ToughButterCup

They don't according to local lore. But knowing my luck.....

My research over a long period on exactly the same issue leads me to conclude that the answer varies by area, and by whom you ask. The answer below is no more than a summary of my own research and experience. Commonest answer: as soon as you break ground - as for example to connect services. Looking at our site, you'd be daft to conclude that we haven't started development. But technically we haven't. Not one sod has been turned: electricity and water comes from our own house (so no need for external temporary connections). The answer above also depends on whether the LPA feels minded to pursue those who might break ground (commence development) earlier than 'permitted'. Briefly, is there any point in an Enforcement Order on a site which will shortly have full permission and have all Conditions discharged? No, appears to be a common answer.

In the process of specifying our house lighting switches. We'd like to use as many occupancy sensors as possible (back door, loos, boot room, store room and maybe stair well). We'd also like to use those light switches that are switched by (say) a hand being placed near the switch - ie. no moving part in the switch. I have heard rumours about tiny LED lights which have PIR in built: strikes me as a perfect system for those of us who need a Precision Approach Pathway Indicator System (PAPI ) for the loo at night. When it comes to specifying in this area, I don't know what the Hell I'm on about.... you get the picture. Is there a Ladybird book for electric switch specifying? Or an online resource for neophytes like us? I want to avoid the scenario in which the electrician ends up doing our specifying for us. We're both prepared to put in the leg work. Thanks in advance. Ian

Right. That's that problem sorted.

The Germans have a saying about their favourite company AEG..... [roughly equivalent to GEC] Anschalten, Einschalten, Gaput. Loosely interpreted: On, Off, Broke.

Hey up Joe, getting serious then!

Hi, it's not so much the drill that matters: bit like iPhone-Android - it's the system that matters. Your choice of drill will inevitably colour your decision on other tools. And, unless you want several charging systems, then , like @Nickfromwales says, choose a colour and stick with it across the piece. Ja, ze Bosch drills for me Tommy!

There was I thinking I was the only one......that thought the inevitable harness while operating at height would get the way. It's the way those carabiner jaws can nip your cheeky bits when (and where) you least expect it.

Which is exactly why it's useful. Sharpens thinking. Exposes ignorance.

Write and point out that: '... the claim is false because...' and have the application called in and discussed at committee

Maybe. I'd be happy with a pinned checklist of resources linked to planning appeals, like this for example

Interesting point @readiescards. All the systems I have seen deal with external condensation (always on the ducting) by ignoring it. Those that had no condensation were wrapped up warm in their little jackets or their EPS coats.....

and Precisely that phenomenon made us realise the importance of a humble piggery nestling inconspicuously next to our build. It has now become the central storage system for Great Crested Newt Towers. (Salamander Cottage to the more refined readers) Knock down and rebuild starts Monday. Can't wait.

Writing a DAS exposes your thought process to everyone. It answers the question: why are you doing it like this (or that) when there are so many other things you could be doing? Useful piece of thinking, that.

Seems fine to me. Be aware of the need possibly to go deeper than 4 m. Also mark the exact spot of the holes on your topographical survey.

Have I got this right.... the issue is the inlet, and the inlet alone? Make a hole in the wall and insert the inlet ducting. Connect it to the the MVHR. I expect I'm missing something here...

Doing that, you know who your mates really are eh?

Ah! Technique matters then.... ?

Clay spade! Thanks! Ian

Lo! The narrow bucket on my digger runneth over! It has had it's fill with clay, and when it has had it's fill with clay , it doth make a mess of the trench. I can't be the only person really fed up with clearing out a bucket full of clay - in my case it needs a crow bar to get it out. What I need is a cheek-less bucket. Is there such a thing? Or do I get going with a grinder?

I winced when I read your post, and agree with @CC45. Maintenance of that pipe will be an issue too. And that's not always easy. It took me a nerve-wracking year to sort out a similar problem formally Me too. Because the land drain 'discharge' might be the subject of some third person's ire. Keep the two systems separate at all costs.

@Gimp I agree. Some of the houses were a bit 'rarefied'. But if you abstract some of the ideas contained within those builds , @MikeSharp01 's idea above, and apply them to your own build, then maybe the oblong boxes would be a little more palatable. And that's achievable on most budgets.

I'd be interested to read your conclusions @iSelfBuild

Oh Gaud.... the windows, the windows... from Austria.... argghhhhhh.

Consider two first aid boxes ..... Ours is in the cabin but that's often locked. So I've bought a second First Aid box and put it in my Land Rover: no point in trying to lock that. So you might want to have two first aid signs. I'm about to put up a prominent sign telling everyone where the eye wash is. Yes, a gust of wind the other day blew a load of ash from the site fire (from the old shed) into my face as I walked by. I was wearing safety glasses. But with my recent record of bad luck and bad judgement, I thought it prudent to get some eye wash. Consider a Keep Out sign I can't remember where I read it, but if you don't formally tell people to keep out of the site (and fence it off) then anyone might reasonably assume that they have permission to enter.