MR10

Would you not be paying price + VAT though if paying directly? You say he's reclaiming the VAT so this won't be going on your VAT reclaim. Unless I've misunderstood, would you not then be out of pocket as you pay the VAT on the materials (on your credit card) but he reclaims it?

A few questions.. 1. What was the vision you were sold and what was the reality? 2. At what stage did the communication breakdown (if any) and other fault lines appear and were there with the supplier, installer or both? 3. What were the gaps in your knowledge and what would you do differently again, knowing now what you didn't know before.

The most cost effective option will always be the typical rectangular/square windows. You can save yourself some money by designing it out now that you can. This is what we did and now have some money in the holiday kitty.

Used boot covers over the outlets and taped over those.

I would spend zero time wondering or worrying about the neighbours and focus on getting a design you like that works for you internally and externally. The nicest of neighbours can turn into absolute PIAs. They can object as much as they like and if there are any valid objections then you can consider making some concessions if it helps the planning approval. I would say do not try to please them from the start and do not share any plans with them, you may just be giving them enough time to build up ammunition. They'll get enough notification once planning application is submitted. Good luck, sounds like you're going to need it.

+1 to this. Don't be pressured into paying the CIS/CITB. Inform the contractor you'll be speaking to HMRC to clarify who's to pay. I reckon they won't want the tax man sniffing around their books especially if their invoicing is 'dodgy'. Seek legal advice also to see where you stand.

I wouldn't overthink it. Those pipes are very hard to damage by walking over them and the like. Obviously try not to drill into it. To put your mind at ease you could try getting some leftover UFH pipes on marketplace, eBay, that you could try to 'destroy' as an experiment.

I haven't seen any mention of cooling been excluded, any links to where this is stated?

I'll inform him he's the new owner of two shovels and I'll be taking the cost off his fee.

Self builders will no longer be eligible to apply for the Home Energy Scotland scheme from August 1st 2024. https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/home-energy-scotland-grant-loan

Try the SDLT calculator https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/calculate-stamp-duty-land-tax/#!/intro

@oksleator someone had similar issues a while back, worth having a read through?

Somewhere like this? https://www.sipsdirect.co.uk/product-category/blank-panels/

I don't think anyone apart from most self-builders care about this stuff. So before you throw good money on some numpty one to carry out a survey why don't you use one of the online companies. You give them the info, they put it in with no arguments and voila !