BIG MAC

Hi Chris, an inline flow swich cuts the power to the pump as soon as demand ceases ie when nozzle shuts. A domestic single head shower pump with inline flow switch would work on a gravity system but if you are lifting from the ground you would likely need a buffer tank. You can of course have automated pumping ala sprinkler systems but suspect this is ott for your needs...one things for sure...answer will be on "T"  interwondernetweb somewheres.

An alternative to visqueen but more expensive is to use studded DPM  available from the Bricos which can be held against the wall by the metal studs (Thus eliminating the block of wood scenario) the studs allow the wall to breatheand any condensation to migrate (Good idea when casting floor screeds if going down the visqueen route is to have a fibreboard trim round the edge with the floor dpm on the inside of it so that moisture can weep away without getting into the screed) or if going with studded DPM simply cast the screed up to the studded DPM which does the same thing.

I was struggling to get a hold of some PVA over in France as I didn't know what the called it but I did want to get a tiling job done so looked around for an alternative. I cannot for the life of me recall what it was called and will edit this post if I remember but I found a clear liquid that brushed onto old acrylic paint went on witha blue tinge then dried to leave a slight sheen as the only evidence it was there. The stuff was quite expensive if memory serves but coverage was great and it did a fantastic job. Bought it in Bricomarche its in a red and white 2.5 litre bottle and I think they sell it as a preparation for localised plaster repairs.....as a stabiliser sealer I really rate it

I am thinking of using a Flygt submersible on a chain dropped down my well pumping to an above ground holding tank in an outbuilding then watering garden using buried weep hoses possibly with solar powered valves

This thread has made me chuckle at times. I was in a previous life a plumber (Not a gasfitter) but didnt let that stop me setting up our new gas cooker and its butane bottle. New regulator, hose all connected up gas appropriate PTFE tape to threads etc. tested with leak detector spray, jobs a good un. Well no actually it wasn't. The givin out of our French address for the cooker which her indoors filled out in the shop (We ordered paid in full and collected next visit but still they needed address) has resulted in umpteen recorded delivery letters about getting a French chappie to do the connection, and n order to keep my insurance valid I may have to let a chap come along an redo the already perfectly well done. I am in two minds, I like the idea that the process helps prevent cowboy installations (Buffallo grill anyone) bit narked that it will likely cost me a couple of hours labour and no doubt the insistence that to certify we must use a new regulator and hose....hey ho

Silicone injection will work reasonably well with brickwork, that's it. If you require a dry stone wall you would be better with a vertical dpm and drylining.

If I can make a suggestion? If you take dimensions and photos its possible to make drawings here (With someone who understands what you mean) and use these drawings to get tenders / devis. If You decide figures are to your liking then take the drawings on disc to the French Architect who should be able to Frenchify them. Just a suggestion.

Hi I have refurbished loads of bikes over the years and invariably steel wool or a scotchbrite pad and t cut to remove the scale and rust then polish with solvol autosol is a good way to clean spokes. BTW its highly unlikely  rusting would amount to much other than .aesthetically

Hi Charlotte near to Javron Les Chappelles. T

Cheers JR

I would excavate footings about a metre deep in bays no more than 1500 wide along the wall make sure the wall is in good nick and pointed as neccessary drill a few air holes maybe then stand egg box type vertical DPM similar to Delta membrane over here but thinner profile cast footings so that you have created a way for water to pass up and down the outer wall without affecting the inneryou can then excavate inside the ring beam to formation level for hardcore, blinding  and DPM  which can then lap up the vertical DPM. Install fibreglass batts Build block work then Cast RC slab  black jacking it (going up the new blockwork about 500 mm) Install insulation and heating then screed. You need to work out the levels but this way the outer walls should not dry out and fall apart yet the interior will be insulated and dry.

AHA another misconception bites the dust! I notice that there seem to be a lot of ready made lightweight reinforcement "Cages" available, I wonder if this is what is used although push comes to shove I can make my own with re-bar and links but would likely fetch these from UK as I Havent got a scooby where to source them in France. Thanks one and all

Is there a requirement to "Engineer" foundations for new domestic works? I am planning some two storey cavity block work and am looking to build on trench fill footings unless there is a requirement to go to steel reinforcement. I notice that the soil is a clay matrix however have not heard much of clay shrinkage subsidence in France. We will go down a nominal 1500mm from ground level on a fairly level site. Any comments / Ideas? As always greatly appreciated, Regards,  

Hi Charlotte, I am guessing here but that looks like a Honda 125 twin engine along with the drum brakes I wouldn't have thought very much bigger? Noticed you are from the Mayennaise chapter! I have a dark blue Yamaha Fazer and wear a silver helmet I try to  bring friends over a few times a year so if you see some Brit Reg bikes with one fitting that description do say Hi! Keep it on the black stuff.........  

"Has any of you bikers out there heard of Upright Tours based in the French Pyrennes, who specialise in motorbike holidays"? Nah...are they the type of outfit that would go fishing on other web-sites? My mates come over for the 24 heures de mans, for free (so long as they spend some dosh in the village)

Was the €6000 for the UK reg car or the roof?   Bit much for a Frontera ...guess its the roof......only kidding!

Thinking outside the box why not have uprights fabricated to recieve decorative wrought panels then have a hardwood hand rail? Get the uprights made to have sockets to recieve your choice of panel simply slid or bolted in. Chemfix anchors stainless strud and domehead nuts are a tidy way of securing the plot. If funds are mega tight then using metpost starter sockets and a timber post and handrail with decorative infill may be a way forward but I would trim the flange from the sockets and make the fixing through the sole plate inside in all likeyhood you could get some box section and get a plate welded on to do the same job

I am fortunate that I have the facility to get drawings produced and translated into French. The intention being to run our plans (Largely for interior alterations) by the Mairee first I do worry though that our tax willl fly up as we will be going from 100 sq metres to 380 sq metres Also we are going from 3 bedrooms, 1 Salle de vie and one bathroom to 5 bedrooms two en suite 2 sitting rooms a dining room a family bathroom and a large kitchen..... Am I going to get hammered on tax? anyone like to hazard a guess by how much?

Surely a job for French waterproof concrete? laid tofalls to a wade gulley or similar top access then tiled or welded vinyl sheet flooring.

I'm with Sharkhunter! that's my kind of thinking lol!  

Couldn't have put it better myself Pickles!

Cheers JR

Anyone tried it?

Hi Hugh, Presumably yu are saying that cosing off the eaves at the 1800mm mark then using the area behind as storage is your recommendation? I can't find a tax bill at the moment but we will be going from about 100 m2 to  nearly 400m2 of living area! I was going to make rooms en-suite and make a few corridors and a stair well turret as the previous owner told me tat tax is not paid on WCs and corridors / hallways. Guess the maire will be able to point me in the right direction...

Hi Iceni,   I was unware of the 170m 2 rule, is that overall or can you deduct hallways and wcs etc? I work as a contracts manage for a loss adjuster with an affiliate company in France so may be able to wangle a secondment once my French speaking is better. We are doing layouts and calcs for electric installation adpossibly U values also not sure if they are needed but it may be good to demontrate that we have gone by the Normes?