FraserK

Fortunately the wires run between the plasterboard and the membrane, so thinking I should be able to fit the hood/cowl directly into the insulation (dab of expanding foam to secure) and then tape the membrane around the edge?

Thanks for your replies. The house was built during lockdown on the Isle of Mull, so we didn’t get the chance to inspect the build in detail and many details like these lights were left to the builder so as not to delay the build and we had no reason to think they hadn’t been installed correctly. There wasn’t a physical air-tightness test as far as I know - it was done using a simulation/estimate of 7m3/h/m2. I’ve seen some plastic cowlings, Thermahood, so will look to fit them.

Been in our self-build 18 months and always noticed there being a slight draught on windy days and there’s sometimes a condensation ‘spot’ on one of the windows. House was built for us by local builder and has been signed-off by BC, completed EPC etc. We have 12 eyeball downlighters on an angled roof and curiosity got the better of me - dropped the light to find that they had been installed by cutting through the foam roof insulation and roof membrane, leaving a draughty void behind. Before I go back to my builder to ask them to put it right, what is the solution I need to ask for?

Sorry, haven't logged on for a while. This is our house nearing completion on Isle of Mull. It is a steel portal and timber frame construction, 110m2 plus there is a separate double garage. There is a premium for building on the island - additional transport costs in particular. Originally permission was a 3-bedroom, 'upside-down' design whereas this is a 2-bedroom - ground floor kitchen / diner with bed 1 and shower room. Upstairs is lounge, bed 2 and bathroom. As above, it means we can live on the groundfloor only if needed - this is very much our forever home.

You'll probably need to factor in material cost increases, some shortages and delays plus there is a scarcity of skilled trades at the moment because everyone is busy / impact of Brexit - we've experienced all 3 on our build. We're paying £1,800/m2 for our turnkey build

The grey cable is probably 240V, whereas the light cable loom is low-voltage DC - you need an electrician to check and make a suitable connection. If the plasterboard is in situ, the difficult bit will be threading the cable loom for the lights behind the plasterboard, likewise under the floor. Decisions like this really need to be taken at first fix. If you're happy to remove and replace the plasterboard and floorboards, then not really a problem. IP67 rated lights are suitable where there is water immersion.

We're having our house built on Isle of Mull. Builder recommended Howdens in Oban who'd done quite a few for him. Next thing we have a design 'proposal' from Howdens - they didn't even ask what we wanted, just came up with a design. We asked for some change but emphasised that we were working to a budget - apart from 'mid range' they never came up with a price after asking repeatedly. Eventually, via our builder they've come up with a price 50% over our budget, and then want something like £300 for soft close hinges and a further £300 for delivery. I'm not even bothering to haggle. Went onto DIY Kitchens and priced up a similar design for 60% of what Howdens want - better though as they have a bigger range of units sizes so less compromises in terms of the design. Awaiting samples for doors etc. Having to arrange extra transport from mainland is only downside as far as I can tell.

Thanks for your replies. Just to clarify, we'll be using a solicitor for the purchase of the land only which will be under the LBBT threshold. We will be contracting directly with the builder / developer for the house build - they are a very well established company with good reputation. Having done a bit more research, it appears you make an online application/payment on the Revenue Scotland website.

Hi Dave, Yes, spoke to builder yesterday - he was planning to use Scotframe for the kits but they've let him down so he's going to use his own Polish crew of carpenters to build the frames - he's pulled the timescales forwards because there's a risk of an 8-week shutdown over Xmas/New Year (4 weeks break + 2 weeks quarantine either side). Luckily we're fine for accommodation (apart from being a long way from Mull) and we'll probably be rat and mouse free by then! (fortunately they're in the roof, not in the house) but it gives me something to do ?

I've been lurking on the board for a while and posted a couple of Q's that have been helpfully answered. We're in the process of finalising the build of a house on the Isle of Mull. Our original plan would have been to self-build but with Covid, islands in lockdown with the nearest decent rental property we could find was in Speyside we've had to look at all options. Some of the plots we've dismissed due to problems with flooding / drainage or power supply problems potentially adding £££££ to the build cost. Having enquired with a local builder, turns out he was in the process of getting PP for a small development in a great location - plus benefits of mains sewerage and high speed broadband. Original PP was for a mix of 3 and 5 bed houses, but we've opted to modify the smaller 3-bed design to a 2-bed and on a larger plot with a matching garage/workshop. PP and warrants due to complete in next week with work starting almost immediately. Construction will be timber frame with ASHP. The builder is doing 3 similar builds at once so hopefully house will be wind and watertight before Xmas and hopefully complete for March.

We're in the process of finalising details with our builder for a plot + build on the Isle of Mull We have engaged a solicitor to deal with the purchase of the plot of lot from the builder with associated Deed of Conditions etc. We have agreed to contract directly with the same builder for the build of the house. Question relates to LBBT because the cost of the plot + build will take us just over the £325k threshold - but hoping that it will be completed by 31st March 2021. Does anyone know how this would be treated for LBBT i.e. 2 separate transaction or 1? Also, as we're not using a solicitor for the build, do we have to do some form of self-declaration?

We're in the process of finalising our build and our builder was planning on using Scotframe but has just had to cancel the order because of continued delays. Apparently Saint Gobhain, Scotframe's parent is making some corporate supply chain decisions which means promised dates are being missed. Might be useful info for those planning on using them.

Thanks for your replies everyone, very helpful. The builder has a very good reputation, there's no specific concerns as it's a small-scale development.

We're in the process of negotiating the purchase of a plot of land and a house build on the Isle of Mull, Scotland. We have already appointed a solicitor to deal with the purchase of the plot from the builder, there will be a separate build contract for the construction of the house from the same builder. There is no mortgage. Is there any benefit of employing a solicitor for the build contract? The build contract will be in stage payments and the finished build will be subject to an NHBC warranty and building control will be 'signing off' on the various stages. As the solicitor will no doubt insist in the appointment of an independent surveyor to inspect the build at the various stages. Appears to me to be additional expense for no tangible benefit?

Thanks - we're looking at Argyll, but aren't quite ready to buy the plot and then go through planning / warrants etc. A couple of the TF suppliers are giving an 'erected' price but it's not quite clear what the scope of the works. As the TF supplier is Scottish, I'm hoping the sarking is included! I'll certainly be back once we're underway with the purchase of the plot and getting all those critical details sorted!