Caroline

Yes they are shallower, going from 2.2m to 1.5m then to 1m. They were removed around a year ago, this is from the report: There are a number of trees along the southern side of the barn which whilst not very large do have an effect on the foundation depth required. For example the Wych Elms (assuming they are removed*) require a foundation depth of 2.2m there is an oak tree to on the opposite side of the track this requires a foundation depth of 1.75m. *as a tree grows it removes moisture from the soil as it does so it shrinks, when a tree is removed the soil will expand as it returns to its natural moisture content. Both Wych Elms and Oak have high water demand so have a significant impact on foundation depth.

Thank you everyone. Your comments are invaluable and I suppose I was just doubting myself. We live on site and will be managing the sub-contractors on a day to day basis, so will take on role of Principal Contractor, or not as we are self builders. Building control has been passed and ironically our building control officer (private company) is the same person who did our BC on our last project. We had our structural engineer's drawings double checked by a second SE as we had queries on original, there is underpinning to existing steels involved and very deep 2.2m foundations on one part due to trees that were removed 15m away! Anyway, wish us luck and hoping to be done in 12 months

The architect says: "as you are probably aware recent changes to the Building Regulations require you as the client to appoint both a Principal Designer and a Principal Contractor for the project (see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/design-and-building-work-meeting-building-requirements#domestic-clients-duties for further information in this regard). Whilst we have been acting in the role of Principal Designer for the purposes of planning, managing, monitoring and co-ordinating matters related to the detailed design (RIBA Stage 4) phase of this project, we will not be involved in the construction phase and therefore cannot continue in this role." This project is our third, we previously dealt with all the CDM requirements e.g. H&S/sub-contractors welfare facilities etc. I wasn't aware there had been recent changes. Can we, as self builders and the client, also be the principal designer/contractor? We propose sub-contracting out all of the building work. Thank you.

We are about to start another self build journey. The last being completed 6 years ago. I need to provide something to our sub-contractors (a contract and schedule of works etc). Are there any free templates around? Any other tips. I recall previously having to get involved in H&S, signage etc Thank you.

Hi Dave Thanks for your post. The fault code is P8. I believe the water is set at 50 deg. Because I am working from home today when the system shuts off (which is very regularly) the water is between 42-48 deg, depending how quickly I find the fault flashing. Kind regards

Hi Mike The ASHP and Immersion should be running to provide our under floor heating (our only source of heating) and the immersion which runs off the ASHP for hot water. Kind regards Caroline

Hi Thank you for adding me. We had a 11.5 Mitsubishi Ecodan ASHP fitted to a newbuild house in 2019. We also have a neighbour newbuild with the same heat pump by 9 KW size. Our first issue was that they are using in the 10s of units for their immersion, I understood this only kicked in when it did its salmonella? monthly thing. Our heat pump is in the thousands so using much more than the neighbour, any suggestions to why. In the last couple of weeks the ASHP is louder than usual and the system keeps shutting down, I reset it and it works for an hour or two then shuts down. My installer has had a look can't work out why. They sent Mitsubishi various codes and Mitsubishi said they couldn't detect any fault from the codes sent to them. The installer has recommended Mitsubishi come out, the ASHP is still in warranty but the cylinder has expired in Dec 2021. Misubishi have said if they attend and can't find an issue they will charge us £350 plus VAT. I know there are some wise people on this forum so would appreciate any help. I am so stressed as my husband has Stage 3 colon cancer, is undergoing chemo/radiotheraphy and the house is cold and water tepid around 40 deg atm but has been down to 27 deg (when we went out and system was shut of for a couple of days). Thank you.

Our site insurance is with Build Zone. The woman I spoke to yesterday said once we move in the site insurance is no longer valid. She failed to tell me about Sennocke who is in the same building as Buildzone, a sort of sister company (I think) the guy at the insurers was shocked that Buildzone didn't tell me about them. He said a lot of Self builders are in the same situation and it wasn't unusal. Lucky for me I went on this forum or I would be in my leaky damp temp accomodation when my lovely house is finished. Just waiting for one more certificate.

Thank you, really appreciate your advice. I can now move out of our temp (nearly 3 year) converted leaking stable/shed!

Hi Peter I called Sennocke, they say they are part of Buildzone who told me we would lose our site insurance and that was that. He said they should have told me about them and they do provide buildings and contents cover as long as completion is provided within 90 days, yippee. Not sure of cost as I am waiting for them to email over but that has made my Christmas. Thanks to you and Sennocke.

The house will be inhabited though as we want to move in:(

Help please. We are self builders, our house will be finished next week, all electrics/plumbing/air test etc carried out, however, the certificates from contractors won't be completed until after Christmas. We have site insurance with self build zone and they say once you move in the insurance is then cancelled. I have tried various brokers and it appears we can't get buildings insurance until we have our completion certificate (won't have this for several weeks after submitting Part P etc) due to time of year. Some of you seem to have moved in with no problem. Can anyone provide any advice of who would cover us for buildings and contents insurance in our new home without a completion cert from building control. I am losing sleep over this :(

Well done Joe! I'm only 5" tall so 1 1/2 seems like three storey to me ???

Hi JSH, are you able to let me know the PH company? Would they supply a traditional cottage? ps wish you was my neighbour, would be inviting you round regularly for a self-build coffee?

Hi Jack Our house is 1 1/2 storey, and I’ve seen one built and it’s fine, however, you would be surprised at the couple of interested people in one of the plots for sale want two storey. Bigger seems to to be better for most, not sure why?