Mr Punter

If there is still a gap and you have air bricks on all sides I would not worry. They should still be fairly OK at the ends, just narrow in the middle. If you had to do this again, what would you do?

OK. Make sure you specify the max deflection must not exceed 8mm or 0.002 x span. The standard is 12mm which can feel a bit bouncy. 2 stairs?

I am helping from afar by focusing all my thoughts on its death.

At least you wont get people trying to wheel shopping trolleys along there.

What was the difference in cost between the replacement windows and the ones you are arguing about?

Built in.

Just ask for replacement panels. Probably much simpler to do before installation. No sure why there should be a difference in shading. Is this low iron glass?

Yet another superb self build. You could get some temporary downpipe -which is a clear polythene tube - and cable tie between the gutter outlets and the gulleys to keep the rain away from the building.

Tarmac.. yawn Fence.. zzz Hedge... whatever Stairs... Just beautiful!

This is all so dependant on the design of the ground floor walls as you will need something load bearing for a 9.4m span or steel supports. Maybe best to get the plot sorted, then a design for the house, then think about how best to build it. Dormers will be far better for your resale value or even a 1 1/2 storey.

Our extractor is noisy on full and I am now considering having the fan remotely mounted in the plant room above and just using the shell of the hood for grease filtering. I only like ducted.

I have only done one MVHR and it did not have any filters in the room vents or extracts - just on the main unit. Have you been having barbecues in the bathroom?

Hi @D Walter and welcome. You are obviously a fair way into the build now. How did you hear about the ICF system? Is this your first self build? Did you use Surrey Home to do the build or just supply the ICF? It is a bit odd that I have never heard of the system before and it seems to be a one man band operating from a serviced office. Interesting to hear about the blow-out. I had similar with another ICF brand on a basement. I think my men had left out a tie. Fortunately it was on the outside and we were able to shore it between the wall and the excavation and we only lost about a metre of concrete and the bulge in the wall was hidden once back-filled.. It happens frequently but it is a bit nerve-wracking.

When / if you sell, you may need to pay the insurance premium for the buyer.

I think if the concrete had been better detailed and executed it would have looked OK, but that is very difficult and expensive to achieve. A feature wall or corridor internally may have worked better. The ceilings looked like those at @pocster's place! The finish from the shuttering was poor. I am not sure if the formwork contractor had used the system before but I was not impressed with them. I have seen some excellent concrete work. They could have had timber plank pattern or exposed aggregate. A fail.

It is up to the supplier to know what size window they are able to supply. It should function correctly. If it went in with a twist it needs reinstalling.

Yes SIG are excellent and deal with many different systems and will take full design responsibility. You can deal with accredited contractors and get a proper design by and install at reduced risk (although at a price - but at least it will work).

I think you need a proper drawing of this detail. TBH you need a proper professional design and spec for the whole roof. Don't try and design it yourself.

OK does the current approval have a condition saying something like "..the development be carried out in accordance with the approved plans.."? If so, you can do an application for variation of this condition and the fee is £34 for a householder. Just submit the revised plans with the application, showing the new roof covering and a covering letter explaining that this is the only change and the reasons it should be approved.

Those industrial pan scourers should be OK. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Large-Stainless-Steel-Scourer-Tough-Wire-Cleaning-Pads-Washing-Up-Scrubbers-10pk/302825614647

Did you have a planning condition on materials samples (to be submitted and approved etc)? If the only thing changed is the roof tiles - not the solar panel type / colour profile etc - can you not resubmit the new proposed tile?

That cat from Saudi?

I would leave it a couple of weeks, provided there is no way they can chew their way out. If you still hear them it may be time for some bait.

Yes, mortar. They recommend non-shrink but really any will probably be OK. Make it fairly sloppy and gun it in with a pointing gun.

Is the cavity vermin proof all round?