It is good. Ive never had reason to complain about it. Never had to use SLC on it either its that flat. Always seal my dpm up well as like you say, its runny.
Price wise it did used to be getting on for twice the price. But the rep helping you lay it was included in the price with all the gear they bring. It always made economic sense to me.
I dont understand all the hate for self compacting here. Ive used it on every house I've built. Whether its ground bearing slab or being used as a "screed" ontop of b&b. Always had the wagon back right up to the house and pour it in. Rake it about, dapple bar and get the sealer sprayed on. Very flat and has always been level enough as I've always poured to the top of the blockwork at dpc level. Back in the lafarge days they sent a rep/concreter out inc in the price to help you with all the gear. Last lot I had needed to pay a guy to help who the concrete company reccomend. It certainly doesn't do the job for you but its a lot easier and better flowing than normal concrete.
Ive had kommerling before. It didn't seem any better or worse than other upvc profiles. Does it depend on the supplier? Do the foils last as long as the frames or do they deteriorate faster?
That trax pipe is expensive isnt it. I had a place 40 odd metres from the rd. Standard gas connection is only like 32m max or something round here. I built a dwarf wall at the max length point and split the ducting here thinking was gonna need the trax. The gas guys just took it all the way to the house for me without even asking. There was a comment after about how it was over max length, a drink to all the crew seemed to quiet that!
You're obviously a clever guy but if you seriously think a company are going to send out a plumber and sparks for half a day to switch a heat pump thats insane. Even giving them a full day each I'm not sure its likely. Anyone who does them is going to be that busy creaming money off new installs I can't see them swapping one out on day rate. Anyone who isn't experienced with them and banging them in all the time, then would you really want them swapping it out.
You dont float it they just use a dapple bar all over then spray some sealer on it to stop the water on top evaporating. It certainly takes a lot of labour out of the process. Can also flow quite far with a diy shute, no pump needed in a lot of cases.
Ha I know that feeling. I bet every self builder gets that.
Sometimes even when you pay Somebody to do a job its worse than you could've done yourself.