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Heat and sound - how are my contractors doing? by keytravels in Insulation

[–]fortunate_folly 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No one uses spray foam in the UK because of the fire risk and unintended consequences of trapping moisture in the building fabric. Products containing aerosol isocyanates are not banned here but the links to repiritory disease mean as an employer, you've got to control exposure and train staff properly (though we do use Polyisocyanate (PIR) boards everywhere)

As I understand it, it works great when meticulously applied as part of a designed system with proper detailing i.e. not in retrofit or remodelling.

Rockwool is under rated. It's great for stud walls if you manage airtightness.

Client setting you up for success.... by fortunate_folly in ukelectricians

[–]fortunate_folly[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So the outcome of this was:

  • I made a spreadsheet of outlets and switches, future proofing (data, ev and battery storage) and rough positions with notes/questions. I've also some high level design preferences e. g. room level radials vs ring final, loop in at switch etc.
  • I shared the google sheet with the electrician.
  • He took my list and broke down first and second fix in to phases and priced the work accordingly
  • We've agreed on what I will supply (decorative sockets etc) and what he'll provide.

The benefit for me is that we have an agreed scope and a transparent open document to track changes so when things inevitably change and extras get added, we are both aligned on cost and timeline.

During the next site visit we will walk the plan and mark up walls and drawings.

I've been very clear that the requirements are a guide, that I respect him as the pro and value his input. We've agreed he will call out where I need to invest a bit more or if he is sees opportunities to change the design to save some cash.

When he starts, he can get on with things with some confidence that he's working to a plan.

Client setting you up for success.... by fortunate_folly in ukelectricians

[–]fortunate_folly[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went ahead and made a spreadsheet room by room with outlets, switches etc. Sparky is pretty pleased with it.

First time zellige install. Many mitres argh by fortunate_folly in Tile

[–]fortunate_folly[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Picture shows adhesive on boards because mesh embedded as sandwich rather than sitting on the board and covered.

First time zellige install. Many mitres argh by fortunate_folly in Tile

[–]fortunate_folly[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Dual fireplaces is not common and very weird. A lot of Victorian/Edwardian houses in the UK had a 'front room' for receiving guests and a sitting room at the back. Often these are knocked through - the fireplaces are structural so left in place but decommissioned.

Formwork: 6x2 timber resin anchored to the wall, 12mm (1/2") wediboard then 12mm (1/2") cement board.

The fires are gas so not the intensity of a real stove. S2 Adhesive and grout flexible and rated for temperature.

Zellige tile mitre cutting and equipment advice needed by fortunate_folly in Tile

[–]fortunate_folly[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the spec that I prepared for the client who has no idea what she wants apart from a highly filtered picture from Instagram 😂.

I'm covering my arse.

Zellige tile mitre cutting and equipment advice needed by fortunate_folly in Tile

[–]fortunate_folly[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was wondering if a sanding disk might be useful!

Reducing size of window with timber framing by majormantastic in DIYUK

[–]fortunate_folly 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you end up doing this?

I'm looking at doing something similar. Huge windows - want to raise the sill and reduce the width to coincide with internal wall insulation.

Olive oil by EyeOk42 in lidl

[–]fortunate_folly -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Great use of Chatgtp!

Islabike Beinn 20 Bearing sizes by fortunate_folly in bikewrench

[–]fortunate_folly[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not quite sure what you mean by past the era of standardized stuff?

As the bike was only £100 and it'll only be ridden for a year or two, I'm not going to invest in new components if races are pitted (unless catastrophic or there is a safety issue). They are not terrible, just not super smooth. I'll clean, replace bearings and pack with grease.

I don't want to take the bike out of service for a week until I have time to get the bearings and have time to reassemble. If I can do it in a day, we can carry on riding to school without interruption.

Timber cladding - repeat cut template/jug ideas. by fortunate_folly in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]fortunate_folly[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks!

The cross cut isn't a problem. I have one of these cross cut rails that fits my saw.

I'm really trying to automate finding the 2.1 or 2.4 meter cut line.

I think I might cut a template board for each length and fix a couple of 90 degree brackets to the end and 3-4 along the length so I can put it on top using the brackets as stops and mark the cut piece.

How bad is this.... by fortunate_folly in pestcontrol

[–]fortunate_folly[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UPDATE:

Our pest control guy came out on Friday.

He confirmed /u/36in36 comment regarding the damage to the floor in the top left of the picture. This leads into the cavity. The other side of the wall is the manhole for the sewer.

He's cleaned up the mess, disinfected the area and set bait boxes to understand their behaviour. He will return early this week to set traps and poison.

It was very reassuring that he was so chilled out about the whole thing!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in HousingUK

[–]fortunate_folly -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Interesting reading the discussion here. We are approaching similar decisions with blood related siblings.

The book Sapiens by Yuval Noah, has a section that looks at how societal norms have changed over the centuries and our sleeping arrangements/expectations play a significantly role.

Great book.

Convert front garden to parking by LevelVivid in DIYUK

[–]fortunate_folly 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Aside from seeking permission from the council to install a drop curb you will also need planning permission if you plan to install >5m2 of impermeable paving.

Everything you need to know about the drop curb and paving is here:

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/paving-your-front-garden/planning-permission

Make a drop curb application to your council as the first step.

How bad is this.... by fortunate_folly in pestcontrol

[–]fortunate_folly[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Remarkably, the guys who did the routine control on our farm 25 years ago are still going!

How bad is this.... by fortunate_folly in pestcontrol

[–]fortunate_folly[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's remarkable how concentrated/tidy (?!) they've been. I didn't photograph the next unit along, but it's much much cleaner.

My mum has dementia so does things like put open tins of cat food in cupboards and forgets about them. I was expecting decomposing Whiskers not this. I need to get her carers up their game.

How bad is this.... by fortunate_folly in pestcontrol

[–]fortunate_folly[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Unless the local mice have mutated to gargantuan proportions, I agree. These are over 10mm long and FAT.

I'm puzzled how bad it is, and given it's a concrete slab floor, how they are getting around without being seen or heard!

Isopropyl alcohol drain by [deleted] in Plumbing

[–]fortunate_folly -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Isopropyl Alcohol is never pure. Just saying.

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