newhome

I actually have my griselinia in planters. They are just for decoration really to partially hide a wall. I didn’t want them growing wild so the planters will contain them and I now have the option to move them elsewhere if I feel that they don’t work in that position or I get bored of them ?. You could always start them in planters and put them in the ground when they are larger and you are sure that they are what you want.

You sure one of your rellies didn't live there before you?

I don't suppose you'll be using it night and day with only you there so not a massive issue. I put mine on 2 or 3 times a week. If you stick it on when you go to bed you won't hear it anyway . This one looked ok for the money: https://www.johnlewis.com/bosch-sms25aw00g-freestanding-dishwasher-white/p3215462?s_kwcid=1dx43700024303446493&tmad=c&tmcampid=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_4jgBRDhARIsADezXcismTcGiY8CJ7Tbsl_Xlbyj7gNNsomSn70Gch-_uwTlQcdA-6XfhowaAleqEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

1 decibel makes it about 30% more noisy though I think ...

Hope not!! Take a photo ...

98 to go - on the home straight

Don't we get to see a pic of the foam monster this time?

So I think the 5% rate is for those in existing homes having solar PV and batteries supplied and fitted as a package. If your PV man is fitting to your home and supplies and fits the battery too then it should all be zero rated as a new build. If you are buying a battery in as supply only it's not 5%, you will need to pay 20% VAT but then the full 20% will be reclaimable via the reclaim scheme. If you 'retrofit' after you've put your claim in then you are stuck paying the 20% VAT. Make sense? The 5% rate isn't applicable for new builds, it is a concession made for specific energy-saving materials and heating equipment being installed into existing homes. See VAT notice 708/6. The same installation into a new build should qualify for zero rating. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-on-energy-saving-materials-and-heating-equipment-notice-7086

They don’t often send large pots of liquid gubbins TBH although sometimes they do. Mostly you have to collect those in store. Pain in the bum living in the arse end of nowhere!

From reading some of the threads on here, a real hard look at any sockets etc that you might want in the middle of your floor before you complete the screed or whatever. Lots of threads here where people change their mind / didn’t think of it, in relation to kitchen islands or for open plan living so sofas being in the middle of the floor and wanting floor sockets there. Better to install cables (or plumbing) and not use them than to have that ‘oh crap’ moment afterwards. And the right type of cables for the thing being connected too.

I don’t have a toolstation or a screwfix unless I drive for nearly an hour. I tend to use toolstation online as you only have to spend a tenner for free delivery. That’s a good deal I reckon!

102 to go . Be in double figures soon (minus the cupboard)

Cat 5 or 6 near where you will use PCs, laptops etc so you aren’t reliant on Wi-fi all the time. Downstairs wet room if possible. Never thought I would need mine but it became essential when my hubby got sick. Oak skirting doesn’t really show the dust ?.

Hmm, not 14th probably - aim for a Christmas shower instead? ? Saves buying the Mrs a present

I always worry about running appliances when I'm out of the house or in bed (fire risk). I only ever switch those things on when I'm around, but I'm thinking that if I ever move to economy 7 or 10 I will have to get over that ...

I have that provision on the landing (plumbing etc). The intention was that the downstairs washing machine would do dirty work clothes, dog beds etc and upstairs the cleaner stuff but with just me here now I haven't bothered installing a second washing machine and dryer as it seems OTT. I do agree however, I spend time carrying the clothes and bedding downstairs and then back up again so I think it's a good plan.

Lamps set on timers?

How many (numerical) tiles to go? I'm sure you have them all on your 'to do' list . We need a countdown!

I think the thing that depresses me the most about this 'story' is the thought of another 25 just like you .

Yeah it's that - energy performance certificate. What does it say about the scoring and what improvements does it suggest that would bring it up to a D? Here's a random one I found on Rightmove with a similarly low rating. Suggesting various improvements and noting the reason for the poor score. EPC.pdf

That's crap. My brother had issues with a similar neighbour who planted a row of leylandii between the 2 properties and trees caused subsidence to my brother's extension. Insurance company paid to address the damage and redo the kitchen and wrote to said neighbour asking them to remove the trees. They didn't and the subsidence happened again. Insurance company covered it again but this time the neighbours were left in no doubt that if they didn't remove the trees a court case would follow. Trees are gone now. They've put up a ramshackle fence instead

You're kidding right? I had no heating in this house for ages and it was bloody freezing. I got by BECAUSE I had an electric blanket and a heated throw. It would have been intolerable otherwise IMO. And @Onoff has his share of 8 degree rooms on and off (see the name even fits ) so no stranger to living in a freezing cold house, so no superiority at all. We KNOW what it's like cos we've been there . We don't laugh AT anyone here, we laugh with you (and at ourselves) through a bit of light hearted banter. Tis that sort of humour on this forum. Out of interest what did the EPC show when you bought the house? I know they're often not worth the paper they're written on but what did it suggest as improvements there to improve the score?

How do you know? He’s clearly slow, thoughtful and aims to please ?

You're joking! You will freeze to death without making it to middle age . I bought my first one in my 20s when I bought the house with no central heating. Have had one ever since and don't give a stuff whether it defines me as 'old' or not as comfort over image any day. Anyhoo, I don't suppose you are a vision of youth wrapped up in layers of clothing in bed .

I read that as dogging on the phone