MDC

I agree with the advice to go and see your builder. Otherwise you can only assume what's going on with him. At the same time, I would get quotes for the repairs and the skylight, so you'll know you can have the work done by someone else. The last thing you want is to arrange for a second builder to finish off the job and then the first one pops up having got passed whatever it is that's caused the delay. You'll possibly do better down the legal route, if you have spoken to him directly first. Good luck.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/12/energy-house-20-tests-tech-that-aims-to-make-homes-greener-and-cheaper-to-run This looks like fun. I expect a lot of people on here could have saved them the effort, but that's not the point. I'm pleased they are using infrared ceiling panels, which I've found are frowned upon at this forum. There's hope yet.

We're using Scandia-Hus at the moment. Very good so far. Have a great understanding of what the public wants, but probably not the purists first choice. I've watched them build two houses near me in the past few years, and they both are excellent. The owners are happy. We know someone who is planning to build three Scandia-Hus designed houses for resale [they already have the pp]. Scandia-Hus have a long history and they are popular on resale. A friend of my wife had a Scandia-Hus built in 2013, and still loves it. We have come up with our own design, which Scandia-Hus are happy to accommodate. I'd like them to be more air tight, and I'm intending they'll accommodate this too.

Just something comfortable with low bills, please!

You have built a fantastic house, just the way we'd like. I'm very impressed. Thank you for sharing the article, it's inspiring! Who needs art on the walls with those views!

Thank you. It is a serious question. We have designed a rectangular two storey timber framed building. I'm aware of the importance of form, so have no dormers or other bits that create corners and awkward shapes.I'm also aware of thermal bridging. I think the uValues quoted are acceptable, so as you say, it's all about the design and the detail. Is there a method for keeping the cold external air from entering the building?

I put the uValues in, to show what they do generally achieve. We'll be having triple glazing, insulated doors, MVHR etc. Assuming the uValues are reasonable, the equipment and fittings are efficient, what is air tightness about?

Second paragraph is the one. I have a couple of alternative timber frame supplies in line. I like the people I'm dealing with at the moment, so would enjoy setting them the challenge.

I'm discussing my potential new build with a timber frame company. I want an air tight house. I've looked up 24 EPC's of houses they're associated with, and have discovered their average air tightness as tested on the EPC's is 3.2. The best result was 2. They seem to think this is good. I previously lived in a house with a recorded air tightness of 0.8, so would like to get nearer that if I can. The figures for the roof, walls and floor generally are 0.14, 0.16, 0.14. Without getting into the politics of EPC's [as I think they're the only publicly available measure of such things], how might it be possible to improve the air tightness for my build? Is it just about the discipline of the contractors or is there more to it?

Yes, understood. I'd like to go for demolition before the bat season. The preliminary survey says there is no evidence of bats, but they want to have another look in May. If I can't demolish before the bat season, I can accept waiting until October, and hope this avoids the expense of further surveys and licences and mucking about. Thank you.

Yes, have a preliminary ecology survey. Only potential issue is bats. There are no bats, but they want to see if there are in May. Makes no sense to me. If I have planning permission by March and can demolish the house with the Section 80 in place at that time, there won't be a house for the bats to roost in [if they do at all].

Well, we watched a Scandia-Hus go up near us, and they seemed very efficient. Took about a year. Another smaller one has been built by them nearby too. That one was finished in 10 months and looks very smart - one of the Scandia-Hus designs, but tile hung instead of the Tudor look. We've gone for our own bespoke design with Scandia-his handling the planning application. The thing that concerns me is not being sure if Scandia-Hus are as thermally efficient as I'd like, so we're looking at an outfit called Kiss House, who claim to build to the Passivhaus standard.

Are you referring to a Section 80 demolition notice?

Interesting. We used to live in Skye and used one of their architects/directors on an extension project. They achieved the planning permission, but everything fell apart after that [mainly to do with the structural engineer], and we gave up. Living in Skye, you soon learn everyone works to a different time line which runs along quietly into the distant horizon. A key phrase was "I'll call in when I'm passing." We're in bed with Scandia-Hus at the moment. Heb homes do look really good. I like their products and I wish you well.

Nice, positive feedback.

Consent to demolish is something separate from planning permission??

Sorry to hear that. Which timber kit company? I'm considering using a timber kit company, so hope it's not the same one.

Specifically, is it a FLIR 435-0006-03 ONE PRO iOS | Thermal Imaging Camera for iOS, 160 x 120 Thermal Resolution, VividIR (Lightning Connector), Neutral ??

Back story: I have made a planning application for a replacement dwelling. I am anticipating a result by March 2023, though the planners have said the results will be in by end of January. In my head, I've allowed them until June, so I don't get too stressed by delays. The plan is to demolish a 1950's suburban style chalet bungalow in the countryside and replace with a sustainable timber frame barn-esque in-keeping, absolutely inoffensive beauty - existing house shunts out 8.2 tonnes of carbon [apparently], future house will be zero carbon emissions or less [hopefully]. It's going to pass muster, right?! Question: Assuming the planning application is successful, can anyone advise on exactly how long after the permission I can demolish [or arrange to have demolished] the old chalet bungalow, please?

Following @ToughButterCup's advice, I've had a look at local planning permissions near my potential project. The standard condition seems to be follow the instructions of the initial Ecology report. In my case, this will be a bat survey between May and August. My best hope is bats view the existing house with distaste and [like me] refuse to breed and/or hibernate there. However, one thing leads to another. I had to pay the best part of £1k for the initial survey, which was issued on payment. I immediately received a quote for next May's bat survey, at £4,000 plus vat, for two people over two visits at dusk. If they find a bat, I'm in for it, as everybody has been telling me. I haven't accepted the quote. I read a report where the Ecologists noticed bats buzzing about, but none settled in/on the house in question, so that was that. Except, given the bats in flight, they recommended demolition [in part by hand] in winter - 8 months later. As it happens the original house is still standing three years later, as the plot was sold on, and a further planning permission refused. The more I read about this, arson seems an option. Well, it's not demolition and it is quick. Following @ragg987's comment on a post from 2017, I'll speak the council in due course and ask if they'll come and inspect at a much lower fee.

Thank you @ToughButterCup. Just when I thought I might be watching the snow melt; instead I'll be pouring over your reading list, RAMS, and considering the path of least resistance to lighten the potential ecological burden of my planning application. Your post is much appreciated.

Sounds very chaotic. And DNA is a thing for bats - I've learnt something.

Nice! You're joking about the DNA, right?? My son [who knows about this sort of thing] tells me bats and newts can stop road building projects! Now that is power eh! He has suggested making sure there are no bats [and newts] anywhere on site before the next survey. I don't even know if there are bats about, but it seems to be that roof tiles and hanging tiles = bats. So, bat prevention perhaps is the way forward. Thank you for your comment.

It seems like it is going to cost more money than sense!

I'm told May is when the bats turn up. I hope it doesn't delay the planning permission.