J_Green

Thorfun, thank you for the very valuable advice. I see what you mean about the U-value. I know lots of companies offer timber clad aluminium products, but my husband would like just aluminium. Can you give me the names of some of the manufacturers that offer insulated frames? This is such a minefield but an area we are desperate to get right.

Morning, Is anyone able to recommend an MVHR installer in Cornwall or the SW please? Many thanks, Jenny

Morning all, We have recently been busy getting quotes for aluminium doors and windows and are due to start our new build in January after spending the past couple of months preparing the site. As you can see from the attached image, there is a considerable amount of glass in the design and the windows and doors will be a considerable chunk of our budget. This is our first (and only!) self build and we want to ensure we make the right decision regarding the window manufacturer. The installer we would like to use (based on providing an excellent service over the years for other properties we have renovated) installs Smart aluminium windows and doors and we are keen to use him if we feel the product is of good quality. Has anyone had experience of Smart aluminium products? The installer has quoted for aluminium frames with 36mm triple glazing, which will achieve 1.4W/m2K. The back of the property will be SW facing and is in a very sheltered spot, so I would also value any advice regarding reducing solar gain. We have also been quoted for a Fortis aluminium front door and garage door by the same installer if anyone has experience of this manufacturer. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Jenny

We are in the very way stages of costings etc for our self build down in Cornwall. I would like to go for an inframe kitchen in the style of Neptune, Devol etc. Reading through these threads I have been put off DIY kitchens and instead are considering Units Online or Handmade Kitchens of Christchurch. Just wondering if anyone has used either of these or has any other suggestions?

Hi there everyone. This forum has been so useful to us already and we have only been members for a short while. Thought it would be worth posting now that we are nearing the commencement of our project. We have bought a 1960's bungalow in Cornwall that requires total renovation (it literally has not been touched since it was built). Following discussions with our structural engineer and after sitting down and doing the sums, we have decided the best option is to start again and build from scratch. This will be our first new build and we are both excited and slightly nervous at the prospect! Looking forward to discussing various aspects of the project on here as we progress. Best wishes, Jenny