Fascinating stuff! and as previous said, you're a brave man. The roof looks a treat, where did the slate come from? I read that you used a "chainage" is that the name for the "u"shaped blocks that form a kind of ringbeam around the wallplate height? Are those suitable for lintols too?
Do you find materials in France to be expensive?
Thanks for your comments (and Nitronick) The slate is Spanish slate, about 50 centimes each (2 for 1 Euro) 270mm X 180mm I think they were.
But a neighbour's brother works for a local BM so we had a good discount.
We used stainless hooks not nails. Much better IMO, no hammering, easily maintained in future, and as secure if not more so.
Yes 'chainage' are the 'U' shaped blocks, 500mm X 200mm X 200mm. I don't see how you could use 'em for lintels. They're only 500mm long so would need support while the concrete sets, in which case why not just shutter and cast
in situ. But they're excellent for ring beams. You could continue the rebar straight through though.
Price of materials is on par IMO.
Here's a link to the local Brico Depot (Owned by the same chain as B&Q shed). You can compare yourself.
http://www.bricodepot.fr/st-brieuc/
Timber same price'ish but better quality. However 75mm X 50mm not easily available off-the-shelf. they will cut down 150mm X 50 though.
Plumbing is sometimes peculiar 'cos the taps are often sold without olives/nuts so you have to sort that sperately. Often shower cubicles and complete kitchens are cheaper.
I haven't been able to find ballast at all. Sand is only concreting type sand.
You can buy 'Multibat' which is 50% cement & 50% lime.
Plaster is more like 'plaster of paris' but there are at least 2 different setting speeds.
Often you have to pay a deposit on pallets and have to pay for delivery.
Primer paint is usually a combined primer/undercoat.
So there's plenty of differences to find out about.
