Caroline

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.

Hi all I am trying to get a quote for Geothermal Piling and having difficulty finding contractors. All those advertising on their websites that the do it, when I email they come back and say they don't. The site doesn't have mains gas, we would prefer GSHP over ASHP, only due to reviews I have heard about ASHPs, we plan to have multi fuel heating in two rooms, so other alternative will be LPG or oil? Any my advice appreciated Thanks in advance

Wow, quick responses, thank you. We purchased with planning permission but increased volume and we think, designed a better build. We had soil samples taken and in view of the quantity of trees and soil, piling to two of the three properties was recommended. Have considered ASHP, but received mixed reviews from users. Any recommendations on area without mains gas are welcome. Will be installing thermal raft. Thanks all

Hello all We bought a several acres of green belt land (ancient replanted Woodland) in 2017. We have full planning permission for 2 detached houses 174sqm each and one barn style detached house 137sqm. We plan to build one for our own residential property and sell two plots, one plot 0.6 acres the other 0.13 acres. We haven been approached by several developer but would rather sell to other “self builders”. We are planning to build an Oak Framed house using SIPS in a traditional cottage style. Has taken a lot of effort to get to the point we are at now, have self build Mortgage in Principle. One thing I am struggling with is getting Geothermal Piling quote. We need piled foundations so thought if we could get the bore holes deep and use for ground source heat (although we have a woodland management plan about to be approved, not the best area for loop heat source). I’ve emailed three piling companies who say they do geothermal piling but they have emailed back to say they don’t! Apologies if any of you have dozed off reading my introduction but you can imagine, I have loads of questions, which will follow in due course? Best wishes