Sketchup is great – very intuative and easy to use. It does what it does very effectively, and the 3D stuff gives really quick results. I’m sure you’ll find loads of tutorial stuff on the net, but I’d say download it and just give it a go.
As said above, try sketching the layout of your whole house on paper, measure it all, and then CAD up the survey – then print it out and get scribbling! Once you think you’re somewhere near, then start CADing it up.
Just remember – you will need to think about Planning permission and building regs as you go, as you may find your designs require change to accomodate the statatory approvals.

Chris – nice bike bud, and well done for holding out for the bits you want. I’ve always ending up buying a few cheaper bits just to get out and ride, only to spend even more cash replacing those bits later…

However, I hope you can see the funny side of the dry humoured responces – I haven’t laughed so much in ages!

(On a side note, with around 500 views on the photo, you could be winning on the ‘anyone famous on STW thread’)

Haven’t been out on the bike since the snow, so can’t really comment on off road trail stuff, but there are still some fairly mean drifts on the tops of the hills which don’t seem to be going anywhere soon…

Band of Skulls supported Black Keys last year.
Try LastFM.com – type black keys into the ‘radio’ tab and it will play hours of stuff like em!
I’m quite liking The Black Belles at the moment…

I almost bought a Crank Brothers Cobalt 3 in the sale at CRC. Very light, but I was put off because it doesn’t use a face plate – bars slide through. I have just checked an J E James have them on at half price. worth a look.

Is there any decent alternatives to Park?

I mean like cassette sockets, chain whips, BB spanner etc.

Crocs all the way!

It won’t overly bother me but just a couple of points to consider –
1) The more valuable the car (ie. a Merc) the more they would repair it if it was insignificant or superficial damage and not right it off
2) I have recently renewed my insurance and they distinctly asked if the car had been a right off as they would’t insure it…

Just make sure you know what your buying.

Might also be worth having a look at the Ragley blue pig ‘cosmetic damaged’ bikes on CRC.