The House Projects Thread

[V8Granite]

There's an unfinished garage across the our house which had a few courses of bricks laid about 30 years ago and then left so we've decided we'll finish it and use it for storage. The floor is being poured next week and then we'll get the rest finished, but I'm now starting to think it's a waste of a view!

Maybe I need to add a door and make a deck out the back of it.

That’s screaming to be a snug.

Open up the back window and make double glazed doors. Pop a deck there and in winter sit in the cosy space and watch the crazy weather.

In the summer just relax on the decking.

Dave!

[DeskJockey]

The tap in the kitchen has started leaking enough that I needed to do something about it. Tried to replace the gaskets/seals but finding some that fit an 18yo no-brand tap proved impossible, instead of a small leak I ended up with a big one.

As I was trying to turn the water off using the isolator valves, one of the joints started spraying water as well, so instead it was time to turn it off at the main and call a plumber.

Four hours later we have a new kitchen tap, new connector gaskets (they both started leaking), and a new isolator valve on the hot water pipe. While he was here he replaced the bath waste as that was also on the list.

That leaves me with the joyous job of refitting the bath panel and messing with silicone to keep the water out.

[jamcg]

The tap in the kitchen has started leaking enough that I needed to do something about it. Tried to replace the gaskets/seals but finding some that fit an 18yo no-brand tap proved impossible, instead of a small leak I ended up with a big one.

As I was trying to turn the water off using the isolator valves, one of the joints started spraying water as well, so instead it was time to turn it off at the main and call a plumber.

Four hours later we have a new kitchen tap, new connector gaskets (they both started leaking), and a new isolator valve on the hot water pipe. While he was here he replaced the bath waste as that was also on the list.

That leaves me with the joyous job of refitting the bath panel and messing with silicone to keep the water out.

Make sure to remove all the old silicone, Clean everything down with methylated spirits, don’t over apply silicone, Make a bowl of water with a couple of drops of washing up liquid and do your finger in it to smooth out the silicone

[DeskJockey]

The tap in the kitchen has started leaking enough that I needed to do something about it. Tried to replace the gaskets/seals but finding some that fit an 18yo no-brand tap proved impossible, instead of a small leak I ended up with a big one.

As I was trying to turn the water off using the isolator valves, one of the joints started spraying water as well, so instead it was time to turn it off at the main and call a plumber.

Four hours later we have a new kitchen tap, new connector gaskets (they both started leaking), and a new isolator valve on the hot water pipe. While he was here he replaced the bath waste as that was also on the list.

That leaves me with the joyous job of refitting the bath panel and messing with silicone to keep the water out.

Make sure to remove all the old silicone, Clean everything down with methylated spirits, don’t over apply silicone, Make a bowl of water with a couple of drops of washing up liquid and do your finger in it to smooth out the silicone

Thanks. Spent the better part of two hours with a Stanley blade and some sealant remover. The floor and walls are ready, just need to prep the bath panel.

[Ascender]

I think I'm going to put a solar panel on the shed/store to power an indoor light and maybe some other small stuff. Has anyone done this sort of thing on outbuildings before? I was also wondering about what I'd need to power a couple of cameras down at the horse field too. Is that something you've done @Mito Man?

[V8Granite]

Solar panels
Victron MPPT solar controller
Battery of choice, I like Lithium Iron phosphate batteries.

This is how we power our shed but I just upgraded the camping pack with a Victron unit and it works really well.

Dave!

[Mito Man]

I think I'm going to put a solar panel on the shed/store to power an indoor light and maybe some other small stuff. Has anyone done this sort of thing on outbuildings before? I was also wondering about what I'd need to power a couple of cameras down at the horse field too. Is that something you've done @Mito Man?

Yes.
Essentially you’d need a solar panel, solar charge converter, 12v battery which is the simplest. If you’re powering stuff which is 230v you need an inverter. You can get by on just 12v if you only want to run a router and some lights as they’re available in 12v.
The simple route these days is a portable power station which has all the above built in and you then only need a solar panel.
The TP link outdoor routers are really good I find.
Cameras I’d go for wireless with solar. Saves running cables everywhere and if they’re in a sunny spot they last long enough. I use Ring but locked into their system and they keep jacking up the prices annually but there’s plenty of other brands.

[Simon]

I was thinking of doing the same, and adding a door open alarm/monitor for inside the house as the shed is in the side alley and the kids keep opening it and leaving it open, then it rains and soaks everything.

Any ideas?

[Ascender]

Thanks both. I know its pretty simple stuff but always good to get some first-hand feedback on stuff in use.

I'm also locked into Ring, so that part makes sense I guess!

[Mito Man]

I was thinking of doing the same, and adding a door open alarm/monitor for inside the house as the shed is in the side alley and the kids keep opening it and leaving it open, then it rains and soaks everything.

Any ideas?

Just a wifi door sensor. Got one from donkeys ago working on Apple Homekit. Just sends a message on my phone saying door has been opened/closed. Not my exact model...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tapo-T110-Real ... d_source=1
I guess you could also just fit a self closing hinge

[Simon]

I was thinking of doing the same, and adding a door open alarm/monitor for inside the house as the shed is in the side alley and the kids keep opening it and leaving it open, then it rains and soaks everything.

Any ideas?

Just a wifi door sensor. Got one from donkeys ago working on Apple Homekit. Just sends a message on my phone saying door has been opened/closed. Not my exact model...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tapo-T110-Real ... d_source=1
I guess you could also just fit a self closing hinge

I'll check it out, ta.

[Gavster]

Q for the builder/developer type people on here.

What's the best way to get a renovation specification drawn up, so that I can give it to builders for quotations?

The stuff with the neighbours is nearing a conclusion, and I need to be prepared for their property to be fully stripped and renovated. Literally taken to a bare shell and start again. Hence I need to get a solid spec drawn up so that I can provide it to builders/contractors for quotations.

I'm assuming an architect is overkill for this, so who would be the person to speak to instead?

[DeskJockey]

Is that something a project manager in that field could/would do?

And just to challenge the architect requirement, wouldn't it be an opportunity to potentially change the layout to improve the value? If you're going back to a bare shell, it seems like the ideal time to modernise/improve.

[Gavster]

It's a really hard call tbh. One approach is get it done to a fairly basic spec with almost no changes, because that's going to limit the renovation cost and therefore also limit the financial risk.

On the other hand, changing the layout etc could make it more desireable, but that also comes with higher costs and concurrent risk, gambling with the recouping the additonal cost of architect and works in the eventual sale.

Although, to support your suggesetion, this area is midway through gentrifying, in another few years and I'm expecting to see Gails on the high street and therefore also need to consider those kinds of buyers, which would hint at aiming for a nicer spec.

[DeskJockey]

There's only one thing for it: you're going on Grand Designs with an impossible project, unrealistic budget and timescales, no experience as a (DIY) builder, and the sky-high hopes of the terminal optimist.

[V8Granite]

Do the place up to an ideal spec for you, proper little studio for your work, different layout in the kitchen for your goody stuff etc.

Then when it's done, move in and sell your current place or privately rent it out. You can properly sound insulate between the homes aswell which makes a massive difference if you aren't detached.

This is all logical and easy as it's not my money

Dave!

[mik]

I’d expect an architect to come up with some ideas you hadn’t thought of, and I don’t think any builder will give you a firm quote without a set of drawings (?). Hence that’s where I’d start.

[Rich B]

if you’re not changing the layout, what are you planning?

strip out
electrics
heating
plastering
kitchen
bathroom
decs
flooring

Just get a decent layout drawn up by a draughtsman (you can probably do it yourself with an app these days) then mark your what you want in each room. It’s not going to be massively complicated as a fit out.

if there’s any more involved work like structural or damp/remedials, get the relevant specialist out.

[Gavster]

There's only one thing for it: you're going on Grand Designs with an impossible project, unrealistic budget and timescales, no experience as a (DIY) builder, and the sky-high hopes of the terminal optimist.

Also get someone pregnant halfway through the build and we're on

[DeskJockey]

There's only one thing for it: you're going on Grand Designs with an impossible project, unrealistic budget and timescales, no experience as a (DIY) builder, and the sky-high hopes of the terminal optimist.

Also get someone pregnant halfway through the build and we're on

Yes, I forgot about that. Could you also do a massive mid-build pivot when you suddenly decide that you want the only Yak-farm in London?