Builder's Secrets
The west coast of Scotland is notorious for its wild and wet weather. To cope with these conditions Neil Macleod builders recommends certain techniques and builder's secrets to make your house safe and weatherproof.

On Skye and the west coast, slates and tiles should be double nailed and clipped.
Slates, both Spanish and Ballachullish should be nailed to sarking boards not plywood which some builders use.
Ramps for disability access should be built at a gradient of 12 to 1 for easier access.
Use plywood not chipboard for flooring as it is stronger and does not squeak when walked on.

Screw down all ceilings and floors rather than use nails. This gives a better adhesion and a superior finish.
Wall panelling in bathrooms saves grouting which looks poor and gets mouldy with time.
Wet rooms are very useful in the bathroom
All doors should be painted or stained before being hung.
All stairs should be at least 800mms wide

View from a porch window in Sleat.

