off the M25. Won't be cheap though, approx £2k for the screen size you are looking at depending on the case you go for.
Good choice of fridge - I've got Guinness Draught chilling as we speak at zero degrees in the bottom tray, ready for the Champions League matches tonight and tomorrow night. Big screen, Atmos sound, freezing cold Guinness - quite a nice way to spend an evening
At this moment in time we are in and we've ordered furniture, shutters, the light fixtures etc.
It's at this point where we got that 'i love it when a plan comes together' feeling. Bearing in mind we had to design and plan everything on paper, before a brick was layed, where the sofas would go, where the Christmas tree would go, where the AV rack will go, how we'll wire everything, where we'll have spotlights, where we'll have pendants etc etc etc. All we had was imagination and visualisation to go on, and we were pleased with how it all turned out.
The main living area was always going to be the most important and getting the flow of kitchen, sunroom and lounge was key to making it all work.
This area to the right is the main living space.
This is the kitchen looking into the lounge. The way the wall part closes the entrance into the lounge helps define it as it's own area but also keeps a nice sight line into the kitchen.
And from the other side, and you can see from this direction you get the angled stove wall to break up the view a little.
The TV was later replaced and sound system got installed later too, this pic is from not long after moving in.
And looking into the sunroom where we put a table and chairs around the window seating area.
Closer look at the informal dining area
And looking back into the kitchen. You can see the pendants over the island combining with spotlights in the kitchen area. We purposely had no spotlights anywhere else as its another element of the design which helps define the kitchen as it's own space. The vaulted ceiling defines the sunroom as it's own area too.
You'll also see in the pic above how the tiling is the same everywhere, which is the key element which ties it all together. There isn't much colour around, it's all white and greys with oak accents. (We would later add some green and darker browns)
This pic below shows the lounge design. Very minimalistic at this point and the shutter install supports that look. We would later bring a little more colour in here to soften it up.
A closer look at the actual kitchen worktops and sink area.
As mentioned above, it really felt like a plan had come together. And it made the beers in my zero degrees fridge area taste all the better!
Delicious
I know the style won't be to everyone's taste, it's a bit clinical/cold looking in some respects, with hints of Scandinavian minimalistic decor, but we really like it. And it's turned out to be a wonderful family home. The area is incredibly useable and works very well from a social aspects. For example, if the mother in law calls round, and sits having a cup of tea at the island, I can move into the lounge, watch a bit of football, listen to the conversation and it doesn't seem rude that I'm sitting in front of the telly. She's only a few feet away after all, so it still seems like we're all sitting together. Perfect
It's at this point where we got that 'i love it when a plan comes together' feeling. Bearing in mind we had to design and plan everything on paper, before a brick was layed, where the sofas would go, where the Christmas tree would go, where the AV rack will go, how we'll wire everything, where we'll have spotlights, where we'll have pendants etc etc etc. All we had was imagination and visualisation to go on, and we were pleased with how it all turned out.
The main living area was always going to be the most important and getting the flow of kitchen, sunroom and lounge was key to making it all work.
This area to the right is the main living space.
This is the kitchen looking into the lounge. The way the wall part closes the entrance into the lounge helps define it as it's own area but also keeps a nice sight line into the kitchen.
And from the other side, and you can see from this direction you get the angled stove wall to break up the view a little.
The TV was later replaced and sound system got installed later too, this pic is from not long after moving in.
And looking into the sunroom where we put a table and chairs around the window seating area.
Closer look at the informal dining area
And looking back into the kitchen. You can see the pendants over the island combining with spotlights in the kitchen area. We purposely had no spotlights anywhere else as its another element of the design which helps define the kitchen as it's own space. The vaulted ceiling defines the sunroom as it's own area too.
You'll also see in the pic above how the tiling is the same everywhere, which is the key element which ties it all together. There isn't much colour around, it's all white and greys with oak accents. (We would later add some green and darker browns)
This pic below shows the lounge design. Very minimalistic at this point and the shutter install supports that look. We would later bring a little more colour in here to soften it up.
A closer look at the actual kitchen worktops and sink area.
As mentioned above, it really felt like a plan had come together. And it made the beers in my zero degrees fridge area taste all the better!
Delicious
I know the style won't be to everyone's taste, it's a bit clinical/cold looking in some respects, with hints of Scandinavian minimalistic decor, but we really like it. And it's turned out to be a wonderful family home. The area is incredibly useable and works very well from a social aspects. For example, if the mother in law calls round, and sits having a cup of tea at the island, I can move into the lounge, watch a bit of football, listen to the conversation and it doesn't seem rude that I'm sitting in front of the telly. She's only a few feet away after all, so it still seems like we're all sitting together. Perfect
I think it looks great!
Our new build house is rather minimal inside too, and that's the way we like it. Plain, light walls, ceramic tiled floors throughout.
We'd like some shutters/blinds up, but the windows tilt and open inwards and we cannot drill the frames (impact on the A energy certification), so we're still investigating options. Weather's been much cooler recently, but inside the house it remains at least 23C.
Our new build house is rather minimal inside too, and that's the way we like it. Plain, light walls, ceramic tiled floors throughout.
We'd like some shutters/blinds up, but the windows tilt and open inwards and we cannot drill the frames (impact on the A energy certification), so we're still investigating options. Weather's been much cooler recently, but inside the house it remains at least 23C.
RC1807 said:
I think it looks great!
Our new build house is rather minimal inside too, and that's the way we like it. Plain, light walls, ceramic tiled floors throughout.
We'd like some shutters/blinds up, but the windows tilt and open inwards and we cannot drill the frames (impact on the A energy certification), so we're still investigating options. Weather's been much cooler recently, but inside the house it remains at least 23C.
Thanks!Our new build house is rather minimal inside too, and that's the way we like it. Plain, light walls, ceramic tiled floors throughout.
We'd like some shutters/blinds up, but the windows tilt and open inwards and we cannot drill the frames (impact on the A energy certification), so we're still investigating options. Weather's been much cooler recently, but inside the house it remains at least 23C.
The way we installed our shutters, they are on the outer rim of the window recess so no screwing into the actual frames. I posted some pics a few posts back of my DIY shutter install and you can see how they were attached.
Nice going on the A energy certification, that'll save you a few bob on energy bills, thats for sure!
Have you a thread of your own new build?
soupdragon1 said:
Thanks!
The way we installed our shutters, they are on the outer rim of the window recess so no screwing into the actual frames. I posted some pics a few posts back of my DIY shutter install and you can see how they were attached.
Nice going on the A energy certification, that'll save you a few bob on energy bills, thats for sure!
Have you a thread of your own new build?
I saw your posts with the shutters, but we're thinking more (roller) blinds than shutters, since we already have external horizontal louvres, and looking for something to block out a little more street light at night.The way we installed our shutters, they are on the outer rim of the window recess so no screwing into the actual frames. I posted some pics a few posts back of my DIY shutter install and you can see how they were attached.
Nice going on the A energy certification, that'll save you a few bob on energy bills, thats for sure!
Have you a thread of your own new build?
Yes, we have a build thread, listed in the Build Wiki ... I used to be 5potTurbo
Energy bills, not as low as you'd hope or expect, to be honest. Still, it remains warm inside.
joestifff said:
This is all very familiar. I have read this before, and enjoyed it last time as well.
Was this on AVforums?
Sure was, started it about 3 years ago when the house was being built and updated it as I went along, whereas now, this is more looking back.Was this on AVforums?
<< no peeking on that AVF thread everyone else
>>RC1807 said:
I saw your posts with the shutters, but we're thinking more (roller) blinds than shutters, since we already have external horizontal louvres, and looking for something to block out a little more street light at night.
Yes, we have a build thread, listed in the Build Wiki ... I used to be 5potTurbo
Energy bills, not as low as you'd hope or expect, to be honest. Still, it remains warm inside.
Nice one, I'll take a look. I've seen a few of them on the wiki link so will take a look at yours later tonight - I always like reading build type threads.Yes, we have a build thread, listed in the Build Wiki ... I used to be 5potTurbo
Energy bills, not as low as you'd hope or expect, to be honest. Still, it remains warm inside.
RC1807 said:
I saw your posts with the shutters, but we're thinking more (roller) blinds than shutters, since we already have external horizontal louvres, and looking for something to block out a little more street light at night.
Yes, we have a build thread, listed in the Build Wiki ... I used to be 5potTurbo
Energy bills, not as low as you'd hope or expect, to be honest. Still, it remains warm inside.
Just read your build thread, what a fabulous house you built, very nice indeed! Yes, we have a build thread, listed in the Build Wiki ... I used to be 5potTurbo
Energy bills, not as low as you'd hope or expect, to be honest. Still, it remains warm inside.
Before we get to the other rooms, an update on the general lighting designs we went for.
As mentioned previously, spotlights, pendants over island and large light in the sunroom.
This thing weighs an absolute ton!
And it was Christmas by the time we got the lounge light installed.
Close up. Some nice features like the wooden ceiling rose and the antlers. These are cast from actual deer antlers, and once set, hand painted for a nice look.
While in here, may as well touch on the AV set up. At this point, it was a not too expensive passive LCR speaker and my old TV. These are later replaced by an atmos system using monitor audio radius in white colour and tv is upgraded to a 4k Panasonic.
These were the surrounds at the time
Anyway, back to the lighting. When constructing the hall from its original bland state, you can see here where we had a cutaway where the upstairs landing should be.
Cutaway leaves an 18ft open space to the ceiling.
Which meant we could install this nice swirly light
And the hallway from below. You'll see the led lights flanking the stairs along with pendant lanterns. Part of the beauty of going for 9ft ceilings is that you have more lighting options, as you've extra height available for hanging lights.
The staircase is an oak tread to match the doors and white ballustrades to match the white skirting.
Hall pendants close up.
If I under expose the photo, you can see the filament which is what you actually see in real life. Something nice about these bulbs.
And into the master bedroom. Before a brick was laid, we had already decided where the bed was going, had sockets either side so that the bedside lamps could be positioned without wires trailing across from a distant socket.
Really like the warm glow off these...
I'll do a separate post for the actual master suite design, where we have the bedroom going to ensuite and then onwards to the dressing room. It's basically one full side of the house, 33ft long, all for us!
That's the benefit of building a house to your own needs so we feel very lucky to have had the opportunity
Oh, and even the lowly downstairs loo got its own lighting feature. When you turn on the main light, these wall lights also come on. We really did try and think of every little feature while in the design process.
As mentioned previously, spotlights, pendants over island and large light in the sunroom.
This thing weighs an absolute ton!
And it was Christmas by the time we got the lounge light installed.
Close up. Some nice features like the wooden ceiling rose and the antlers. These are cast from actual deer antlers, and once set, hand painted for a nice look.
While in here, may as well touch on the AV set up. At this point, it was a not too expensive passive LCR speaker and my old TV. These are later replaced by an atmos system using monitor audio radius in white colour and tv is upgraded to a 4k Panasonic.
These were the surrounds at the time
Anyway, back to the lighting. When constructing the hall from its original bland state, you can see here where we had a cutaway where the upstairs landing should be.
Cutaway leaves an 18ft open space to the ceiling.
Which meant we could install this nice swirly light
And the hallway from below. You'll see the led lights flanking the stairs along with pendant lanterns. Part of the beauty of going for 9ft ceilings is that you have more lighting options, as you've extra height available for hanging lights.
The staircase is an oak tread to match the doors and white ballustrades to match the white skirting.
Hall pendants close up.
If I under expose the photo, you can see the filament which is what you actually see in real life. Something nice about these bulbs.
And into the master bedroom. Before a brick was laid, we had already decided where the bed was going, had sockets either side so that the bedside lamps could be positioned without wires trailing across from a distant socket.
Really like the warm glow off these...
I'll do a separate post for the actual master suite design, where we have the bedroom going to ensuite and then onwards to the dressing room. It's basically one full side of the house, 33ft long, all for us!
That's the benefit of building a house to your own needs so we feel very lucky to have had the opportunity
Oh, and even the lowly downstairs loo got its own lighting feature. When you turn on the main light, these wall lights also come on. We really did try and think of every little feature while in the design process.
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