Recently we have had the pleasure of being part of a passion project in Sevenoaks Kent.
As you can see from the pictures, looking at a rotten, derelict garage it was quite the task to see a finished article.
We made the decision to use a local groundwork’s company to take down the garage and clear site to give us a usable area.
The same company also needed to dig out a sizeable piece of the elevated sandstone bank to make the site larger.
We then used reinforced mesh and concrete to form a slab for a stable base to build from. As the bank had been exposed, we needed to build a retaining wall up the side to create a barrier and also an external wall for the building. This was made using ICF prefab blocks and mass filled with waterproof concrete and reinforced bar.
Using a local company to carry out these works was a no brainier in terms of cost and reliability.
They had all the equipment necessary to carry out all the works and makes our life a lot easier when someone can be left to get on with it. This meant we didn’t need to be on site every day and could make a couple of visits a week to see what progress had been made.
When you’re building and in the ground it’s very easy for costs to spiral due to unforeseen issues. We can only be guided by building control and we never cut corners as this can only lead to problems further down the line.
Next phase of the build was getting the brick and block work up. Our bricklayer, Mick King and Oliver Reynolds made a fantastic job of the brickwork as you can see by the pictures.
Project manager Doug Reynolds and Oliver Reynolds were then able to install floor joists using 10×2 timbers and creating stairs opening with double trimmers and jiffy hoist hangers.
In a couple of weeks (give or take a few days) we were at roof plate.
Doug and Oliver then put on a warm deck roof consisting of timber, insulation and ply.
At this point the client had mentioned that the roof may at some point be turned into a terrace. The engineer had to re do the calcs for the extra possible weight of a terrace and save time a year or two down the line wondering if the structure could take the extra weight.
Firrings were cut on top of timbers to form the correct fall for grey water to drain from roof.
We then used a local roofing covering specialist to cover the deck in a waterproof liquid membrane.
This meant coping stones could then be laid on top of the parapet to finish.
By this time we was able to get the screed into the house which was 80mm thick and laid on 100mm of celotex insulation. We had to install underfloor heating pipework for the Air source heat pump heating/hot water installation.
With windows, doors and bifold doors now in and the building water tight we could concentrate on the interior.
Heating in this building was created by an air source heat pump. This is a renewable energy source and uses carbon dioxide from outside, convicted through the air source heat pump and used as heating.
Under floor heating was the main source of heat in this build and the pipework sat on 100mm of celotex insulation which was split into 4 zones allowing different parts of the building to be controlled individually.
Creating rooms was the next step with 4×2 stud work making up the walls and 12.5mm plasterboard fixed to the face.
By this point all the first fix electrics was installed. For this we used our own band of electricians as when it comes to electrics there’s always a big responsibility of who did what and how safe is it.
Our electricians leave no stone unturned when it comes to their work. Poorly wired houses can in some cases lead to death and when an electrician has to guarantee his work for 6 years after testing its important everything is correct and safe.
Doug and Ollie then laid 22mm chipboard flooring through the first floor to create a flat, stable base for floor coverings such as carpet, laminate flooring or vinyl.
When you start getting plaster on the walls it’s always a big milestone in any build. We managed to source a local plastering company that was reliable and had a good reputation in the area.
We had a few days away to allow them to get on as we didn’t want to get in the way and awaited the finished product. Drying times on a build is something that’s very important. Screed needs to be left at least 8 weeks to properly dry (temperature dependent) 1 day drying time per mm for the first 50mm then days for every mm afterwards.
Plaster skim is normally dry within 3/5 days. Laying floor coverings on screed that hasn’t properly dried can result in cracking and movement, (not good).
We weren’t disappointed with the plastering, the guys did a great job and left us with flat, shiny, pink walls. Finally, we were ready to paint… A local painter the client had used was drafted in for the work. and a lovely job he did too.
The Kitchen was supplied by our supplier. We use the same supplier for all our works. The kitchens are all made to measure. After many years for doing business with them we have built up a lot of trust on both sides.
The house was finally fitted out by the client with furniture and decoration and all the final personal things that make every job individual.
