"Modern" construction methods - are any of them a good idea?
Discussion
We had a builder round to quote for gutting and re-doing the lounge - ceiling dow, partition wall to be constructed, wall skimmed, etc.
He asked at the time if I would like the walls "spray plastered". No. What's wrong with using a spread?
Just phoned me up as he is typing up the quote, asked if he could build the partition/TV wall using metal framing. Sounds like a really bad idea for a wall that's going to carry a big telly, speakers, and 6 cabinets for the electronics and my model cars. No. What's wrong with timber studwork?
I'm sure they thought, back in the day, that pre-cast concrete sectional construction was a good idea. Most are pretty much unmortgageable these days, unless they are re-skinned.
Timber framed construction seemed like a good idea, but only if built and waterproofed perfectly.
Do any of these "modern" ideas really hold up long term, apart from using plasterboard rather than wooden lath and plaster?
He asked at the time if I would like the walls "spray plastered". No. What's wrong with using a spread?
Just phoned me up as he is typing up the quote, asked if he could build the partition/TV wall using metal framing. Sounds like a really bad idea for a wall that's going to carry a big telly, speakers, and 6 cabinets for the electronics and my model cars. No. What's wrong with timber studwork?
I'm sure they thought, back in the day, that pre-cast concrete sectional construction was a good idea. Most are pretty much unmortgageable these days, unless they are re-skinned.
Timber framed construction seemed like a good idea, but only if built and waterproofed perfectly.
Do any of these "modern" ideas really hold up long term, apart from using plasterboard rather than wooden lath and plaster?
Evoluzione said:
Why are you not telling us what his answers were?
Do you mean, why did he want to use those methods?The plaster, because he'd bought a machine to do it. Said "it's my new business venture".
Metal framing - "It's quicker and makes less mess".
My thinking - a good plasterer can do pretty much perfect work. He said that sprayed plaster needs a fair bit of sanding down. The metal framing seems to result in rattly walls, and nothing to hang heavy items from. A proper nightmare in my sister's 8 year old house.
I take the point that a modern house, built properly, will probably be nicer to live in - warmer, less damp, nice straight lines, etc.
Making changes, or even screwing things to the wall, can be an issue. And how well will a "modern" house hold up long term?
My last house, built in the 1860's from old lumps of granite, mud, and bits of wood pretty much straight from the tree, was structurally sound, if a little damp. My current 1960's bungalow, built from concrete blocks, is mostly still perfect. The bits that are failing are due to previous bodges.
Plenty of examples of "Cornish Unit" kit construction around here, many have been skinned and re-roofed. A few "Woolaway" bungalows get listed for sale, described as "cash only" purchases. A pair of upmarket-looking timber-framed properties where work stopped a couple of years ago - planning issues I think stopped them being finished. Even the one that had the windows and cladding installed is beyond repair now. The unclad one is literally peeling apart.
There was quite a lot of "experimental" construction done in Milton Keynes. After a few years, those developments were a real eyesore. Big houses, but really cheap to buy compared to the more traditional properties a few minutes away.
Making changes, or even screwing things to the wall, can be an issue. And how well will a "modern" house hold up long term?
My last house, built in the 1860's from old lumps of granite, mud, and bits of wood pretty much straight from the tree, was structurally sound, if a little damp. My current 1960's bungalow, built from concrete blocks, is mostly still perfect. The bits that are failing are due to previous bodges.
Plenty of examples of "Cornish Unit" kit construction around here, many have been skinned and re-roofed. A few "Woolaway" bungalows get listed for sale, described as "cash only" purchases. A pair of upmarket-looking timber-framed properties where work stopped a couple of years ago - planning issues I think stopped them being finished. Even the one that had the windows and cladding installed is beyond repair now. The unclad one is literally peeling apart.
There was quite a lot of "experimental" construction done in Milton Keynes. After a few years, those developments were a real eyesore. Big houses, but really cheap to buy compared to the more traditional properties a few minutes away.
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