Caroline

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 The woman I spoke to yesterday said once we move in the site insurance is no longer valid.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?

I’m an induction girl?

Well pdf 27, you obviously know your stuff, so glad I joined this forum. I have some homework to do now!

Thank you. “Tracking placement” can you explain a bit more please?

Hi there We are building an oak frame with SIPS not PH standard (I think) but more insulated than we are used to (living on site in converted stables at mo!). We intend having PVs as long as we can have them in the grounds, don't want them on the roof. Our PP says we have to reduces energy by 10% and suggests PVs, however, if we are having ASHP we should managed the 10% without PVs. Of course want to make fuel bills as small as possible, as we only have electric available (no mains gas). Thank you

Hi thanks to both of you really helpful stuff. The reason for two multi fuels one in lounge amd one in family/dining room, will prob spend most time in family room but want the opportunity to have one in lounge when we use that room. I know it's extravagant and hopefully if house is well insulated may not need it but we are in a chilly spot, not a lot of sunlight into the house due to the many trees, and don't want to fit later. we had them for years usually only in lounge but we have a large open plan kitchen/dining/family area too, with quite a lot of glazing.

I think maybe ASHP is the way to go then. Just need recommendations of manufacturer/good set up (as you say), once we can obtain this info we will be good to go?

Thank you, will bear in mind

Thanks so much. Do you have ASHP? If so, what system/manufacturer? Have you had it long amd are you happy with it?

Yes have the extensive long soil survey, do you fancy some bed time reading ?

Unfortunately is clay and worried that if we don't have trad piles there could be issues with heave

Hi Recovering Academic I've read your link amd unfortunately not being an academic myself can't make head nor tail. Do you think Surefoot could help us? I have soil sample report and obviously would like to save money wherever possible. I wasn't impressed with our SE (won't go into that) but really need another, however, lots approached are not familiar with Oak Frame and Oak Frame manufacturer say they so the calculations and SE isn't needed. We do have an architect but Oak Frame manufacturer has done the drawings (not detailed ones for building control, these are yet to be completed) Thank you

We have gone direct to The Melton BS.

Thank you. Did worry about noise of ASHP but know it can be away from house, outside space not an issue. Also worried that they are not efficient when weather falls below freezing.