Walshie

HI - I'd appreciate some advice please. A new rear extension - about 5.5m x 6.5m - which will have two walls predominantly glass and will be a kitchen dining / sitting area. I want to keep the walls free and so UFH seems like a good option. Currently have an efficient gas boiler, new in last 12 months which has capacity. Rest of house is heated via radiators. New extension will have a new slab and will be insulated etc. The build will include solar PV and a battery. A two part question: Is it more effective to have a wet or dry UFH set-up. Is it more efficient to heat the UFH on gas or electricity? I'm leaning towards dry / electric - quicker to respond, advantage of solar / battery etc - but would appreciate any thoughts from you knowledgeable folks! Thanks for your help, W

Hi, I am about to start a project to renovate. The works are quite extensive - estimating about £200k and will be carried out mostly by a contractor. I have been told that it would be wise to get home renovation insurance to cover any unexpected consequences of the renovation works. This seems quote sensible - and so I'd like recommendations on which insurers to approach please? Any thoughts gratefully received! Thanks, S

QS is on the case! Just wanted to start to write up a tender to send out to prospective builders. Thought that a template would be helpful to make sure I don’t miss anything!

Hi, Would anyone be able to share a template for a tender document please? I need to create a tender so that I can get quotes. Any help appreciated! Thx v m, W

Hi all, I really like the idea of mitred hips for a new slate roof. We’re coastal but not too exposed. Will mitred hips be as robust as a traditional hipped roof? Anything that I need to consider? Thanks for your help, W

Hi, Thanks - that's helpful. Who did you use? I'm not a million miles away in West Somerset. Did you treat the Cedar before fixing with anything - maybe a UV protection etc? Thx W

Hi, Sorry - I should have given the detail the first time! I plan to use this over the existing walls and then re-render / clad over the top. https://www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/external-wall-insulation-technical-detail Thanks, W

Hi all, Planning to use Alu-clad windows and doors for a rebuild. I've read through quite a few post which has been really helpful - but would be grateful to be able to check a few things please? I've gone for Alu-clad as it seems to offer a good compromise between being thermally efficient, long lasting, sustainable, very low maintenance and price. I plan to fully insulate the external walls with Knauf insulation and to properly insulate the roof space when the roof in off - so think that 2g windows and doors will be fine? Is this a safe assumption? Through the forum the main suppliers seem to be: (I'm after mainly windows but also doors) · Velfac · Rationel · Internorm · Nordan · IdealCombi · Noorsken · Allan Brothers · Nordvest Have I missed any other reputable suppliers that would be worth contacting? Really grateful for any experience that you might be able to share? Thanks, W

Hi, As part of a rebuild, I plan to install Knauf external insulation and then to render part and cedar clad part. Does anyone have any experience / tips on fitting the Knauf insulation - esp on dealing with the window reveals etc? rendering over the Knauf insulation? type of render best to use? Also interested in identifying suppliers for good quality cedar cladding if anyone has any experience in this area? Really grateful for any helo and advice! Thanks in advance W