TheMitchells

Oh and an update re the house move to the place next door to Mum and Dad's - it all went pear shaped in March, after months of delays from the place at the top. our buyers pulled out and found another property. we tried to find a new buyer but after a few weeks, we decided to stay where we are and continue as now. Mum and Dad were upset as they really wanted us closer, but both the OH and I are rather glad that we are staying in our current house, which we love. Its only 15 mins drive to the parents so i'm managing. 🙂

quick update - purging air first thing every morning by opening windows for half an hour or so. Also have bought a Puremate dehumidifier which is removing around 1-2 pints of water each day from the main room. I'm sure the purge will be shorter as it gets colder but at least they are doing it. The Heat pump seems to be working well as the hosue is always warm with plenty of hot water. Now I just need to arrange a service, to maintain the warranty. Unfortunately, there are very few companies doing ASHP servicing. The only one i can find is the installing company. Lets hope more start doing servicing soon, it may bring down the cost. I shall be watching to see what they actually for for the £250 they are quoting.

Thought I'd remind everyone of the shop and post some pictures of the stuff currently in the shop. Always worth a visit, if in the area, as there are tonnes of useful stuff. We have electrical, plumbing, decorating, as well as diy - nails and screws galore. Locks/handles/so much odds and ends. On Sheep St, Bicester, Tues to Sat 10-4pm. I'm there Tuesday mornings 🙂

looks a really interesting build - cant wait to hear more about it. Please do a blog for the process, if able (and if you have time).😄

At a town near me, the council allow tree surgeons to dump all their tree waste on a waste site and anyone can go and help themselves to the bark. I have used it quite a lot and when collecting it (a trailer load takes me about 20 mins to fill), the heat coming from the heap is amazing. So I'd be okay, I'd just go and get a new load and keep replenishing the composter. 😄. And bark is slow to decompose - should last quite a while.

Hows this for an idea? And as a compost heap does get very hot - why not? From Unwaste the Planet on FB.... Instead of burning wood for warmth, more and more people are turning to a clever, low-cost alternative: building a compost pile over coiled plastic water lines from the hardware store. As the plant material decomposes, it naturally produces heat — reaching temperatures of up to 149°F (65°C). With a simple circulating pump as the only moving part, this compost heating system is remarkably reliable, lasting on average 12 to 16 months and sometimes up to two years, while providing enough energy to heat a 1,500 sq. ft. home and supply up to 80% of its hot water.

quite a lot there - no it is not just a matter of leveling and adding fertiliser. If you have used a digger, the soil will be very compacted where the wheels went and the grass there will not establish and grow very well. If you want a nice lawn, then you really need to level, but then uncompact the soil - digging over the conpacted areas (by hand or with a machine), level with a rake, gently compress with your flat feet, rake again and then spread seed. Turf is instant but quite expensive. Seed is cheaper but will take the winter to establish. There are plenty of video's which show you how to do it. https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/maintain-the-garden/how-to-prepare-the-ground-for-laying-turf/ https://www.rhs.org.uk/lawns/lawns-from-seed While it is a lot of work, you'll be looking at the lawn for a long time so it is worth doing it properly. Good luck. And now - September is the perfect time to do this!

Some good information here - https://www.ecomerchant.co.uk/news/a-guide-to-wall-insulation/?srsltid=AfmBOopYEZ0zPHIDv7V7AU-XHGBdyHnT9-3abVEqoQUjtf-xz6BzpHQ7 SOme of that may be of use.

Loving the plans, sounds just what i hope to do when we can sell up and move. Currently looking after elderly parents so unable to make the move yet, but i still look for places we could move to. I shall keep your architects details as your plans would suit us too, and the spec is exactly what I would like. Will enjoy reading about the build - Good Luck!

i thought it was best to not paint inside? But i may be wrong. We had ours occupied for a few days but as we kept checking,maybe it was fed up with being disturbed as i has not been back😒

Sounds excellent to me! well done. So lucky to have Steve to help. 😊

i hadnt but they look good so shall get it ordered soon. thanks.

I'm looking to buy a potting shed from Tiger Sheds - for my plants as well as lots of gardening stuff that is currently tucked behind various shrubs. However, the price seems very resonable, compared to others i have seen, and i am wondering if its because its not very good? As it is just for plants, and not for working in, it doesnt really matter if its not very windtight. Doe anyone have any experience and can assure me that it will work fine as a shed. I would be happy to add some additional sparing if needed and re-cover with felt every few years. But they cost around £700 (8x6ft) compared to another nearer £3k! It did come painted and with an extra shelf but thats alot to pay for a shelf and some paint....

One recommendation from me is to visit the National Self Build and Renovation centre in Swindon. Particularly when they have an Open Day as loads of information and seminars. Free too. I did their 3 day course when i planned to self build, and even though we were planning to use a cmpany, i still learnt so much. All good stuff which helps when dealing with companies and tradesfolk. Good luck with the project.😀

Have a look at gapotape for a really good fit of the insulation - several YouTube video's have shown how hard it is to get a good fit just by cutting or expanding foam. This video gives a good demo. Costs more than foam but should give a perfect fit and no air leaks ☺️