For those interested in seeing Europe without the constant, hectic bustle of tourism, relaxing cruises on the Rhine River have proven to be a hit. In addition to a never-ending opportunity to learn to speak German, here is a list of several fun activities to partake in during a Rhine River cruise: Allstate: This town includes a medieval castle, a parish church dating to 1794, a historical museum, and numerous delicious restaurants. Glattfelden: Situated on the River Glatt just above its junction with the Rhine, this town is the hometown of Swiss writer Gottfried Keller and is frequently referred to in his novel “Der grüne Heinrich.” Over an old stone bridge is the nearby old town of Eglisau. Rheinfelden: A little town of 7,000 inhabitants situated on the left bank of the river, Rheinfelden is home to a popular salt-water spa, ancient walls and towers, the Fricktaler Museum, and St. Martin’s Church, which dates back to the 15th century. German Beer: Germans produce the best beer in th...
Taking on a self build project for a new home or extension is challenging but extraordinarily rewarding. Here are some tips which will help you to complete a top-notch building within timescale and budget. It is assumed that you have already obtained all the necessary regulatory approvals for the works.
Work to a Budget
Fix a budget at the start of the contract. You will find our self build cost calculator beneficial here. Allow a 10% provision in your budget for contingencies. Stick to your budget.
Your Building Site
Ensure that you have site insurance for public liability and theft. You may very well need to arrange secure container storage on site. Check what compulsory health & safety signs are needed on your building site. Make sure that the site is kept secure with adequate security fencing. You can also need intruder alarms, CCTV and an alarm response service from a security firm. You will need temporary supplies of water and electricity, as well as WCs, for the various building trades which will work on your site.
Suppliers & Contractors
Compile detailed inventories of the things you are buying and send these out to several suppliers to obtain the most competitive prices. Get fixed price detailed quotes from contractors. Check that contractors quotations have covered all your requirements. Do not ever be afraid to ask questions to make sure you understand their content. It is often an excellent idea to have written contracts. All variations in contract should be in writing and any cost adjustments have to be agreed in writing.
Ensure that the contractors are fully insured. Make certain that plumbing and electrical trades are able to give you the necessary qualification documentation needed for building control.
The Program of Works
Make decisions in good time, particularly re kitchens and bathrooms, to be certain that the plumbing and electrics are in the proper locations.
Order the external joinery in good time to be able to link up with the erecting of the timber frame so that your house is secure at the time of the completion of the timber frame.
You are going to need to draw up a programme of works detailing when trades will be required on site and for what duration.
Link the programme of works with your source of finances source to make sure that you have correct funds available at the necessary times to pay the building trades and sub-contractors.
Work to a Budget
Fix a budget at the start of the contract. You will find our self build cost calculator beneficial here. Allow a 10% provision in your budget for contingencies. Stick to your budget.
Your Building Site
Ensure that you have site insurance for public liability and theft. You may very well need to arrange secure container storage on site. Check what compulsory health & safety signs are needed on your building site. Make sure that the site is kept secure with adequate security fencing. You can also need intruder alarms, CCTV and an alarm response service from a security firm. You will need temporary supplies of water and electricity, as well as WCs, for the various building trades which will work on your site.
Suppliers & Contractors
Compile detailed inventories of the things you are buying and send these out to several suppliers to obtain the most competitive prices. Get fixed price detailed quotes from contractors. Check that contractors quotations have covered all your requirements. Do not ever be afraid to ask questions to make sure you understand their content. It is often an excellent idea to have written contracts. All variations in contract should be in writing and any cost adjustments have to be agreed in writing.
Ensure that the contractors are fully insured. Make certain that plumbing and electrical trades are able to give you the necessary qualification documentation needed for building control.
The Program of Works
Make decisions in good time, particularly re kitchens and bathrooms, to be certain that the plumbing and electrics are in the proper locations.
Order the external joinery in good time to be able to link up with the erecting of the timber frame so that your house is secure at the time of the completion of the timber frame.
You are going to need to draw up a programme of works detailing when trades will be required on site and for what duration.
Link the programme of works with your source of finances source to make sure that you have correct funds available at the necessary times to pay the building trades and sub-contractors.
About the Author:
Vision Development of Newbury, West Berkshire are experts in supplying timber frame solutions for housing and light commercial building projects. Their web site is a cornucopia of information for self build projects.