Oz07

Good point, me too. If its only the skimming labour could you not find someone who isn't vat registered? They're gonna put a markup on any materials they supply I'd have thought.

Is there a minimum vat reclaim amount? I have seen somewhere councils can verify bng self build exemption by way of proof of vat reclaim rather than Unilateral Undertaking. If using a contractor to build and they are zero rating could you literally buy just like all your driveway blocks at the end and claim for only these? I suspect you'd get a phone call but surely couldn't be refused? There must be similar occurrences where people have employed a contractor upto a certain stage then finished off themselves?

It's more a question of if you can convince the trade to zero rate as part of newbuild. It seems a grey area to me on a diy vat reclaim you'd probably get rejected but as your doing works as part of the planning for the new build if you can convince them to zero rate I'd probably go for it. Liklihood of them being investigated and vat assessor then researching your completion date would be small I'd think. Your probably going to pay more in profit and overheads than the vat you will save if you get contractors in. Are you are able to diy?

I have an expandastore they can be put up and taken down by a few guys. Can be handballed around when in pieces. Don't see how it solves your problem entirely though.

More jobs for the boys. Bureaucracy gone mad.

Every time I've had it done its been less than 500 quid. The cheapest service by far. I think it is subsidised somehow because I can't see them doing the job for that.

I did wonder as you said your windows were made locally. Why could they 3g the windows but not the door?

Why's this?

Was there a bit of controversy with strength and cement content with these ready mixed mortars? Glad to hear its holding up ok. You cant trust these young brickie labourers now I see them squirting the plastersiser in like its water.

What make model?

You're the science boffin whats the theory on the copper?

I'd be tempted to try to copper on a newbuild. It costs next to nothing while you're up there on the scaff. Id guess a window cleaner would want atleast 50 quid to clean them especially full 2 storey. That's a chunk out of your return each year

I just thought for the sake of a few blobs of silicone or something and a coil of copper wire when installing. Would it be effective or is that a myth?

This one as well maybe more SSW but you can see in full sun. Maybe older panels and protective coating wears off?

SE I would say

Seen some panels with moss on today walking around. What's the way to keep this off? Regular cleaning or can you just stick a length of copper wire to the house ridge or at top of panels?

I meant the mist coat super diluted. There must be a way to make it stick to another paint else they are basically saying you need a fresh plastered wall if your going to use this paint ie not suitable for existing walls without re skim.

Are heat pump warranties 10 years or more like a boiler? Genuine question I've never looked in to them

What about if super diluted? Still same?

Gas won't be phased out before your boiler packs up. Or if it is you have a really well made boiler.

Is there any universal mist coat you can use? I used that cheap Leyland in last place for mist and put the dulux diamond matt over the top no problems and that was pretty expensive paint

Keep till the boiler packs up. Likely 10+ years.

It's difficult to guess in that case then. I doubt you'd have a flat roof in that space. What id guess is a 3x2 or 4x2 timber plate ontop of your window, following each section, then some ceiling joists resting on this plate or window heads, then your rafters joined to these. With a brick or possible stud wall in line with first floor wall as you've said it used to be a bungalow

Ok then well its probably a lintel in line with first floor walls and the hipped roof built off this resting on the bay window. I doubt its your floor joists cantelivered out as your ceiling is flush inside. Can't you go upstairs and check out the wall below that first floor window? Knock it is it solid or hollow.