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Thank you all - this is helpful. It's all new to me because I haven't embarked on build - still looking for suitable plot, but I have a very god builder/project manager who will use all his trusted people i.e. roofer, electrician, brickies, plumber so they are a known quantity I'll use an example. Spirit Energy are a recommended renewables supplier. I want to purchase Sigenergy Battery and Viridian in roof panels. Last YouTube video I saw they had their warehouse stocked with Sigenergy as they recommend it and probably Viridian panels too. I can obviously look to but the components myself and get best discount but truth be told they probably got a much better deal buying in bulk. Would they divulge those material costs to me on a final invoice or would they just roll ito all up into the final supply and fit invoice, which as discussed for a new build wouldn't have VAT on top? I guess my thoughts are if the project manager wants to use his tradesman - let's say brickies as an example, I say to them ok - purchase the materials you need for this job using your best trade outlet and discount but ask them to put the invoice in my name and address and I pay for it at that time so I can see exactly the units cost - yes I appreciate there a wait to reclaim at vat at the end. Then their second invoice if so the supply/labour bill so I can see the cost for each tradesman Perhaps I'm overthinking it - as Jack rightly says you'll have an idea of the costs and of course I don't want to upset the tradesmen - important to keep them sweet

I am trying to understand the best way to pay for materials and VAT reclaim. I ask after contacting Midsummer Wholesale to enquire about trade discounts. I was told unless you have a business number you can’t apply. As a self build/VAT reclaim that is a non starter What are the best ways to differentiate between supply and install from the contractor. Specifically 1. Could/should I be looking to purchase materials myself, invoice in my name and reclaim VAT. Then contractor is then charging labour only. My concern if contractors may use this steps to add a little profit for themselves. Most will be VAT registered and also get their trade discount so will be making their own purchase at the most favourable price for them 2. Do I leave it to the contractor to buy materials from their favourite supplier and ask the supplier to put my name and address on the invoice – assuming that can be done – so I can pay for materials at the discounted price and reclaim the vat at the end of the project 3. Just leave it to the contractor i.e. they purchase the materials needed for the job reclaim their VAT element and simply bill you for the supply and fit which is of course VAT free to me I think the reason for me asking is to primarily to keep control of costs and moreover to not be overcharged. Of course the labourer needs to make a profit but I feel that this concept of VAT free for self builds gives them the opportunity to make a little extra tickle at my expense! Thank you

Thank you. Yes process from Planning to demolish take a good while. I assume then you can get the Council to stop tax at that point and re-evaluate the new property upon completion

I am selling my house and will move into rented accomodation. I want to buy a dilapidated bungalow to get PP for a demolish and rebuild and would probably stay in rental for the whole time. Two questions 1. If living in rented when I purchase another house I'm hoping it will just be standard stamp duty i.e. not hit with second home duty - is that right? 2. Will I get hit for second home council tax if registered at the rental place?. I fear the answer is yes, but can I register the house as unliveable if there were say no toilet or cooker in the house (if you see what I mean!). Should I be switching residences for Council tax if that's allowed? Thanks.

Thanks for replies. Yes, this is my general concern. I could go to any wholesaler and buy all the kit needed for under 7k and get a trade discount and claim the vat back, but as you say the Installer will do exactly the same thing and charge accordingly. Yes you get the 7k refund removed from the invoice, so as said I guess you just have to suck it up. I need to read up more but do these mcs rules restrict smaller sizes. As I said I estimate for a small 2 bed chalet bungalow highly insulated would only need 5kw heat pump and for me smallest cylinder of 150l

I have seen a couple of articles but just wanted to check a few things - I'm in the planning stage 1. Government web page says new builds not eligible - self-builds are. I hope to have a single residence built for me to live in so I am assuming that it would be eligible - correct? 2. I prefer to purchase as many things myself under my own name for VAT reclaim. Fairly straightforward to order Vaillant Aerotherm plus and Cylinder from wholesalers with trade discount but from that site it looks like only the MCS installer can do the purchase?. This is of course subject to VAT which they reclaim. 3. So from above, am I right in assuming the installer quotes on the basis of supply (with VAT) and fit (zero rated) less the £7,500 ? - and does it cover just the heat pump or can you include the cylinder and other ancillaries?. In my case it would be pretty small 5kw maybe 7 with smaller 150l tank so prices are reasonable (before labour!!) Thanks

Thank you

Just planning new build at the moment. I'd prefer to purchase big tickets items under my own name with a trade discount for future vat reclaim and then zero rated install by tradesman. If I give couple of specific examples for battery storage. Givenergy All in 1 can be purchased through outlets such as midsummer wholesale with a discount, but new Tesla Powerwall 3 can only be purchased via a certified installer, who is quoting an end price for fitting which of course includes their purchase cost, vat and delivery. In other words how can I get a better price when that is a supply and fit charge?. Thanks

Hello there. New to this forum and hoping to get lots of tips and advice. I am not a builder but have a dream to have a self-build (probably demolish/rebuild) of a small chalet bungalow. I will have a project manager using his own trusted tradesmen As it will be my forever property I am looking for best quality (within budget) and recommendations on supplies i.e. types of bricks, roof tiles, glazing etc. as well as suppliers and discounts. to be discussed with manager but I would prefer to purchase supplies myself for vat refund and discount Also looking for a project planner with all the itemised steps needed Thanks all