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Would mean a trip to Redruth, and that is scary https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jan/04/hidden-cornwall-beaches-poverty-domestic-violence. Still, not Camborne, which made the national press this week https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/4914205/christmas-tree-worst-cornwall-cornetto-residents/

I found boards were going to be costly once shipping was added (was looking specifically at Fermacell), and managed to find a UK distributer who was cheaper than the internet sellers. In the end prices would have been about the same after shipping. Water softener look at waterclearlimited. Solid units at good prices. Boiling tap I got it cheaper from Germany as part of a volume discount with all my second fix plumbing, but the unit developed a leak and Grohe UK washed their hands from the warranty as it did not comply with UK regs. Got a good price for a replacement unit from appliancehouse - there was a cashback offer on at the time. But for sure purchasing from Europe is a good thing and quite safe. I ended up buying direct all bathroom / taps etc, LED light fittings, roofights and a bunch of minor bits and pieces. I also purchased European products like kitchens, engineered flooring and windows, but in the UK through a local distributor.

Not related to the breakfast bar. That standpipe in the washing machine or dishwasher space will almost certainly mean the appliance will not go back far enough and will stick out and look awkward. Change that for a washing machine sink trap.

In my experience there are 3 mains types of pricing. "high street chains" - inflate their prices then come up with massive sales so pull the punter in. My view is avoid, I found their bathrooms and kitchens to be extremely poor value even during their sales. Advantage is they offer a full design, supply and fit service - convenience. "discounted or specialist suppliers" - generally supply only but aiming a good value for money. e.g. IKEA or your local kitchen company, also covers internet merchants who are about shifting volume at lower margins e.g. Megabad. Some of these may have offers periodically (e.g. IKEA have 10% off all kitchens or interest free credit). "genuine discounters" - shifting stuff that does not sell well or may be seconds. eBay is one such source. Some great bargains to be had (I am selling some surplus stuff at around half price, for instance) but supply is hit and miss, suits opportunistic purchasing provided you have the time and can store the materials. I did most of my purchasing with the second group - googling for the best deals then getting on the phone and haggling where I could justify it - e.g. when I bought large quantities of oak floor, amtico, skirting etc. Most companies were happy to improve either the price or give free delivery. I supplemented that with opportunistic eBay purchases, but given the time constraints these were minimal. My biggest savings came from purchasing from Europe. I did this for bathrooms, rooflights, lighting as well as for some other bits and pieces. Google is your friend, but don't be afraid to ask for additional dscounts even when you find the best price, especially if you have some volume.

We bought a new house (had been a self-build, by a "serial self-builder") that had an architects certificate. We had no problems at all getting a mortgage on it; every lender I approached was happy to accept it, so I'm convinced that, in practice, all this fuss made about the importance of warranties is exaggerated. Lenders are not daft, and must know full well by now that something like an NHBC warranty is a worthless bit of paper in reality.

Sending you good karma and best wishes Ali...life is all ups and downs isn't it. After 9 months of being a not very busy handyman I'm back in full-time employment in my old profession and the middle daughter has an unconditional offer at Duke University in the US...dodgy year 2017 but good news at the end. Hope your wife can enjoy your visitors and look back with a wry grin.

A couple of months ago, Screwfix were giving away free foam doormat-like things as seen below. Might they still be around? Ferdinand

From TW: What are private sewers and lateral drains? Private sewers and lateral drains are the sections of sewer pipe or drain that are shared with another person’s property, or run through another person’s land. It’s estimated that up to half of properties in England and Wales are connected to, and the owner is responsible for, a private sewer. How will you benefit from this change? This is good news for you as the change in law means the ownership and maintenance for private sewers and lateral drains will be transferred to us. This will bring peace of mind to customers and clarity regarding ownership. The change will take place from 1 October 2011. You will still be responsible for the sections of pipe between your property / building and the transferred private sewer or lateral drain.

To be honest I am only going by what TW is telling me, I am by no means an expert. They were adamant that the moment it crosses over to my land, it becomes a public sewer. IF that it not correct, I'd be so happy to be wrong...it would certainly make my life a lot easier

I think you are way off the mark I would have been ok with an architect certificate But was told most lenders wouldn’t be satisfied with that As far being assertive Tell the potential purchaser to go and find another lender im guessing you haven’t sold many houses