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Putting the extra board below is probably problematic in terms of heat distribution (in the future carpet scenario) though I agree it'd give the same support. Best would be clarify with the board manufacturer though it sounds like they've already said it's needed

I think building control will insist on the extra board over. It forms part of the structural floor - you might be okay with 12mm flooring over but the next occupant may replace that with just carpet, unwittingly making the floor unsafe

In the scheme of things, a good result. You've got an unsolicited recommendation for the BS signing it off, and something in writing from the builder just in case an issue should arise. Glad it's worked out, enjoy the rest of your build!

Perhaps focus on the smaller set of properties where the shell is already big enough then and it's mainly an internal remodel. Play to your strengths, where you can make savings and there are less unknowns like planning, groundworks. You can't out compete developers when it comes to material costs or hiring trades, but can compete on your labour as that's free, so try and max your contribution and minimise the unknowns (sorry this is much easier to say than do)

Maybe you could improve the flow from entrance to living space. It's the first impression for guests and how you'll use the space every day. Right now you come up the impressive outdoor steps, through a grand entrance way to... a lobby and a storage wall? Then turn 90 degrees and back 180 degrees up smaller stairs to the living space. Instead think about pulling the lobby and stairs forward a bit so the stairs can continue running forwards up to the living space, so you're greeted with a more open space and invited in. If you need a panic room, wouldn't you want direct access from the master suite on the right of your plans? I agree with others if you've 9 bedrooms you need more living areas - how far do you want to be from a coffee machine! Also that it's very (very) large - easiest way to cut costs and simplify construction would be to make it smaller, but bear in mind almost everyone (me included) will be giving their perspective from experience on much smaller builds. Good luck, I like the external design and how it fits the landscape.

I would avoid relying mostly on PIV in an old property and use MVHR or continuous DMEV instead. If there's a lot of moisture internally, PIV has to push that out somewhere, and that's likely to be into any gaps etc, where it may condense, potentially making any damp problem worse, whereas MVHR or continuous extract will help ensure more of the moist air is pulled out of the property.

Your first example looks like it's to protect anyone, esp children, coming from that path against running/riding straight into what is probably a road where the picture is taken from. I've plenty of sympathy for the issue of accessibility but please don't cut down something that's intended to prevent a serious accident.

I can't comment on the trap but you can get water leak detectors quite cheaply that will alarm and/or notify you via an app. It's something we're considering where we have a bowl sink without an overflow(!)

I'd quote an hourly rate (so from your figures ~125/h) as that's more likely to be how any legal adviser for the other side structures their charging and so more relatable (also probably lower than their own charges, so 'reasonable' looking). It's also probably reflective of how you put the time in. If I was on the other side I might try and argue you down on the basis you're charging a consultant's rate, but a consultant would have done it in half the time, because they would already be familiar with details you spent time researching, but I think your starting point is a reasonable one.

Agreed, pay one to visit the site for a couple of hours. If you're super lucky someone qualified like @Gus Potter may point you in the right direction first. You've got an off the shelf ridge beam design from an architect, who hasn't drawn it that clearly and isn't taking much responsibility, then it hasn't been constructed as designed, and now your surveyor doesn't seem to fully understand or can't explain to you the design or construction. Nobody is trying to worry you unnecessarily, but a couple of hundred pounds spent now could be a wise investment

The pull down shutter unit cuts off the corner, makes it a bit unusable (hence the vases in the render maybe). Perhaps if needed put it in the right corner instead? I've found with hindsight that side opening wall unit doors tend to get in the way when open, if have more lift up does next time. Bit of a mix of sizes on that wall. Island hob works well for us, very sociable. Really like the waterfall island.

I'd think about both protecting your site, and protecting the public from the dangers on your site. Sites are exciting places to play, but dangerous. Signs won't keep children out, you need a secure fence for safety.

In that case, why not send him these pictures and ask if he's happy it's constructed as designed? Never hurts to get that sort of thing in writing. If the ridge beam is working as designed, you should be able to remove those collar ties and get some of that vaulted ceiling height back. See how happy your builder is about that

Best idea is to get a couple more quotes. On the positive side, it's broken down clearly, but looks on the high side to me. Couple of examples - when we had electrics done recently, our electrician would've got that done in a day (two max). Boarding and plastering say 3 - 5 days. Not huge material costs to those either.

In your position, I'd definitely pay for your SE to come out and inspect before you start putting the roof coverings on. You'd want that to include the larger room too, even if it means taking down a couple of blocks to see better. Did they slide the beam in after rather than seating it and building onto? It's not level, not clear it's actually bearing the weight above yet. As the timbers aren't fixed to the beam, the rafters aren't either, only an SE can tell you how much that affects resistance to racking forces (using words I barely understand at this point!) A couple of hours of an SE's time will be a small price for the reassurance you'll get, or give you a clear scope of any corrective work needed - any fix will only get a lot more expensive later.