Jac

Very serious question 😬 How long was it before you ( meaning fellow self builders) could bear to watch Grand Designs after your own self build. We’re 99% of the way to completion but can’t even bear to see the programme pop up on our recommendations! Therapy beckons……..

Checked HMRC’s own DIY forum latest poster has been waiting 7 months since he sent his claim to them……..

I signed up to HMRC’s DIY Forum. This is the section who deal with our VAT claims. Some of the postings regarding the timescale for payments are pretty shocking. HMRC admit to being months behind in dealing with DIY claimants. Latest post, chap describes how he was so frustrated he went to his MP who then contacted the appropriate dept. Payment was duly paid out within days. Quite impressed to hear of an MP doing something worthwhile! However, that doesn’t help the rest of us stuck in what seems to be a very long queue.

Absolutely. However, I just wanted folk to know the process is not difficult for the layperson to do themselves.

I’ve done the claim myself, recorded the invoices on a spreadsheet. Very easy and simple. HMRC’s guidance notes are surprisingly clear and easy to follow about how to go about the whole process and the claim form straightforward to complete. In fact this part was the least stressful thing about doing the self build!

Hi Grant Yep, that’s a query a few of us have asked. I asked for clarification from HMRC via the DIY Community Forum. Responses come from the HMRC DIY team where we send our VAT invoices too. Their response with regards to invoices which print out with ‘copy’ on them is - shouldn’t be a problem, just send a brief covering letter when submitting your claim stating that’s the way the invoices printed out from your supplier. From reading the forum, others have done exactly that without any problem. My claim has just gone this week, hoping for the same. Jac

Hi revelation I subscribed to ‘Which’ when I was buying for the interior of our self build. It proved invaluable as their reviews are pretty well tried and tested. Might be worth a look……

Thank you, Bozza. That’s really good to hear. I’ll attach a letter as you did to explain anything out of the ordinary. Good advice.

Hi LouiseO I phoned HMRC self build helpline this morning with that very same question. Lady I spoke to did not fill me with confidence. She said my mountain of invoices with “copy” printed on them would “probably” be ok. Not the definitive reply I was looking for so I called back this afternoon and a young chap wasn’t too helpful either. He muttered something about “due to Covid, most companies emailed invoices”. Again, not really the assurance I was seeking. it’s so frustrating as I don’t think it’s such a hard question!!! I’ll now try to find an email address, where if I get an answer that the invoices are ok to send, I can print off the reply and send with the claim form.

Ours didn’t ( late 2021 )….and those costs are considerable. Very much so.

Good question! HMRC offer a comprehensive list of what you can and cannot claim for but I don’t recall reading about a timescale guide. Hopefully, someone here can help. I’m hoping it’s a “yes”!

Fantastic. I’ll be placing my order with them once my kitchen is fitted early 2022.

Barry, I know it’s not on your doorstep, but the one place recommended to us by several others is Rocca in Hillington, Glasgow. They have a website worth a look. It’s a family run business, very friendly to deal with. Could be worth giving them a call to ask about how far they travel or even if they know of someone in your area. Oh and their prices are excellent - they are open to a ‘deal’ situation!

Oh well my initiation starts tomorrow- cement arrives for foundations. Mind you my pristine toilet facility might be the least of my problems - just told tonight brickies struck down with Covid. Hey ho.

“Unless they had to” - dare I ask how you knew? ???

Oh no. Please no……..no, no, no……?

I’m so glad I asked for advice - thanks everyone for all replies. I’ve just ordered warning signs, first aid kit and appropriate sign, sign in/out book, booked myself on a first aid course next Monday to refresh old, forgotten skills. Will now also buy fire extinguishers and set up cameras to record comings and goings. Brilliant tips from you all. ? We’ll be living in a caravan on-site but I’m drawing the line at offering my toilet. My excuse is the cat doesn’t take kindly to strangers and her litter box will be in the toilet too. She needs her privacy…..! But for my lovely tradesmen ( as I’m sure they all will be ) I’m buying a plumbed in toilet with hot water for their needs. Goodness this housebuilding is a minefield.

Brilliant suggestion - if it saves on the bleach………………?

Thanks, Conor, - All suggestions that should have been obvious to me. Past few months have been consumed with Planning and Building Warrant paperwork and now it’s all systems go. Feel a bit caught in the headlights. Yes, definitely having toilet plumbed in!

Thanks for reply - Accident Book and Signing In /Out book. Stupidly didnt think of those. Thanks!

Hi, trying to get organised for kit coming onsite next month so site toilet being ordered , however, just had thought about First Aid. Is it a legal requirement to have a qualified First Aider on site too? Just another one of those disturbed night thoughts!

Thanks everyone!

Thank you, Dutch.

Thank you, Wumpus. You’ve given me some hope! I’ll be on to them.

Anyone been able to purchase a 10 year structural warranty this month, August? I’m finding companies are not returning calls or not in a position to offer a structural warranty as their “books are closed”. ( Protek is one of those ) I’m just about ready to start the foundations, so I’m getting a bit anxious. Thank you.