Temp

Ive no idea if these are any good but.. 0.23 TOG.. https://murphylarkin.com/Thermalay-underfloor-heating-underlay-ultra-low-tog 0.303TOG (but only 2mm) https://www.ambiencehardwoodflooring.co.uk/red-classic-under-floor-heating-underlay-sold-per-10m2-roll.html Test samples?

Carpets are sometimes available in two versions, foam backed and hessian backed. The hessian backed has lower TOG but the small print in the contract with the showroom frequently says they can supply either. You might want to do something about that. Then some places say the max 2.5 includes the 18mm chipboard if it's a timber floor. https://www.diynot.com/diy/threads/conundrum-ufh-tog-values-and-underlay-for-carpet.537212/

We have a Bosch integrated fridge in kitchen units. I've never consciously heard it running. Perhaps when the door is open?

We a Our PP had a condition requiring us to agree tree protection measures before work started. We just wrote to them stating we would erect barrier fencing according to BS blah blah. They agreed it but never came to check. We just put the barriers where we wanted them. The main thing they want to stop is vehicles driving over the root zone. So if you can stop that with fencing in strategic places but allow your scaffolding you should be fine. So fence off the trees while digging foundation trenches then fence off the route vehicles would have to take to get to the trees while your scaffolding is up.

@sameulepapi Officially you only need to issue certificates if the building is being converted to a charity building or similar. However they can help convince a contractor to zero or 5% rate if they haven't done it before. For a dwelling I suggest something like this.. I have read the relevant parts of Buildings and construction (VAT Notice 708) and certify: That, as the recipient of construction and conversion services, the development is a conversion from a non-residential building/barn to a residential building/new dwelling, and therefore qualifies for reduced rate VAT (5%). Planning Reference Number: 12345678/FUL Planning Title: Site Address: Contact Address: Telephone: Yours sincerely etc

PS Don't forget the CIL. No work on site until you have done the exemption paperwork.

I would always recommend applying for what you want/need if there is a slight chance they will agree. So I would apply to "Dismantle and rebuild as a dwelling". Sounds better than a demolition. Specify exactly what is to be reused in the rebuild. If they refuse that switch to a conversion. Either way you should get all the VAT back. Its either zero rated or 5% and reclaimed. Take photos of the empty site to prove it was demolished if you go for zero rating route.

If your planning permission is for a conversion, but instead you knock it down intending to rebuild it, then the planners can declare its in breach of your planning permission. You have to reapply for a knock down and rebuild which might be refused on the grounds it would be a new house in the countryside. In one case I heard about the walls were only demolished because Building Control said they weren't stable enough. Sometimes the owner has appealed and won but I wouldn't want the stress.

Can it make the Tea?

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-11648041/Woman-decides-divorce-husband-lover-AI-bot-ChatGPT-TOLD-to.html Woman, 37, decides to divorce her husband and move in with her lover - because AI bot ChatGPT TOLD her to..

My understanding is that any work that is necessary to enable the building to be constructed should be zero rated. So if trees have to be cut down to physically fit the house on the site they should be zero rated. Bit like demolition. If they are just to improve the view the removed trees might need to be mentioned as part of the landscaping plan in your planning application. I was required to plant 60m of hedge at the far end of a paddock and the trees and hedge plants were allowed on my reclaim.

Our MVHR incoming room vents have a small cone like this but I suspect its too small to make much difference.

Possibly.... The hire of temporary fencing (or any tools) is standard 20% rated and cannot be reclaimed. "Supply and fit% of fencing should be 5% rated to you on both. It can be a problem persuading some contractors that 5% is correct. Sometimes it helps to give them a certificate which is essentially a letter confirming that the work is on a qualifying conversion and citing any planning reference numbers etc. You can reclaim the 5%. If you just buy fencing panels and posts to install yourself these will be 20% rated and that is also reclaimable.

Indeed. I've no idea why they are treated differently. It does seem daft.

No you can reclaim it using VAT 431C. See above.

Barn conversion qualify for the reduced rate of 5% and this CAN be reclaimed by a self builder. A main contractor will normally quote to do a job and that quote will take into account all the labour, materials, tool hire, profit etc. He must charge you 5% VAT on the lot and you can reclaim it using form VAT431C. Any problems with the contractor cite.. VAT708 Section 2.1 Exceptions ..which covers conversions of non residential buildings like barns to dwellings... Section 7 says In addition, if you buy any materials and give them to the contractor to fit (for example floor tiles) you will pay 20% VAT on the tiles and you can reclaim that on the same form. You should ask the supplier for a VAT Reciept and it should have your address or the site address on it. Your contractor may charge you labour to fit the tiles if not already included in the contract. That labour must be at 5% and you can reclaim it as above.

Any chance you could roll up the carpet and underlay in one room to see what happens?

Yes that what I was thinking of. Bit like a table with very short legs stuck to the wall. It could be square or round. Could add a mesh to keep out birds etc Just needs to be big enough not to block the flow too much.

I think you need some box of tricks to replace or work with the battery charger. It needs to charge the battery when the PV is generating and limit the charging current to what the PV is producing. Then at night if there is spare capacity in the battery top it up from the grid.

How about a 1ft square of cladding boards mounted on say 2" standoff blocks or variants of that idea.

But then.. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/general-binding-rules-small-sewage-discharge-to-the-ground So it seems a drainage Field is required now but there might be room to negotiate alternatives with Building Control.

Not sure if this is latest rules but.. https://www.homeseptic.co.uk/does-a-sewage-treatment-plant-need-a-soakaway/#:~:text=A Sewage Treatment Plant does,not require a Drainage Field. Not sure if they mean "squared" or "cubed"?

Sorry thIs thread has got a few twists and turns. Which position are you in? Spray foam between rafters is definitely problematic in some houses.

I dont think you/she us alone. See. https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Welcome-News/SMS-over-Wifi-Calling/td-p/1526303 So it's not been going very long. Under a year. Was originally promised around 2013 I think.