Alexphd1

It has been pretty poor on eBay recently for ashp units. @PeterW Can you explain more on the ERP bit, i thought it only made a difference on the EPC ie non erp ashp was marked down.

Not sure on warranty, I bought it 4 years ago in solar thermal bulk buy.

We have 5kw cut back to 3.8 (Or 3.68?) with a SMA sunnyboy inverter.

@Triassic what trades are you planning to employ who needs access to the scaffolding?

I think my biggest concern is checking all their paperwork is in place Inc insurances etc.

Very similar method to what stones describes in blog. We are currently hand (never thought of using a orbital sander ....bugger) rasping the icf back just now with the render guy starting next week. We are also going for the rough texture rather than smooth.

Is there any efficiency drop in running a high antifreeze? For the record I will be running a anti freeze mix when i fill the system.

Thinking the other way, do we actually need glycol? We never installed any special antifreeze (other than off shelf inhibiter) in an external oil boiler?? Only problem we have seen with a heating system freezing is when the system failed when a family was on holiday for a few weeks on a really cold snap of weather. This was a gas boiler in the garage but it was pipes in the eaves with poor insulation directly beside the vents that burst.

Welcome & a excellent post??

14 months.

Nice to hear they have toughened up on the benchmark paperwork, it was just laziness from the installers when it was left empty.

We are very similar set as epsilongreedy but with a bosch one. Not great in daylight but being using it from day 1 (insulated raft & icf) and managed fine. Very easy to work. Would also recommend the receiver.

I like shiny new toys as much as the next person, but what do you want/ expect the laser level to do?

Remember one of the benefits of ICF you cast all your lintels as icf. Think this is where the strength comes in.

The mcs v non mcs route has been discussed in depth on many threads on here. Without starting a new one I think you are looking at approx £2k premium for a MCS installation. It's a high price for a couple of days of labour and a signature. If you can shop around and diy yourself it's a close call. Be aware unfortunately there are still a lot of rip off merchants in the solar pv industry but there a few genuine ones. I chose the MCS route, it added up for me.

@Big Neil £7k for a 4kw mcs system sounds pretty high.

Technically a MCS installation cost should come down aswell...... probably wishful thinking! Crazy to think the panel will probably be cheaper than the inroof flashing kit!

There is a buildshow in Aberdeen this weekend. Although probably poor it is on your doorstep!

I was disappointed with porcelanosa (Edinburgh) by far the best I have been at is roccia in Preston. Also far better than the grand design shows!

Anybody with experience who has drilled multiple holes in a mirror. Trying to create one of those make up mirrors.

Very rarely use them even if they are just 1 mile from build. When I do use them and they swipe the trade card I just see it as s bonus if I get a discount now. I have noticed their online is more competitive than in store, recently I was looking for 6 inch hand clamps they had a good range online (irwin etc) and priced to match other big online suppliers but when I went into local branch it was no branded double the price crap they where selling. Also they where cheapest in UK (I could find) for spax floor screws online ....strange.

Worst thing to tell a independent company quote that you have already had a quote from BG.... Magnetic filter are a must. If you can DIY stick on filter before boiler change. Not a fan off power flushing, often mis sold (usually a sticky TRV) to customer. Depending on job repipe often not much more expensive than power flush (i still own a power flushing machine) A lot of boilers come with a 10 year warranty now but you may need to keep your service book (benchmark book) up to date for any warranty work at a later date. Every plumber has their own opinion on a good boiler but hard to go wrong with worcester bosch or vaillant (manufacturer)

have a large glass of whisky ready for when you receive your quote!!

My panels are pretty bad shadowed by tress...... I bought a chainsaw?

I have been glad to see Shetland many a stormy night?