howplum

So I'll cross that idea off my wish list then!

Wall sockets with built-in WiFi extender, such as: https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-2g-13a-sp-switched-wi-fi-extender-socket-white/7706V?tc=KT5&ds_kid=92700038618050646&ds_rl=1241687&ds_rl=1245250&ds_rl=1249401&ds_rl=1245250&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjoja5-eU3wIV7pztCh0CWQ4YEAQYAiABEgKbcfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Or you could consider an electric portable scissor lift, possibly set into a shallow well in the garage floor: https://www.automotechservices.co.uk/products/as-7630-mobile-scissor-lift/

Shadow gap instead of skirting boards and architrave. Well for door mats, especially with low threshold doors. Remote control central locking, although it might stretch the definition of simple! http://www.home-security-action.co.uk/central-locking.html

Yes @KarlisR, the seller of the main plot is pursuing purchase of the side strip and is in contact with the appropriate person at the Government Property Office, but it could be many months before resolution. Still, on the positive side, it gives me an opportunity to more research and to declutter!

Since it's temporary, how about a planed timber batten at the back, painted or stained as required to complement or contrast. At least it would give you a wider choice of suppliers for the 600mm wide laminate.

Thanks @scottishjohn. I'm still pondering on which build system to use, and since I'm building a bungalow I can't really see what advantage a steel frame would have over the timber alternatives, especially SIPs, since I'm hoping to put rooms in the roof space. At the moment it's all about research, including reading this excellent forum!

I've just spotted an advertisement for this company in a magazine, which piqued my interest. They seem a newish venture and offer a shell build service only. The screwpiles seem to be optional. They quote a u-value of 0.16 using SIPs - is that good? Any thoughts?

Something like this might be a possibility, although I can see a potential issue with plugs that include a long moulded grommet: http://floorbox.co.uk/stainless-power-grommet-usb I've noticed that they come with a 2m lead and plug, so are really some type of extension, although perhaps they could be "hard wired" in. The company do a range of products, although some seem less aesthetically pleasing than others.

Every question opens up a whole raft of new terminology and knowledge to a novice, which will all come in very useful when talking to a designer, so that hopefully I don't get blinded by science. I can certainly see there are pros and cons for every system, so food for thought indeed.

Thank you @Peterw, now I understand. I'm guessing the metal web joists could not work too well as the bottom chord of a truss, since I assume they might not be designed to work under tension. A friend of mine suggested what I now know to be celestory windows, but the bungalow will be next to a conservation site, and from the comments on the current PP I suspect that nothing too eyecatching will be allowed. However, the atrium, or light well, is an excellent idea which could illuminate both the ground floor and roof space without using too much space.

Thank you everybody for your comments, information and insights. Having looked at the Kerto beam span tables it would seem there is a balance to be achieved between between span, beam depth and spacing, but a span of 5 - 6 metres would not require overly deep floor beams for the roof space, for instance. Obviously these issues will be addressed properly at the drawing stage, but at the moment I don't want to come up with an "ideal" plan to then find it is not technically viable, at least at a reasonable cost. Another option for the floor joists might be the metal web type, which at least make running services a lot easier. As for the ridge beam, I can see that at least one load bearing support would be needed for a 14 metre length. However, I do have a further novice's question: what is the primary function of a ridge beam?

Despite the hiccups with acquiring the land, I am still being optimistic and playing around with various floor plans. However, I have paid no attention to the roof design or construction, other than to include a proper staircase for access to the roof space, which would possibly be used for a bedroom and/or hobby room and/or storage and a shower room. In other words, should I be considering placing internal walls to support the bottom chord, or can the truss accommodate a wide span? The footprint will be no more than 12 metres wide, but more likely 10, and 14 metres long, with a stepped design at the front to suit the curved plot frontage. The maximum ridge height allowed is 6 metres. Although the existing approved design includes a double hipped roof, I favour a simpler design with gables either end. If I understand correctly, the main options are: 1. Attic trusses 2. Cut and pitch on site 3. SIPs I did notice in an episode "The House that £100k Built" that a steel ridge beam was used, in conjunction with rafters cut on site, and I wondered what the pros and cons of that system are. I am still undecided on the build system yet, which may be affected by the best roof option, or is that the tail wagging the dog? In any event the roof space needs to be insulated, and heated, but as it would probably only be used occasionally, I was thinking of perhaps boxing in the stairs and fitting a door to avoid heat from downstairs rising to the roof space when it's not in use. Any helpful information and opinions would be appreciated

Thanks for the offer. I'll bear it in mind.

Thank you @Temp, excellent advice.