Thanks Chippy, Good to know that hand nailing is the way to go. I'm content to have the elbow pain, its my own build.

I just bought a bostich framing nail gun, it is a display model and was missing the additional quick change metal connector nailing tip. I have a couple of rooms to frame and need to replace the skillion roof with gable. I will be using both regular timber and LVLs. Do I need this tip. Is it feasibl...

Thanks for the input. The wall is not defective, but I am considering an attic which will put more demand on the footings. So I am wondering what options for an OB to increase the footings size. I will know final word, when I take on an engineer to do the spec but I am wondering what others have don...

Is there any process do-able by an owner builder (DIY) that can be used to underpin an internal wall. My neighbour recently underpinned his external walls, by digging out in sections and pouring concrete under the existing footings. I have heard of injection methods, but these can't be done as DIY a...

Thanks Chris, I follow what you are saying. The final design would need a masonry specification. I am thinking my question now is, what assumptions are made about the recylcled red bricks themselves. Ie. the CMAA specification refers to masonry units mandated to have a Minimum Characteristic Compres...

I want to use recycled reds for a rustic appearance on internal walls, (maxi bricks on externtal) however I plan for an attic room, so the internal recycled red walls need to take the weight of the floor and related loads. Has anyone done similar, is it just a matter of the building surveyor signing...

Hi Chris, re: your comment. "On a 45 deg pitched roof you also might want to consider a bay dormer window Cheers Chris" Can you post or link to an example bay dormer window. Some sites indicate a "shed dormer" as a bay dormer, is that what you mean. At present I am putting shed d...

I have since come to the conclusion that, sketchup pro includes enough for BIM (my limited requirements), with the included LayOut. If I were to use sketchup make (free) then I would add the Skalp plug in, its about $80 - 100, and allows for creation of plans and sections. I hope this helps anyone t...

I don't have any background in design or architecture. I am using an old academic version of Revit which I am using more for evaluation as the design/beyond the floor plan and initial roof will be done by someone else. If I were to do the entire design myself, I might consider using Revit on their m...

Thanks for the info, I take your point on the entirety of the loft spec. Re: 3D BIM, as you might recall from another of my posts that you answered, I'm doing a design in Revit, I looked at using sketchup, which I really like the usability, however, it seems the BIM functionality is made up of add-o...

I am in WA and need to hire a building surveyor, can anyone offer advice on what to ask, how to assess potential candidates. I also need to hire an engineer for the roof sign off and loft floor details, etc. So ditto for that process if anyone has any advice. I just assume that I can obtain quotes a...

I have a very old (1897) Jarrah framed house in WA and I want to do some remedial work on the isolated brick piers which necessitates me removing the floor. The floor appears to be platform jarrah boards. Someone casually told me a few years ago that I can set my circular saw to 12mm and cut the flo...

I much appreciate your reply. I've confused you here. I want to build a liveable area in the Attic/Loft with a staircase ( I'm confused over Brit and US usage) so I assume I cannot use trusses. I have budgetted for materials but not engineering sign off and building certification fees. That is a qua...

As an OB I am designing an extension on an old 1900s Jarah framed house. (now brick veneer) I will replace the colonial hipped roof with a gabled roof and add a floor on top + dormers. My question is, are there any guidelines to help minimise fees for certification and engineering sign offs. I need ...