Advice on Professional Help with New Build

jiggins

Hi all, I'm a long time reader but first time poster.
Basically I would like the collective opinion on how to proceed with my new build. Planning granted in 2011 but finances and other commitments have resulted in the project having been delayed until now.

Plans are attached. We will only be tweeking window sizes, very happy with the general layout and look of the building but I will gratefully accept all comments and recommendations!

I must admit that I am still quite green on the whole matter and am unsure exactly how to proceed.

Basically the builder will be my brother-in-law. He runs a good firm but I don't want to leave any technical decisions to his opinion so want the opinion of a professional. We have submitted our commencement notice and will be building to the older building control regulations.

We have an architect, but he seems quite reserved in his suggestions for constructing a low energy house.
For example he recommends:
150mm pumped cavity - I had hoped for wider but he is against going wider so as to avoid the expense of employing an engineer and using structural wall ties...
Using internal insulation to increase U-value of the wall
Not using lightweight blocks on first row of blocks.
using only 100mm floor insulation.
Not in favour of doing a PHPP report.
Recommending Air- to-Water without informing us on what the heat demand will be for the building.
So, I feel the need for a second opinion on these and other matters.
I think that I will need:
Provisional BER
DEAP analysis
PHPP report.
Competent engineer.
Would this look like the correct approach?

Can anyone recommend someone to complete a BER/DEAP/PHPP report in the Mayo area? Actually I would like to work with some of the regular posters but I'm a little worried about the distance as most seem to be on the other side of the country - perhaps this is silly concern? (I will contact them via PM regardless)

And recommendation for a compente engineer in Mayo?

Thanks for any advice or recommendations.

Jiggins

sydthebeat

jiggins wrote: »

We have an architect, but he seems quite reserved in his suggestions for constructing a low energy house.
For example he recommends:
150mm pumped cavity - I had hoped for wider but he is against going wider so as to avoid the expense of employing an engineer and using structural wall ties...
Using internal insulation to increase U-value of the wall :mad:
Not using lightweight blocks on first row of blocks. :mad:
using only 100mm floor insulation.
Not in favour of doing a PHPP report.
Recommending Air- to-Water without informing us on what the heat demand will be for the building. :mad:

There is some very very questionable advice there.

jiggins

Agreed Syd, thats what i thought. He's really making me think I'm mad for wanting all the above....

sydthebeat

the quinnlites are pretty much standard detail at this stage

Its commonly accepted that internal insulated plasterboarding is a bad idea for new builds.

An engineer should be engaged anyway to sign off the structural elements of the build, so giving the the additional responsibility of the wall construction is minimal, seeing as the specialist wall ties are all (BBA) certified at this stage.

100mm insulation under floor will lead to you having to upgrade elemental u values else where. 150mm is pretty much standard now.

I wonder has this architect ever carried out a provisional DEAP assessment and seen the onerous requirement of Part L 2011?

The Phpp report is a good idea to give you specifics in order to more efficiently specify your heating system, thats a cost you must decide on yourself (allow 1k for it)

jiggins

Thanks again Syd. Can anyone recommend suitable professionals to engage in the Mayo area?

sydthebeat

not my area, sorry.

4Sticks

pm sent

BarryM3

4sticks - could you PM me on the same please. I'm in Meath myself too!

4Sticks

Done.

Up the Royals

Droghead

Could you PM me also as in meath also and just at same stage, planning obtained etc etc...

4Sticks wrote: »

Done.

Up the Royals

BryanF

thread locked

PM the person, dont ask for him/her to PM you