newhome

+1. Works well for me and without a big hole in the granite that I might have regretted forever.

I think the hubby must have been a torx fan as he seems to have used them everywhere. Unfortunately I had never heard of them which is why 24 hours later I still hadn’t managed to find the right Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the meter cover . I could not understand why I couldn’t find one to fit. I’m more screw aware now though ?.

Ha ha, why do you think I moved to Scotland ? This one https://www.kentonline.co.uk/features/homes-gardens-and-interiors/grand-designs-home-goes-on-124705/

You make the assumption that I watched any of them or gave a damn! ? I know 2 people who went on A Place In The Country. One of them did buy one of the properties (in Devon) and is still there now, and the other made an even bigger move and emigrated to Australia instead. I also know someone who went on Grand Designs and converted a water tower into a home. They are now in the process of selling it a few years on. It never seemed very practical to me TBH.

My friend actively applies to go on TV shows. She’s been on many over the years including Eggheads, Bargain Hunt, To Buy Or Not To Buy. She must have too much time on her hands! I can’t see the appeal personally but each to their own I guess.

Yep, you got it in one!

I’ve been on Crufts and the Olympia Horse show! ??

@pocster was in Pony Play? ??

That’s the way a self build rolls though, and a month is nothing. I still have tiles to be fitted 8 years on! ?. You have done something amazing to have done so much yourself, you truly have.

He’s likely made off with his bounty ? ?

What side have I gone to then?

Mudway

I recall a house with a steep drive where I used to live having under drive electric heating for frost / snow but at least that was only turned on when needed.

Welcome to BuildHub. An ex Kent person here, although I'm from West Kent rather than East. I guess you'll be relatively near the coast then? Look forward to seeing some photos of what you've done. Sounds like quite a project.

Welcome to BuildHub. Looking forward to seeing how your house develops.

One of our members @Yzzy has been pulling down ceilings. The house hasn’t been unoccupied for quite as long as yours but still a significant task. https://forum.buildhub.org.uk/topic/4735-hey-from-essex-xx/?do=findComment&comment=92526

Have a good read through the claim form. The notes will go through how to assess eligibility. The council are possibly thinking of the listed buildings scheme that did withdraw the 0% provision. Looks like a wonderful setting. I can see why you’ve fallen in love with it but wow that’s so much work!

They are talking crap ?. There is still a 10 year rate and it’s governed by HMRC so there shouldn’t be local variations. See here: https://www.gov.uk/vat-building-new-home/eligibility The 5% rate still exists but the 0% rate is much better as it means you can buy materials yourself and fit them yourself and claim the vat back. You can’t do that with the 5% rate as you can only get that if you employ a VAT registered builder (there is no reclaim process). I would give HMRC a ring if you are not 100% sure if you are eligible as there is a lot of money at stake and being eligible (or not) may determine how you go about the project. Also have a read here:

As it’s been unoccupied for more than 10 years I imagine you are eligible for the VAT reclaim? Hopefully you’ve looked into that as it will be a big saving.

Welcome! Sounds like quite a project. This is a great forum to mull over or bounce ideas around, even if you end up where you thought you were heading it’s reassuring to have discussed it with others. We don’t appear to have many off grid folk here but there are some really experienced guys who can help with the technical considerations in all areas. Not me sadly, I probably know about as much as the dog ? ?. Looking forward to seeing how things develop, and seeing some plans or photos. Sounds wonderful.

Ours too, in fact apart from the pressure test building control signed off the drains etc before the frame arrived.

Oh! Might have to give that a whirl!

We designed the zones in the landing and upper sitting area here to work as separate zones in case someone wanted to put a stud wall in to make an extra bedroom in the future so I guess any potential partition could be similarly designed into the UFH layout.

In fact with a microwave, slow cooker and single plug in induction zone you barely need a kitchen at all ?.

Wow that is high! I’m the same height as your wife but mine start above your 2 lower drawers ?