Comments on: My refurb begins

By: Phil Clark

Phil Clark — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 21:11:23 +0000

I’m considering it Ralph. Could be a tricky one to get through under current plans.

By: ralph perry robinson

ralph perry robinson — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:15:56 +0000

have you considered a hemp and lime internally applied insulation? this may well answer robert prewett’s anxiety about rot issues since it will be able to breath .

the bods at the BRE Insite hemp house seem to have got a pretty efficient shuttering routine. the question is how much internal space you can afford to lose; is 100 mm too much? If you do superinsulate your four month heating scheduling worries will be nugatory.

By: Tim Pollard

Tim Pollard — Wed, 20 May 2009 09:58:18 +0000

Any excuse Phil!

By: Phil Clark

Phil Clark — Thu, 14 May 2009 08:49:57 +0000

Thanks for the free advice. I’m getting a survey done soon which should hopefully clarify some of the programme/sequencing issues. Definitely need more thought on the walls situation.
Am hoping the weather gets warmer. Bit parky inside right now. Not much incentive to get up.

By: Robert Prewett

Robert Prewett — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:05:18 +0000

Agree with the above.
Sequencing is all important from point of view. While windows can be refitted, getting insulation and air tightness to those wall is something you won’t be able to revisit later.
Interfaces too are ticky in refurb. Those wretched floor joists are a problem for heat loss by air and conduction. If you insulate on the inside, you risk rot issues.
Fix your budget, look at the options/impliactions, get a plan and stic to it. I look forward to hearing more.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:12:46 +0000

My suggestions:

1) Identify your budget
2) Identify your green aspirations
3) What is the answer to item 2 – answer to item 1 above?
4) Can you fill any deficit identified in 3)?
5) If answer to 4) is no, then identify what you can do within the budget available.
6) Concentrate on those things that will give you biggest bang for your buck, like insulation and fixing your roof in preference to eco-bling. The roof and the heating system sound like priorities, and dependent on your choices will be more (or less) green than other selections.

Dont worry about stuffing it up – look at all those people on grand designs and the decisions and compromises they’ve made. But do consider the implications carefully before you get cracking. Try to compare options in terms of their carbon emissions and by asking questions of the suppliers (consider monetising the carbon to help your decision making).

Making/changing decisions as you go along is a recipe for things going wrong.

Oh and, plan for some contingency.

Good luck.

By: Rob

Rob — Thu, 07 May 2009 09:15:00 +0000

Walking the walk as well as talking the talk – very impressive. Looking forward to seeing it and helping with whatever advice I can!

By: Tim Pollard

Tim Pollard — Thu, 07 May 2009 08:27:12 +0000

Phil,
Come and see and we’ll help you understand the implications! Nothing like seeing the products in practical application, warts and all.

By: MikeC

MikeC — Thu, 07 May 2009 00:55:12 +0000

Yeah it’s buggered, Phil. I’d run away if I were you.

By: Twitted by Zerochamp

Twitted by Zerochamp — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:43:40 +0000

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