tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45030198413519098932012-01-29T09:50:50.139Zself build, A barn conversion, turns into a collapse a planning fight ... then finally a new buildLoweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.comBlogger861100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-45690667983478369402012-01-27T22:32:00.001Z2012-01-27T22:32:09.669Z

tap to edit

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-819665549219854422012-01-27T22:27:00.001Z2012-01-29T09:50:50.147Z

as we have now decided on a log boiler , we have asked for permisson to add another door way to the rear elevation, this will act as the main boiler room entrance, thereby eliminating smoke/ dust etc in the house. However, for the lazy snowy Sundays or Chelsie days we will add a door from the house too. The log store will be stocked for the main boiler and the wood burning stove in the lounge

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-23830338443249621462012-01-27T22:19:00.001Z2012-01-27T22:19:38.405Z

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-15860891176757742382012-01-27T22:18:00.001Z2012-01-27T22:18:06.776Z

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-72082616937354213482012-01-27T22:16:00.001Z2012-01-27T22:16:20.646Z

I have realised I only tend to rant or write at stressful or decision times; I'm going to now post normal photos... Watch this space, I've been researching various elements and finding few and far between useful articles; maybe it's because self builders are always too busy to type and/ or when it's complete they are too content in their insulated houses... Maybe? Anyway ... For history sake,a

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-46577294916481138782012-01-26T19:10:00.000Z2012-01-26T19:10:54.635Z

Home automation..We are looking into connecing audio,visual and lighting into the houe, omg a mind field of info and so many different options -iPort, the in-wall mounting system for Apple iPod Touch en iPad. - TOSS AUDIO

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-37953174637813338042012-01-22T21:03:00.002Z2012-01-26T19:29:37.926Z

Chelsie with her new blue shoes, undertaaking research on bath sizes 

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-2617253363559569202012-01-22T21:02:00.002Z2012-01-26T19:30:44.670Z

What a happy model!!

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-22475550497496960112012-01-21T09:09:00.001Z2012-01-21T09:09:06.271Z

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-34044280024971224362012-01-21T09:07:00.001Z2012-01-21T09:07:14.889Z

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-81027356646632658482012-01-21T08:57:00.001Z2012-01-21T09:05:07.035Z

Moving on slowly but surely: we've comitted to the room sizes upstairs now, phil and mike ( joiners) have made the stud walling and I think they are becoming used to my changes and requests- mike has repaired the queen truss and changed the pitch.- this will now allow a clear view of the arrow slits from the upstairs bedroom for me to see... the sheep invading?! Or a moving landscape sounds more

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Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-35795606900054869262012-01-08T19:32:00.000Z2012-01-08T19:32:21.032Z

Although you live and breathe the plans and layout for so long, it is not until the floor and roof is on that you appreciate room sizes and design.  We have spent a few days laying out pretend walls, toilets, sinks,doors.  Just when we thought we'd changed the plans for the last time..We are throwing around...no not each other but the idea to change the bathroom to the cupboard (1.4m x 3.5m) . It

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Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-73856928677168714282011-12-19T23:03:00.002Z2011-12-20T18:15:09.695Z

What will angel and Ralph use as a playground when it's finished? Angel teaching everyone to use the ladder

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-73269207414960943962011-12-19T22:59:00.002Z2011-12-20T18:34:01.297Z

We have weather proofed the building now, a good job really, after listening to a little bad advice the floor boards were left exposed for toooo long- fingers crossed they will dry out - Now with the floor and roof on,  the rooms upstairs and down stairs have become bigger, a silly thing to say but the space has become real!!  Now with only 5 more sleeps left, all the little site elves are

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-65933302301061346652011-12-11T23:19:00.002Z2011-12-20T18:36:19.015Z

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Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-73431822921302124142011-12-08T07:21:00.003Z2011-12-08T20:20:36.725Z

I lurve them, they are quaint, characterful and perfect! What do you think?

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-77966107871794205122011-12-02T18:48:00.002Z2011-12-08T19:12:07.622Z

I love the owl vent detail- it looks so good ! The frameless glass has been ordered from a local glazier supplier at only £18 each - Some decisions are difficult to get to but worth the wait . Roof trusses are ordered and open voids agreeded on, Aber RoofTruss  have been very helpful and patient to the ever changing designs and times,they even did the calculations to reduce engineer costs- note

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-27495982778849319792011-11-28T22:46:00.001Z2011-12-08T19:14:25.848Z

Detail is so important, imagine your favourite dress without the killer shoes and accessories.- or if frills don't do it for you..imagine your favourite car without the alloys and colour coding.....or worse still now imagine the wrong shoes, wrong alloys, too much bling,too much flesh, too much exhaust! What do I mean? too much of something can be as detrimental to the finishing as too little,

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-23135915221425223162011-11-18T08:02:00.002Z2011-12-08T19:18:25.758Z

"I've never done that before" .... "Changing minds "- I am now prepared , everytime I speak the answer is the same, it makes me smile. I do ponder that perhaps I am stamping too much of my own personality into the structure of the build - we will see? , I'm certain though there couldn't possibly be a site where the plans are drawn and remain the same from slab through to light bulb-what a boring

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Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-7199165053424329532011-11-18T07:48:00.001Z2011-11-19T22:50:17.078Z

After more thought- the beam came out again, to be replaced by 2 wonderful beams from Liverpool docks- however they were too heavy to lift- I've been told that THIS time they are there to stay..I'm not allowed to change our minds , quick brick it in ...

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-29511875036064918182011-11-18T07:45:00.002Z2011-11-28T22:09:52.561Z

Last week - on a rare morning I had at home, after I tripped over another pair of shoes and knocked a coat off the rack- I had an Einstein moment! There are always going to be areas in a building that are wasted, empty voids that are structural- we are now taking advantage of this and have built recesses in the walls, built from brick as to not show dirt ( easy cleaning) - purpose built homes for

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-51585336041266805452011-10-23T13:52:00.002+01:002011-11-18T07:37:57.972Z

The easiest of choices are not always obvious- my head tells me that the structure is where the money should be splurged, slates with 100 year garauntee, bricks, metal drain pipes,eco joists, etc...BUT my heart wants a bootiful kitchen - and my body a spa in the bathroom!!! I think the boring business head is going to win welsh slates and ikea here we come:) it wasn't an easy choice the slates

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-21604175034903102212011-10-23T13:52:00.000+01:002011-10-23T13:52:02.055+01:00

After listening to the pros and cons of eco beams from  many builders and joiners, we have decided to use eco beams as an alternative to the standard floor joists cut on site.  We believe the advantage will be less movement in the floor, therefore less creeks and labour saving at the plumbing and electric stage- well keep you informed if this happens! The garage (which has become our home for the

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-9278008327077837582011-10-19T07:58:00.003+01:002011-11-28T23:03:57.023Z

Free gym membership on site or Hokey Cokey lessons- the beams have been in and out... on and off the fire. Not a good day ! The Boy scouts got carried away- I silently chanted "murder death kill"- but- I refrained and after the overly burnt oak beam has been sandblasted it can now return into the lounge! Phew! It all can't go smoothly all the time. Hicup 1

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-87573102911115503342011-10-19T07:50:00.002+01:002011-10-23T13:19:39.353+01:00

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-1659614050782901022011-10-08T17:04:00.002+01:002011-11-28T23:06:23.244Z

If you are not happy its almost always not to late to change your mind. After months of niggiling about corridors and room layout around the utility and study area.  David decided he hated the layout of the floor plan....'hello where have you been the past 3 years?' Anyway domestics over with but not before we included everyone in the office -bin the utility room or keep it? A utility is another

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-68271002353415303332011-10-08T16:54:00.001+01:002011-10-08T18:10:13.516+01:00

Every day there are changes to be made... Small things such as:  The dividing of 1 window into 2, the decision took 2 weeks and held up the building of the wall. Other things such as exposing brick work internally, which began as 1 gable wall, into ......nearly every wall! Positioning of the oak beams, we were going to use them as a subtle guide to divide the romms in the open plan section,

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-34028005312690663012011-10-08T16:32:00.001+01:002011-10-08T16:35:53.148+01:00

17/09 After making the decision to avoid as many white bricks as possible in the build, David let me loose with a new toy.  a fine Friday evening, with specialist equipment to hand..glass of wine, I set about cleaning the bricks using the wire brush on a drill- what fun, the walls were only at shoulder height so my glass had the perfect resting plate.  There are so many decsions to make daily and

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-83345815458204095052011-09-18T15:48:00.001+01:002011-10-08T16:19:44.480+01:00

Turbine I'm looking into a wind turbine to generate electricity...will the WMBC planning allow it though?We are unable to make the use of solar as our roof is not south facing and I am uncertain on the payback time of a Ground source heat pump. So.. We are also looking into a log boiler to power the underfloor heating and DHW.  Our thoughts are at the moment to look into linking the log stove in

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-91826983209516041572011-09-17T10:16:00.002+01:002011-10-08T16:12:55.081+01:00

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-56184074120782544522011-09-17T10:13:00.001+01:002011-09-17T10:13:14.634+01:00

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-86975838952070452222011-09-17T10:11:00.002+01:002011-10-08T16:12:18.416+01:00

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-33159725436612233212011-09-17T09:45:00.001+01:002011-09-17T10:04:12.294+01:00

Gale force gusts have arrived, luckily there is not much to blow down, there are enough holes in the gable to allow the wind to whistle through! What else could happen... Dilema, we need the DPC down asap ready for the concrete, so david poppins has been trying a new hobby- DPC surfing, I knew he wanted to try kite surfing! Eventually after wrestling all day we are ready for the concrete... All

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-41453369428379288022011-09-07T20:29:00.002+01:002011-10-08T16:20:27.430+01:00

Rooms shipshaping up to plan The wind post has been made and installed - no ITs not a ships sail, windturbine post or even a querky design I've come up with! Due to the history of the building this is being added to provide structural stability to the large wall expanse . Nearly ready for the concrete...

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-26826389843799841272011-09-03T19:37:00.000+01:002011-09-03T19:37:19.015+01:00

The floor levels need to be raised considerably and as we are opting for underfloor heating (supplier not choosn yet).  We have choosen insulation over slab.  The building regs have specified 75mm but we are going to use 100mm insulation.  Insead of using a primary limestone aggregate we are opting for a slate sub base ( classed as recycled and eco friendly)  and have had our 1st 30tonne

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-12458387170503116922011-09-03T19:25:00.000+01:002011-09-03T19:25:45.956+01:00

The external & internal bloack work has started, with everyone tiptoeing around the gable end.  As part of our planning permission we have to keep the gable wall standing.  We are going to build the rest and then tackle the under pinning  and structural support.  In the meantime we are a little undecided on the mortar colour.  We will be mixing this on site and have done some test walls, using 2

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Due to the open plan design there are a large number of structurally supporting walls in the downstairs.  These have now been dug and 16m3 of concrete poured all in a chilled days work.  This time there was no rain,clay or dogs jumping into the foundations ~ just an aggitated David as I stole his man power!(apparently)Internal walls let it begin,,,

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-41775653381291329072011-07-12T21:55:00.001+01:002011-07-18T21:46:04.762+01:00

When you keep trying to run a relay , you eventually need to make yourself pick up the baton and GO ... Or so told ( by steve the brickie) after so many knock backs it has become hard to relight your immagination- we will begin by starting a scrap book - let the pages be filled!

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-57778411790106886922011-02-13T09:07:00.001Z2011-07-18T21:54:47.303+01:00

Planning conditions have been met fully in writing... "Owl box... Access, expressively no black Tarmac"

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-52462671888317936892009-12-08T09:05:00.003Z2009-12-08T09:17:53.482Z

Oh Wow, yipppeeee, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. After a very long drawn out struggle, many tears, lots of pennies, advice, support and guidance we have got planning! Wrexham planning committee "weighed up the material considerations along with Policy" and realised that human life and family life along with the Wind is far heavier than any UDP (policy). In all my ranting about committees

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-26735844569151931052008-09-10T12:08:00.006+01:002008-10-07T09:44:50.271+01:00

That is it i have had enough. They (being wrexham planning officers) can only communicate in writing and have ...................7th October, 2008 I have edited this posting as it was written with the essence of dismay, depression and bitterness!!After a glass or 50 of wine, many nights sleep and more importantly friends, collegues and strangers words of support it has made me reassess... a

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-45612961929169870792008-09-05T16:30:00.004+01:002008-09-05T16:56:19.793+01:00

Any policy and law is up for interpretation. Which is proved by the fact that planning officers from other towns are able to interpret' the policy and find 'material considerations' to allow people to rebuild their barns. So this has led me to think about how the personal values, experiences and ethics of an individual can thereby effect the quality, financial lives of many people and families.

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-36444728353684380852008-07-29T14:10:00.004+01:002008-07-30T10:17:17.168+01:00

Why over the border is it acceptable to rebuild an identical fallen barn but in Wrexham it is not??????? Equal opps?????? Is it my name? Is it my hair colour? Is it my gender? Is it my profession? Is it ... Is it...Is it because I live in Wrexham?http://www.crewe-nantwich.gov.uk/pdf/YC4174_Planning_App_P08_0504.pdfAnd another granted but not in Wrexham:http://www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/CARMS/

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-67322539565943530572008-07-29T09:52:00.004+01:002008-07-29T11:18:25.628+01:00

Thoma Sowell's words not mine! I have been thinking and trying to take a step back, While thinking and dwelling on the psychology of committees (yes I know...but I need to make sense of it and understand!) Allen defines committees in one short sharp sentence:'Committee--a group of men who individually can do nothing but as a group decide that nothing can be done.(Allen, F, 1894 - 1956)Perhaps I

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-87037410168760248262008-07-22T09:54:00.005+01:002008-08-06T13:26:26.577+01:00

RefusedWords can not describe the disapointment i feel for the human race, planning policy is one thing human common sense is very much another. Through my tears of despondancy, anger and dispair and dejection I am probably going to say things that would be better left to a floating thought than to black and white on the world wide web. However, as our home life has been reduced to black and

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-60167021810498171852008-07-09T22:38:00.006+01:002008-07-22T10:45:24.174+01:00

David came home tonight and asked if i would like to read the evening leader 'No thanks, I'm busy' 'Are you sure? Look I'm sure you know her' pointing to my name. I immediately glowed scarlet at the sight of my name on page 5, it could have been worse page 3!! but to be fair to Matt (the author) he did quote me and the council officers word for word, either a very fast typer or a recorder turned

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-85764727873590261862008-07-08T21:51:00.006+01:002008-07-09T23:40:49.335+01:00

Planning committee on Monday, 3 minutes of begging and putting forward a 'passionate plea' (committee member who was against us, 2008) for a home and financial survival, the entire situation was not dissimilar from holding out a hat and earnestly appealing for survival! Normally pride would have probably got in the way but i was not begging for a handout, freebie or to be given anything physical,

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-24908306037358321702008-07-03T13:57:00.003+01:002008-07-03T14:20:06.939+01:00

I would like to plant some fruit bushes, so to soften the blow to David i am very kindly saving him £30 (lorry tyre disposal fee) and I am going to use them as planters and they will also save on posts, to hold up the bank!! I am so considerate, David used another word...Also a path would look good, we have some old black bricks and red tiles which need using...i've also decided that i like the

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-16503336440338042002008-07-02T12:56:00.002+01:002008-07-22T10:22:56.182+01:00

Latest update: Due to various local planning polices the application has been refused (by the planning officers, so it is now being referred to the planning committee) as it is classed as a 'new dwelling in the country side' and is therefore harm full to the environment..... emmm and my large millions of pages application isn't I could go on but i am going to save my energy and direct it to

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-64884080907445174972008-06-18T13:50:00.000+01:002008-07-03T13:57:07.186+01:00

Well, David and the girls really think i've lost the plot( pardon the pun) "oh no! what have you done now?" "you are sooo embarrasing!" "What on earth!" They have no immagination, just wait they will think that my hammocks are great, i wish now though i had only ordered 1 for me and i could have smugly rocked watching the clouds go by....no doubt one of them would have tipped me out! So 3 it is

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-88686031572683763502008-06-10T13:40:00.000+01:002008-07-03T13:49:13.208+01:00

It is all growing really well. Ihave had another idea, i need a place to relax to after picking out the weeds, lugging my buckets of collected rainwater and picking off all the enemies, no! not the planners, slugs, snails, caterpillars. So i think, i need 3 telegraph poles in a triangle, so i can hang hammocks from them...Bees return

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-41326425726143741662008-05-21T14:18:00.003+01:002008-05-21T14:36:57.329+01:00

It is now submitted. The plans..., not my application to a 'mind retirement home'.Hypocrasy! All the policies for this and that -environmental, sustainable, eco, access and future istic building regulations, most of which I do agree with. But there is a Big- HOWEVER, I have just sent in an aplication which was aprox 33 pages- then I have had to copy it 4 times at least 130 pages of wasted ink,

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-73263092405754285752008-05-01T13:08:00.000+01:002008-07-03T13:50:01.185+01:00

We begun with bare, nettle, thistle earthBreeze blocks to create 4 triangles and 1 rectangleRailway sleepers on top, this will give me deeper raised beds, longer carrots!! Filled the beds with my home made compost, sheep poo and 10 tonne of top soilI'm planting them up quicker than my 2 little bees can build them...patience...emm no it's been used up by planning and the wind.

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-47427304880835898922008-04-19T11:40:00.004+01:002008-04-19T13:05:38.230+01:00

After endless interogation( How far, How long, Where, when) I relenquished my title and allowed David to be King Bee, on 2nd thoughts Prince Bee for a day. I was on a layby on the M66, the pillars and tape measure were 81 miles away and as I have never hung a gate before I delegated. We are hanging the gates using hook and band cranked hinges with the gates set back on the pillar and automating

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-27785409505326717232008-04-09T17:14:00.004+01:002008-04-09T17:44:43.224+01:00

I knew there would be a bonus to Barn building halting...My vegetable raised beds can now be completed. I had choosen Australian hardwood, as these are a stronger wood without being treated with carcinogenic creosote. After spending 2 hours measuring up and 'uming and ahing' (as David had left my scaled to the millimetre plan in the JCB) we began the raised beds. As I am busy humming in my work

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-39269905332261374072008-04-05T09:28:00.002+01:002008-04-07T18:41:56.093+01:00

I thought this posting needed some explanation...This is a picture of our unique 'modern open plan garage ouse' The door of my bedroomand the Bolt!! (which my dear beloved, bleedin' lucky to be still breathing husband ) locked on Friday morning, leaving me to very gracefully, yell, scream and bang for help!Emm...these things are sent to try us, oh I do dream about having a normal average

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-73623140421041646732008-03-26T20:06:00.002Z2008-03-26T20:28:25.059Z

As I have said ealier, i have never been pessimistic. Conversely this morning, i thought i was... However, after reading Churchill's above quote I have realised that I was not being negative, but I just did not have any fight left in me and I was allowing myself to only see the 'difficulty in the opportunity' which I was being faced with. I awoke this morning to... no...not another bl**y bang

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-30270876656962576922008-03-25T17:11:00.001Z2008-03-25T17:13:51.093Z

It stood! It survived! And the wind has gone.

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-39465299453343831022008-03-22T12:22:00.001Z2008-03-25T17:10:18.675Z

As the wind continues to gust through our wind tunnelI have now made the decision to stop worrying about the gable now' if it falls now, then what's meant to be will be'

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-29467011338483878322008-03-20T16:01:00.004Z2008-03-25T17:11:31.590Z

Is n't there a saying about not being aware of what is on your door step? Well, silly me! There was me thinking about GSHP's, log burners and Solar when all along we are living in a wind tunnel! Yes the vane of my life is back, Met office forecast 'gusts' oh great! Perhaps I should consider changing my web home page to 'the Met office'.Geoff (our scaffolder) said today 'I would not like to be

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-79530918152273322362008-03-17T16:06:00.002Z2008-03-18T19:11:43.145Z

One step sideways and ten thousand pound backwards! Attack........I have arranged for the structual engineer to come and survey the debris, to ascertain that the scaffolding and support (shoring) that we had used were sufficient to support the barn. Yes I know what you're thinking...I have copied the weather reports for 'that' night to reinforce evidence of the gusts.I am going to fight this as

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-20815301480311254362008-03-14T16:27:00.004Z2008-03-14T21:37:20.195Z

Somehow I can't believe that there are any heights that can't be scaled by a man who knows the secrets of making dreams come true. This special secret, it seems to me, can be summarized in four C s. They are curiosity, confidence, courage, and constancy. No not my words but the words of -Walt Disney.Do you think his barn had blown down? I'm becoming determined to make my dream come true, I have

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-40441189219463355752008-03-12T18:52:00.001Z2008-03-14T21:30:28.619Z

Today began with a bang at 2:30-3:00 am and progressively became worse as the day went on.Just as I originally thought our planning has now disintergrated along with the mortar that was holding the bricks in place.After a meeting with Building control officers and Building inspectors, Building control returned to their offices and we awaited the decision .......can we continue'building' under the

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-28555015749513425702008-03-12T07:56:00.003Z2008-03-12T08:50:26.606Z

I shall now rename the blog...'the downs of our barn conversion' I thought things were going too well:Steve (brickie) was coming back in 4 weeksDavid was going to lay the floor slab next weekSteve (Building Inspector) was a wealth of knowledge and helpI was beginning to make decisionsNow I have the pleasure of owning carnage. 1 wall /gable standing oh and about 10 bricks either side. A 3am gust

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-52817623612694183052008-03-10T00:09:00.000Z2008-03-12T08:20:10.964Z

High winds were forecast so yesterday was spent scaffolding the 2 A frames and the East wall. Not the most lady like of jobs...but needs must! The winds came and went and so do my ideas! I have decided that insulation insulation insulation is the key to a warm home, so thermalite blocks and kingspan in the floor and perhaps in the south gable to bring up the uv values.I feel that solar slates

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-68475991650766046142008-03-06T14:03:00.003Z2008-03-06T14:18:49.933Z

'He who rejects change is the architect of decay...' I must quote this to our building inspector and David, they keep suggesting that it is time I stop changing the plans! I was thinking about having an internal wall ( the gable in the lounge) in face brick! To save on painting in the future as it is 2 floor high- Which of course has the depleating effect on the U values, there must be a way of

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-3681609690741831192008-03-06T13:55:00.003Z2008-03-06T14:01:29.349Z

As i have said earlier( i think). Goggle is great but too much info becomes very confusing...thermal stores, khw, controllers, zones, How confusing! But Mark Brinkleys site has blown away the clouds, well, for today anyway. I am now thinking 'no ground source heat pump but solar slates, Eco Cat thermal store and wood burner...' we will see. I'll probably be back to an oil fired boiler tomorrow!

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-22201777806813117372008-03-03T16:49:00.003Z2008-03-03T17:04:55.626Z

I really am 'fickle' sorry moles you are no longer my favourite bees...Steve has been on site for 1 day and already I have a house, ok slight exageration but Steve builds with real bricks faster than I can with lego! However, he's brought along with him more decisions, what style lintels? brick work? etc etc. But I do like the fact that he does not 'sit on the fence' singing the 'it's your

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-54176146873472741592008-03-03T16:41:00.004Z2008-03-03T16:48:27.729Z

I would like to show the web the relaxed working conditions at our site..........................................................Furthermore, the dda happus environment we create...Service with a smile!

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-77882342797099221182008-03-03T16:01:00.005Z2008-03-03T16:09:03.639Z

which ones?Ball in sandstone or cast iron flats orsandstone flats?vote on the right...

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-13414243743295385842008-02-27T16:47:00.001Z2008-04-07T18:29:09.529+01:00

I am a loyal person (well so David and my friends hope). However when it comes to buying materials and dreaming about a great kitchen, the pennies matter. My build store account is now up and running apart from Jewsons, which unfortunately they are running rings around the other trade accounts. So the very nice man in Jewsons is allowing me the build store prices....what do pennies make? A day on

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-79536775234233502112008-02-26T18:49:00.006Z2008-03-03T16:24:41.582Z

I do actually feel fairly sorry for David and Nipper like 2 little moles burrowing through the tonnes and tonnes of clay. We (being the royal we of course) are lowering the floor levels in the main barn so that we do not have to live like 'the borrowers'- 45 tonnes later we should be finished...that is after David did some alterations to the lintel above the doorHigh lights:At last our deputy

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-89404906296218767722008-02-22T17:18:00.002Z2008-03-03T16:26:34.707Z

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-67964244360033647192008-02-22T16:05:00.005Z2008-03-03T16:26:15.776Z

I had a blonde moment well so David thought- I booked the building inspector for this morning, so that meant the foundations had to be finished!! But i wasn't meant to as my bees were not going to do them today opps!I am begining to wonder if David is building a gate house not pillars for our gates! Pheww it is harder doing the pillars than buiilding the house. I am going to have to confer with

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-57746154097283907232008-02-21T16:04:00.003Z2008-03-03T16:28:01.254Z

Todays weather has blessed us with no frost or ice this morning, bitterley it has been replaced by a good gusty wind.It is hard not to sound stroppy when your voice is needing to bellow above the growling of the JCB, Dumper and Wind. So I am learning now to smile as I shout!Highlights of today:1 argument about the difference between a mans perception of an inch and mine!All foundations in and

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-50839875602267465342008-02-21T15:12:00.005Z2008-03-03T16:19:05.379Z

We have some friends across the channel who are also renovating. Just look...where am I going wrong? His cat is at ground level and talking about the ground his does not resemble a clay pit!! The next one we do is in France.Ps. Note the beer bottle, i hope he has dust in it!! Only joking John!

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-67706769954038365972008-02-21T03:50:00.004Z2008-04-07T12:20:46.531+01:00

I've been thinking, there must be more sociable and modern ways of reducing our carbon footprint and being planet friendly, than taking the light bulbs out and boycotting supermarkets. David and the girls are a little fed up of being in the dark with no 'food'!. So i'm considering ground source heat pump and solar panels for the hot water. The solar panels can be quite ugly but then again so is a

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-29509088025869368992008-02-20T10:53:00.002Z2008-03-03T16:28:27.101Z

Now my little nest has begun, Freezing temperatures but...the site is full of little bees today and i do feel like Queen Bee! That is until David raises his voice and says " there are too many bloody chiefs here and not enough Indians" Oh dear -he has missed my fluttering wings and mistaken me for someone running round with a feather in their hair! I think I am one of the only calm bees here

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-53478927321386159432008-02-20T10:34:00.003Z2008-03-26T19:58:01.645Z

More cleaning of the bricks (these will be used elsewhere) and preparation as we took the gable down -as it will not be in the finished barn as we are going for an open plan design, I do think this is probably as a result of our living accomodation over the past 1/2 a century.

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-50443491280273816902008-02-20T09:58:00.003Z2008-03-26T20:06:28.981Z

I do believe in patience being a virtue but after 6 years of caravan dwelling and 'upmarket' garage living, i do not feel very virtuous and a hut on the beach in Thailand with no planning applications or waiting was beckoning. With my wings fluttering or should I say flapping David made some phone calls and the cavalery arrived. 28th Jan 2008 the barns birthday. Brick cleaning, part roof removal.

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-4262247929713804532008-02-18T10:47:00.001Z2008-03-03T16:18:08.504Z

I thought it would be a good idea to include a copy of my plans, then it becomes a little clearer. I will have to work out how to rotate the picture, until then try to think of it as neck exercises...and tilt...

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503019841351909893.post-23572992596625805472008-02-07T11:42:00.000Z2008-04-07T11:47:02.503+01:00

If i can save 1p a block it may not sound much but by the end of the build that will equate to £400, which will mean a great kitchen. The difference is prices between the merchants is amazing. I'm going to open a build store account to give me even more discounts....

Loweroak Barn Conversionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07657930426095615767noreply@blogger.com0