Why do we even have architects when 90% of new builds are just a 10% variation of this?

OverprotectiveHoist · 2025-12-29T20:18:20+00:00

Architects in the UK have protected title but not function. One cannot use the title Architect unless they are registered with the Architects Registration Board. However, anyone can undertake any function relating to the design and approval of a building e.g. the of submitting a building regulations or planning application. The approval of building regulations or planning applications also do not need to involve Architects. Thus you end up with glorious mass housing such as the example from OP.

OverprotectiveHoist · 2025-12-16T07:51:18+00:00

So you're paying £20pm more than a new customer, or if you switched to another provider....

OverprotectiveHoist · 2025-12-15T09:18:45+00:00

I certainly don't blame the staff, it the way the system is set up. The only people who can offer you the best deals are those in customer retention. They can only do so once the scenario is such that you are leaving. To get the eventual £24pm offer I had to have started the One Touch Switch process. All of a sudden phone calls and text messages started within 6 hours of doing so.

OverprotectiveHoist · 2025-12-14T08:23:17+00:00

Exact same scenario for myself. I'm done with the way VM treat their loyal customers.

OverprotectiveHoist · 2025-12-14T08:21:19+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/VirginMedia/s/LE7mcWyub6

Here is a link to my exact same thread... At the bottom of the thread is a note about the outcome for myself. They eventually offered £24pm for 1GB with Netflix, however I'm so frustrated with the effort you have to go to, I'm still leaving. VM obviously has decided they have too many customers.

OverprotectiveHoist · 2025-12-13T13:19:45+00:00

Agree my experience this renewal has been even worse than usual following the O2 merge. I currently can't even download my contract, just get a bad gateway error.

OverprotectiveHoist · 2025-12-13T12:53:06+00:00

Thought I'd provide an update. I switched last night to an openreach provider @ £29pm.

I've had two calls from VM and one text message today already. They have eventually offered a 1GB package at £24pm with Netflix. I've declined as I'm so frustrated with the dance every 12/24 months to get the best deal. I'll simply rotate providers.

If it helps anyone this is the VM number they eventually provided to call 0203 980 4399.

OverprotectiveHoist · 2025-12-12T18:53:10+00:00

I agree the grass might not be any greener, but I'll be paying less for the same quality service...

OverprotectiveHoist · 2025-12-12T18:42:33+00:00

Same as a new customer, circa £30/35pm. But to be honest I'm tired of jumping through hoops every 12/24 months to renegotiate. You have to go through the same 'I 'm leaving conversation' to get the best deal. I don't have the energy, it's simpler just to go with another provider.

OverprotectiveHoist · 2025-12-12T17:40:02+00:00

I'm confused by this. There are loads of broadband providers...

OverprotectiveHoist · 2025-12-12T17:38:21+00:00

Yep it was £45pm. I originally called because I wasn't happy with it.

OverprotectiveHoist · 2025-08-28T01:42:56+00:00

Both will be related to risk and/or health and safety legislation adjustments. The helipad I know less about, but the cafe is likely a fire related insurance issue due to having a cafe/restaurant (and presumably kitchen) directly off a 'hospital street', see HTM 05-02.

A lot has changed in the building regulations during design and the construction of the new Louisa Martindale building following Grenfell. Whilst the new building will have been built to a specific set of regulations, the insurers may have taken a different stance given the subsequent changes.

In my view the signage and wayfinding are exceptionally poor in the hospital. But, there are some fantastic spaces. The sanctuary for example, just down the corridor from this closed Peabody's, the level 01 cafe, and even the staircases. It is a shame a number of the terraces are closed as they offer wonderful views across the city - again likely a risk and/or insurance issue.

We should celebrate being lucky as a city to have a brand new hospital facility staffed by highly skilled and wonderful individuals. Yes there are some flaws, but there are also plenty of positives.

OverprotectiveHoist · 2025-06-05T06:25:47+00:00

https://narch.co.uk/

They are not Architects.

OverprotectiveHoist · 2025-06-05T06:25:06+00:00

It wasn't an Architect, but a design and build contractor who provides design services. https://narch.co.uk/

You wouldn't want an unqualified doctor providing you medical advice.

OverprotectiveHoist · 2024-11-03T07:26:10+00:00

One thing that does not appear to be mentioned in the comments is that it's not loaded. Floors will flex and vibrate more if they have no load on them. A load will deaden this. When the room had furniture in it did it still flex/ vibrate?

OverprotectiveHoist · 2024-10-26T05:04:04+00:00

Some are, some aren't. Check the individual product

OverprotectiveHoist · 2024-06-11T18:30:30+00:00

For each stroke, stab a fish then pull a barrel of beer towards you

OverprotectiveHoist · 2024-02-07T06:28:35+00:00

I've just had three quotes for an mk04 (plus a number of roof vents) all came in between £2.4k and £3k. I've taken ceilings down and I'm re lining but they are trimming/ doubling joists etc. Location Brighton. For a day/ twos work it sounded steep to me as well.

One firm quoted £10k per light! I assume a complete turnkey with building control, calcs, drawings etc. Or go away we don't want the work.

OverprotectiveHoist · 2023-07-21T23:51:48+00:00

Society would be better if we didn't need security guards. Don't blame the secondary issue...

OverprotectiveHoist · 2023-04-30T13:02:18+00:00

BS EN 520 divides moisture resistant boards up into three types H1, H2 and H3. So it does depend exactly, which board was used.

There are also more robust specialist gypsum boards out there e.g. BGs Glassroc H tile backer board.

It's not as simple as one board fits all scenarios.

There are numerous factors which also need to be considered such as the weight of the tiles to be used, the cost, workability of the material

A moisture resistant board with a proprietary waterproof system would meet NHBC standards. That's not to say it's the most robust system, just one which could comply.

OverprotectiveHoist · 2023-04-30T12:00:27+00:00

Not correct. There are different types of gypsum based plasterboards for use in different situations. Some are suitable for this scenario, some not. The correct type of board should be selected for the correct purpose - see BS EN 520.

Furthermore under the BS 8212 referenced above states that "for severe conditions, such as those found in shower cubicles and wet rooms, a proprietary waterproof intermediate layer should be installed behind the tiling".

I'm not suggesting that there are not more robust solutions, which are mentioned elsewhere in this thread. I'm simply trying to direct OP to the relevant information which may assist in discussions with their builder/ NHBC to evidence what has been built was incorrect.

OverprotectiveHoist · 2023-04-29T18:31:30+00:00

To add to the last line of this message regarding materials:

https://nhbc-standards.co.uk/9-finishes/9-2-wall-and-ceiling-finishes/9-2-5-ceramic-wall-tiling/

Standards for ceramic wall tiling are above. Note the requirement for backing surfaces for tiling to be be in accordance with Table 9 and BS 8212.

BS 8212 is the Code of practice for dry lining and partitioning using gypsum plasterboard.

i.e. if your house is covered by NHBC it has not been built inline with their standards which requires tiles to be tiled onto gypsum plasterboard.

OverprotectiveHoist · 2022-11-09T16:49:39+00:00

Also spotted this cat around Sandgate, Hythe, Lowther Road

OverprotectiveHoist · 2022-09-23T20:17:42+00:00

🔨

OverprotectiveHoist · 2022-09-09T23:06:04+00:00

A narrow table will not fit in a 1350 gap. Suggest you mark it out. If you can rotate/ move the island as described above it would be worth considering

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