Temp

+1 The distance between the two pipes isn't a standard either. Different pans have slightly different gaps.

Think long term. If it's going to be paved or concrete it will need a hardcore base. You could just lay and compact hardcore and walk on that until you can afford to finish it. Just avoid dusty crushed limestone as it can get a bit slick when wet. Perhaps go for MOT 3 which is free draining?

This is what I used. It foams up a bit so had to take care not to use too much that it came out of the joint.

I replaced some paving/capping last year using foaming polyurethane adhesive. Worked great. Soudial or something like that it was called.

We are on clay. Lot depends on how much garden you have. I would be tempted to use an excavator to break up the top 12 inches, remove any junk, and mix in a huge quantity of organic matter. Perhaps a 50:50 mix. We only did this on the beds but wish I had done something similar for the lawn. We have a land drain across it but its too wet in winter and we get a lot of moss. I was warned off sand because apparently it can turn the clay into cement. Not sure if that's true for all clay.

Hard to find very recent guidance from good sources but I did find this.. https://www.onlineinsulation-sales.com/blog/pir-insulation-complete-guide/ 19 December 2025 PIR Insulation: The Complete Guide for UK Trade Professionals Solid Walls (External Insulation) "PIR boards can form part of external wall insulation (EWI) systems, though phenolic boards are sometimes preferred for EWI due to thinner required thickness. PIR boards fix to the external wall surface, then render or cladding finishes over the insulation."

I've put 12mm travertine onto cement boards on timber stud walls. I think most blocks will be ok. Unless you're using something much thicker. See what others say.

No idea if this helps but ChatGPT suggests.. Key insurers offering unlimited rebuild cover.. 1. Aviva – “Aviva Signature” Offers unlimited buildings sum insured on qualifying homes You don’t need to estimate rebuild cost yourself Typically available for: Standard construction homes Up to ~5 bedrooms (criteria apply) Often accessed directly or via brokers / partners (e.g. banks) This is one of the most mainstream UK options. � Aviva 2. Victor Miles – Unlimited home insurance Provides unlimited buildings cover (subject to eligibility caps) Conditions include: Rebuild cost below certain thresholds Property value limits Aimed at mid-market homes rather than high-net-worth This is a more specialist direct insurer offering structured “unlimited” policies. victormiles.co.uk 3. Howden Insurance (broker route) Can place policies with unlimited rebuild guarantees Typically via: Private client / high-value insurers Tailored underwriting Important context: truly unlimited policies are becoming less common in standard markets, so brokers are often needed. Howden Insurance 4. High-value / “private client” insurers (via brokers) Examples (usually not direct-to-consumer): NFU Mutual Chubb AIG

I asked ChatGPT about this.... Highlights...

Do the thermostats reduce power or just switch on and off (PWM)? I thought it was the latter but if it's the former I agree.

Long time ago I had a custom sign from someone on Amazon. Just check delivery times in case they are coming all the way from china.

I dare you tell my wife at Christmas she can only have 4 out of 6 rings on 😟

In an ideal world you wouldnt have joists to conduct noise through the floor, you would have a separate floor and ceiling or false ceiling. In short wool insulation and double plasterboard is probably the best way to go. That will reduce transmission of things like music or TV but might not reduce impact noise/foot fall as much as you would like.

It should be fine as long as the concrete isn't too shallow anywhere.