Dark Night of the Soul

Following our visit to Vision in Reading earlier this month (see The Good, the bad and the ugly) we had been feeling more optimistic about the build. It seemed to us that our concerns were being addressed and that we would soon have the information required by building control. Our hopes were dashed yesterday.

Vision have started to construct the crucks which has triggered another stage payment. They have sent us a bill for 50% of the total price (we have already paid 25%). We were incredulous that they would start to build something that hasn't been approved. I advised Vision that we were reluctant to proceed without agreement from Building Control. Mark also spoke to Tim (Vision) on the phone. Tim tried to convince Mark that there was nothing unusual in this and that it would all be OK in the end. He advised that if Vision did not build the crucks now then it would be the end of August at the earliest that they could resume working on them. This would mean that we would loose another season and would not be able to continue until next summer. We agreed to write to Building Control to see if they would give us the OK to go ahead. I spent the evening compiling what information I could to send to Building Control but I cannot do structural calculations for the timber frame etc.

Neither of us could sleep last night so Mark got up and spent several hours composing a letter to Designer (Brian Waite), Architect (Piers Maisey), and Timber Frame Company (Vision). In his letter he explained how we had assumed that we would be getting a package solution since Vision claim 'Vision Development has the privilege of an agreement with Brian Waite of www.strawbalehouse.co.uk to supply self build packages as well as a complete design and build service for these wonderful innovative cruck style houses designed by him' and that how we had hoped that by using Vision's recommended partners that an understanding of the build to supply self builders would be there. The plans drawn up by the Architect (and Design Partner Vision Timber Frame Limited) stated in bold red that they should be read in conjunction with Vision timber frame drawings. The letter then went on to outline our concerns and the various issues that need resolving and to ask them to liaise with one another to sort out who was going to own each of them.

In reply Vision have answered a few of our concerns, referred most queries to Brian and stated "building regulations and associated drawing other than the timber frame element where not in our remit. Was Piers contracted to do all the building regs.?"

Well yes, Piers was contracted to do all the building regs but, when asked, he has always stated that the outstanding information is to be supplied by Vision. But, and here's the rub... WE STILL HAVE NOT GOT DRAWINGS OF THE TIMBER FRAME ELEMENT.

We have reached an impasse. All I feel is despair.

#strawbalehouse #Woodlands #informational #BuildingControl