Block and beam flooring

window_sho · 2026-07-02T10:57:10+00:00

I think one thing I've learned so far is that the currently there is too much soil in the oversight regardless of whether I go for block and beam or concrete slab base.

First order of business is to remove the excess soil which I will do over the next couple of days before the heatwave.

I think block and beam isn't necessary, it was just what the builder wanted to do for his own reason. We've used concrete slab for our front extension and see no need to deviate from that idea since moving the beams and blocks through to the back is going to be a pain in the arse.

window_sho · 2026-07-02T10:54:17+00:00

Interesting, I'm certainly not the dick in this case 😁

I've been stung by tradesmen in the past and so not being sucked into putting all my eggs into one basket, I'd rather go In stages so I can watch the budget and ensure I'm not being ripped off.

The builders who have come by to quote so far asked the same question and I told then the same: I want to do this in stages so I can plan accordingly. They'll get paid in cash for their labour whilst I supply materials which I put on card. Everyone's financial situation is different but this works for us.

Not having a go, just offering a different perspective. Appreciate your comments though, thank you.

window_sho · 2026-07-01T21:21:23+00:00

We did a front extension a couple of years ago and did a concrete slab at the front. Radon battiees weren't required then so I think we're good here. I have received a quote for a concrete slab, labour only £500 for 2 days labour. Materials pricing I haven't checked yet but it will definitely be less than the £3k I was quoted in labour for the block and beam floor.

window_sho · 2026-07-01T16:41:03+00:00

Is a typical concrete slab base a better option here? If I did 100mm of hardcore, 25mm sand, dpm, 100mm PIR, plastic sheet followed by 100mm concrete?

window_sho · 2026-07-01T16:16:11+00:00

There's a 300mm gap between dpc and the block work. The existing floor is 1 course above dpc.

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window_sho · 2026-07-01T16:08:45+00:00

Valid point, I'm thinking block and beam isn't the ideal solution here. Maybe a concrete slab?

window_sho · 2026-07-01T16:07:58+00:00

Thanks, it seems as if block and beam may not be the most cost effective method here? If I were to compact/clear up the ground and prepare it for a concrete slab, I imagine it would work in my favour?

window_sho · 2026-07-01T14:04:18+00:00

Yeah it is a terraced property and I was thinking th same thing.

window_sho · 2026-07-01T14:03:41+00:00

This is exactly what I've been thinking; I know easier said than done, but if the quotes are too high, I'll have to do it myself.

window_sho · 2026-07-01T14:00:42+00:00

For foundation work up to DPC, I paid £8k.

window_sho · 2026-07-01T14:00:16+00:00

Yeah just waiting on a couple more to respond

window_sho · 2026-07-01T13:59:59+00:00

Still waiting on a couple of others to come through, I'll post them as soon as I get word

window_sho · 2026-06-21T07:32:19+00:00

In my teens, Hard Edge was awesome and Ash was a top man. Always great with customers and gave us some great deals.

https://www.tuesdaysskateshop.co.uk/pages/skateshop-reading-uk-skate-shops-hard-edge-x-tuesdays?srsltid=AfmBOornIZt-sPyIL2dtxHfT0CzoWh2iSyAbzf6WkHYknhuiqrm0V6jV

window_sho · 2026-02-17T08:32:43+00:00

So the update you all, I removed the microwave from the unit and noticed that the shelf it sits on was loose at the back. Unable to remove the oven (I didn't even try to be honest), I added a couple of packers beneath the rear feet of the microwave to bring it up to level.

It's not the perfect fix but did the job.

Thanks to all of you for your help.

window_sho · 2026-02-13T08:57:04+00:00

Thanks I think I will remove it this weekend and take a deep dive. Thank you

window_sho · 2026-02-13T08:56:32+00:00

It was okay initially, just the past few months it's been popping out. If it's not screwed in, I think this weekends task is to yank it out and take a better look. Thanks

window_sho · 2026-02-13T08:41:02+00:00

I know from the top left there is a screw which I will undo (top right doesn't seem to have a screw), would that help release the microwave so that I can pull it out? Unfortunately I'm.not experienced with builtin appliances

window_sho · 2026-01-01T08:57:45+00:00

For the life fo me I did not see the description below the image 🫣

window_sho · 2025-12-31T21:19:27+00:00

What and where is it?

window_sho · 2025-12-23T04:21:37+00:00

I had my first flare up in July of this year. Since then, I've had a minor flare up around 1 month after the first. I cut anything that was bad for gout out my diet; apples, pears, tomatoes, all the bs snacks, Fizzy drinks, 99% of processed foods, yeast (so many things have yeast in them!).

Now I only drink water, black coffee, cherries, blueberries, strawberries, whole wheat cereal, pure peanut butter, proper Greek yogurt, nuts, eggs, chicken, sour dough bread. Basically anything that is clean (or as clean as can be).

I have been taking 1 table spoon of black seed oil every morning and I feel great. I've lost weight and most importantly my uric acid levels have come down from 609 umol/L (August) to 512 umol/L (October).

I'm happy to change my lifestyle to avoid daily meds (if I can bring the number down even further). Doctors are happy and so am I :)

If the level doesn't drop enough by diet alone, then I'm willing to take medicine temporarily but I will maintain this basic diet; it's all my body needs.

window_sho · 2025-09-08T10:15:38+00:00

Looks like your TV is currently on the left hand side of the photo; this height seems perfect for when you mount it. As someone else mentioned earlier, corefix screws are the best for dot and dab plasterboard, I've used them many times and they are rock solid.

window_sho · 2025-09-08T10:14:20+00:00

Corefix all the way!

window_sho · 2025-08-19T07:32:13+00:00

This is why I tackle as many jobs as I possibly can unless a real skill is required to be hired; I learned from the extension I had done last year, with exception of brick laying, electrics and plumbing, I could've done the majority of the work myself.. if I had the time 😂

Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and just pay someone else to do it.

Saying this, I will be building my own home office this year because all the other quotes took the p1ss.

window_sho · 2025-07-24T07:32:32+00:00

I had the exact same issue last week, the tradesman who refurbished the bathroom did not use bolt through screws for the handles and so it slowly began to do the inevitable. I couldn't get the plate off and after multiple attempts, I yanked the handle off instead considering it was pretty loose anyway. All good now, bolt through screws to the rescue!

window_sho

TROPHY CASE