LinearPancakes

Many thanks all. We made a slight rearrangement that I'm hoping will make it a bit easier to take one of the other routes and avoid the roots/long stretch under the raft. Asked the builder for help achieving it, so see how it goes from here. 🤞

So it turns out that the drainage aspects of our plans that our builder is working to weren't really thought out. So we're having to think on our feet as to the best route for the soil pipe to take to the main chamber. Our builders preferred route includes a 9.5m run underneath the soon to be installed concrete raft. It's the shortest route overall and requires only a single additional chamber/change in direction before reaching the main chamber. Other routes are a couple of metres further, require at least one more chamber and run through tighter spaces. Simpler is better, but can't shake the concern that if there were any structural issues with the drain in the future, it would be near impossible to fix them. There are mature trees nearer that route too, hence the need for the [piled] raft. That seems like increased risk for root damage at any joints, etc. I'm sure drains are ran in similar situations all the time, so I'm not sure if I'm just overthinking here. Any advice appreciated.

Many thanks @Marvin & @Nickfromwales. I'll have to try to remember AIM APE. ? Unfortunately our roof is quite shaded so I'm not sure solar panels are an option for us. Certainly going to try to bring the existing house in line as much as possible. The new triple glazed windows will be throughout, without trickle vents, and we'll be making sure to tape the frames to the airtightness layer. I'm expecting quite a lot of work getting things and keeping things airtight enough, esp. given it's a refurb not a new build. A little apprehensive, but looking forward to learning from it.

Hi folks, We're starting a refurb of our home soon, and I've increasingly been coming across interesting discussions buildhub. Looking to go beyond building regs for extended areas in terms of insulation & air tightness, and go for MVHR & ASHP. Going all in on led smart lighting. Looking forward to discussions!