Walshie

Hi, Would appreciate any thoughts on ASHP's and noise? The ideal location would be at the side of the house but this borders our neighbours. Do I need to be concerned about noise potentially being an issue for us and our neighbours. Luckily, the neighbours are great and so keen not to hack them off more than we have to. Any advice gratefully received! Thx

Hi all, I'd appreciate some advice on whether there is any value in having a battery as a part of my solar set-up? We have a relatively small roof footprint and so we can only generate approx 3.6KW from solar. I had originally intended to have a battery but have been advised that it is unlikely to be very effective given the 3.6KW constraint. I don't want to go to the expense and hassle of installing a battery if I could use that investment better elsewhere. Can anyone help me with this please? Thanks in advance, W

OK - that's helpful. Thx - I appreciate it

Marshian - Thanks for the comment. When you say 'in conflict' - is this likely to be a real problem or more that it isn't optimal? This side of things in not my strength!

Thanks for all the helpful comments. The current boiler is a Worcester GR8701iW - 34KW Class A As we'll be taking the roof off, I plan to fully insulate the roof space and then add Knauf external wall insulation and then clad in timber. We'll also replace all windows and doors with Alu 1.1 system. The extension floor and walls will be insulated as will be new build. So, I think that we'll have insulation covered and be pretty thermally efficient. I like the idea of keeping the boiler but adding pipework and cabling to accommodate a heat pump in the future. Does this seem like a sensible option? Thx W

Hi, I could use some input on the following please? We are about to start a fairly major renovation. We have inherited a new gas boiler - which is a year old, is A rated, has an efficiency rating of 94% and has the capacity we need to support the future plans. The big question is whether to retain the gas boiler or to take the leap and install a heat pump? If we go the heat pump route - it'd have to be an air source as we have limited space. We will have solar PV and a battery and the house will be very well insulated. There will be a mix of underfloor heating and radiators. I guess my main challenge is whether to take the financial plunge now or wait another ten years when the boiler is out of warranty and see if there are possibly better incentives and the heat pump tech has moved on some more? What are your thoughts? Thanks for your help, W

Thanks all for the info. The Viridian kit looks good!

Hi all, Does anyone have any experience of QTD timber products in Reading. I've had some samples of their heat treated hardwoods which I think look good. It would be great to know if anyone has had any experience of them and their hardwood cladding? Thanks v m, W

Hi all, Apols for the idiot question but.... I'm about to do a renovation which will involve the while roof being recovered in slate. Seems like a good opportunity to go for in-roof panels - for no other reason than they look better. However, be good to get some views on pro's / con's before a take a leap into the unknown! Also, would be great to have some recommendations for suppliers / installers in the South West - I'm in Porlock. Thanks for your help, W

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