John Hardy

Yeah - that is true! or making videos

Cheers Kelvin, based in Lincolnshire. I've got a mate whos an electrical engineer, he's put me on to a rusty old rsj. If you want good work and experience I guess its worth paying, I've left it a year an the costs are up by almost 20% (overall quotations)

Has anyone noticed a significant increase in material costs and quotes for home extensions recently? I've been researching my upcoming project, and prices for essential materials like timber, steel, and insulation have increased quite a bit. Additionally, quotes from builders and contractors are higher than expected based on last year's rates. I would love to hear from others who are on the same boat. How are you managing these rising costs? Any tips for negotiating or finding better deals?

Yes, 100%; I'm also looking at an aircon solution as an option and trying to go down the best route. I;d had a quote from eons air source heat pump but it was heating only, better going to a local guy for pricing - but I also got in to the air sourced vs. ground sourced, ha - its always the plumbing that's the most difficult part.

Sorry - to be clear I'm looking at the full system - to be eligible for the grants, but don;t know if its a false economy - because of the retrofitting. The initial consideration came from the new underfloor heating we're getting. I've got a good Worcester boiler, well maintained but its almost 10 years old.

Yes a very good point, I've looked at manual calculations, we got double glazing in which we know had a massive impact, but to be honest, I'm not 100% on the type and thickness of insulation in walls, roof, and floor. I'm considering talking to a domestic energy assessor

I'm extending some of the work I'll do myself, but the architect suggested underfloor heating and potentially putting in an air-sourced heat pump. I'm open to it, but he suggested a company (which probably gets a kickback). I've researched grants, but I remain unconvinced, especially as the ones I looked at are just heat and not cool. The home was built in 2001, but does anyone have experience with heat pumps and any help knowing if it's worth it and what I need to factor in?