Standard Specification for small extension

onrail

Folks,

I'm hoping to get quotes for a small kitchen extension in the coming months, there won't be a need for it to go to planning.

I'll probably put together a basic set of plans and drawings to get across what layout I want, however my knowledge of the finer details of blockwork, insulation, roofing etc are limited.
Would anyone have available a standard contract or specification which covers these finer details? I could adjust in places to suit.

The house being extended is an old clay wall farmhouse, so I'd imagine we'll have to be careful with certain aspects of the construction - to be honest I'd only be happy proceeding with some sort of contract in place. Any thoughts/experiences?

delfagio

If I were you I would get an experienced architect on board who can design the extension to suit the layout you want.

The architect would be more experienced with knowledge and understanding on how the connection details from old clay wall building to new extension best works.

Contract can be done up from there and details will be all drawn up to show contractors exactly how it is to be done

Metric Tensor

With this:

onrail wrote: »

The house being extended is an old clay wall farmhouse

And this:

onrail wrote: »

I'd only be happy proceeding with some sort of contract in place. Any thoughts/experiences?

in mind - would you not consider employing a professional to protect your interests?

Also who is going to design the foundations and structural supports?

onrail

Happy to design/spec the founds myself. Might have a go at the structure, depending on whether I can get a handle on the load transfer - obviously trying to keep any additional loading away from the clay walls!

You're probably right about getting an Architect on board, and I may do depending on the prices they quote me - But for a small extension with no planning requirement, it seems a bit OTT?

Calahonda52

Happy to design/spec the founds myself.

Even for small extensions, many have perished on this simplistic assumption.
Eg what happens when the digger opens up the ground and finds some massive boulders in the way, or some other issue with the ground conditions?

In addition, relying on a standard contract is not the way to fly for a small extension, far more, to use your own words, OTT, than get a professional onside now.

for ideas
The first link is for details, second for Irish pricing
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Construction-Technology-Designing-Sustainable-Homes/dp/0717148343/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463079029&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=construction+technology-+trevor+hockey

https://schoolbooks365.ie/index.php?_route_=construction_technology_hickey

http://www.environ.ie/search/archived/current/category/housing/type/publications?query=acceptable%20construction%20details

http://www.environ.ie/en/TGD/

https://www.nsai.ie/S-R-54-2014-Code-of-Practice.aspx

BryanF

Op id recommend hemp lime construction or some form of breathable lightweight structure, given the 'old clay farmhouse walls' - don't mess this up. You need an arch or arch tech with conservation experience- you should avoid concrete construction where possible, excluding foundations which should be subject to an engineers specification.

onrail

Calahonda52 wrote: »

Happy to design/spec the founds myself.

Even for small extensions, many have perished on this simplistic assumption.
Eg what happens when the digger opens up the ground and finds some massive boulders in the way, or some other issue with the ground conditions?

In addition, relying on a standard contract is not the way to fly for a small extension, far more, to use your own words, OTT, than get a professional onside now.

Ach I'm a ground engineer so The founds are the one thing I'd be comfortable with tbh!
Fair enough on getting an arch or engineer for the rest. Would anyone have any recommendations for professionals experienced with an old clay type wall?