So - made some progress today, despite having other matters I should be attending to....!
Am those who follow others posts religiously here will notice a distinct similarity with another workshop detailed within the Woodhaven posts! I have unashamedly copied parts from others who have greater experience and knowledge than me. To those my sincere thanks.
Again; I have made mistakes but think generally the finished result is of a good standard.
The first mistake is laughable. And I thought worthy of sharing. I wanted to replicate the beautiful brickwork of Mike G's workshop and with only a hazy memory of the thread saw some 'Snowcrete' in Wickes and thought - that's how he must have done it! And hence bought 3 bags. When the lad who helped me do the brickwork turned up this morning he took one look at the cement and asked me 4 times in 5 minutes "was I sure?" And hence my nerve failed and I went back too Wickes and exchanged them. Really glad I did because it was niggling in my mind last night, and I reviewed the post and found out that it wasn't snowcrete that was used! My decision to change my mind is a relief to me now and think I averted an almost complete disaster!
Anyway bricks blocks, cement and sand all collected and prepared.
Straps for the framing completed as per Mikes original plan. SDS drill borrowed from a friend, I bought a 12mm bit and it went through the slab like butter. Standard expanding bolts from wickes and strapping from toolstation. I had plenty so may have overdone it, but essentially its one each side of each door and two on each aspect. I don't really know yet exactly where my studs will be so have left them long so I have the option to nail to a stud or just bend over the plate and nail, and cut off excess. This worked really well and was straightforward, very pleased with it.
Was pleased with the brickwork which was a team effort. Next time I would probably embark on my own, but thought wise to have help first time.
Originally I planned to bolt plate to slab, without plinth wall and so I had set stainless J bolts in the slab, these are now not required but we managed to get round them ok, most found themselves in the mortar between bricks and blocks. However there were two that ended up in the gaps for the doors, one in the doorway, and one in the 6 foot double door. Its no drama as will cut off with angle grinder and given their stainless they wont rust and blow the slab. Haven't yet decided what finish to do at the door/step so may yet cover it.
Pretty pleased with the end result! I just need to fill the gaps between the bricks and blocks tomorrow, or maybe thurs.
Quick question - once finished with the wall there will be a gap of a few weeks/month before framing starts - do I need to cover it up at all or will the elements do it no harm? I have plenty of dpm left if I need to cover it?
Now I need to think about framing...
A builder mate has suggested I build my frames in sections so easier to handle, basically one each end - 3.5 m span and 3 sections for the front - 6.5 m span - basically with a window in each side and door in the middle, and two for the rear - thoughts? I can see this being easier to handle but harder in terms of square plumb and heights etc.
As usual gentlemen any errors omissions changes or guidance suggested will be very gratefully received.
And for anyone interested - Grand Designs new series starts tomorrow at 9 on 4.
...time is precious; waste it wisely...