Roundtuit

Yep, less bugs. As above, the only ones that get in are the ones you let in when doors and windows are open, and they don't last long. We let the occasional spider in when opening the bi-folds or French doors, but I think the internal environment is too dry for them to last more than a couple of days.

In what way? I have a layer of insulation between floor & screed. Don't most people?

Heard similar about someone cleaning up after their new puppy. Turns out it had swallowed a few pebbles...

I've got flat/low spot in the gutter above my front door I need to adjust. Visually and functionally it's fine, but as above, the pigeons drink from it and $h!t on the doorstep...

Yup. Make sure you sit down for a pee at night, because when the pump kicks in, you'll $h!t yourself.

Yes, but there will be restrictions on lift and distance different models can do I suspect. You could potentially install a sewage pumping station in the floor; probably quieter than a saniflo.

I'd guess the dpc has failed, but I'd probably start with the chimney and check capping, flashing and ventilation. What's the topography like? Are you on the same level as your attached neighbour? Ground floor above external ground level?

Welcome! Ask the questions; there's lots of clever people on here with loads of experience, and we all learn from the answers!

I'm sure this has been covered elsewhere, but the government website doesn't mention listing at the Valuation Office, but does require a BC sign off as evidence of completion: https://www.gov.uk/vat-building-new-home/how-to-claim

Sorry, can't recommend anything, but as a last resort, if you feel strongly enough about it, you can just pop the aluminium cladding off and replace it, or maybe get it re-sprayed.

Include parking as well and that should cover it I would have thought. Do you need to do one? They're only really for bigger developments and listed building work I think. I did one years ago for a listed building application, and the 'access' part wasn't more than a paragraph from memory.

Definitely grout; it's structurally important for the block and beam and worth spending the time to do a good job. My builder did a bit of a slapdash job tbh. I ended up have to chip off a load of 'snots' so the insulation would sit properly flat and fill the bits he missed. Do it straight away after the block and beam goes down, or all the gaps will get full of crap and leaf debris, particularly as we head into an early autumn.

I'd just politely respond and explain what you've just posted. We moved in months before sign-off, and like you, got the house ready for sign-off as and when we could. It can't be unusual.

Batten the wall and bring the wall panel down on to the tray would be my suggestion.

Phew!

I did, I said 'No'. If you click on the link you posted and go back one page ('Back to Bright nails' - you were shopping in the Bright Nails section...), it tells you that bright nails are uncoated. Anyway, pleased you're sorted...

No; just go back a page and check the description of 'bright nails' 😉

I win, I win! Is there a prize?

Almost 3 yrs to the day! Doesn't time fly when you're having fun! 🤣

I can't recall all of the details, but someone local to us renewed their front fence, and put a sliding gate within a couple of metres of the road. I think they had to apply for retrospective PP, and highways objected on similar grounds ie. vehicles waiting on the road. They countered with some bull$hit about them being remote controlled, so could be opened on the approach of a vehicle in enough time to avoid obstructing the road. I'd have made them take the gate off, but it worked for them...

Sounds like a great offer for someone!

I'd use a 'standard' mix - 1 part cement: 2 parts sharp sand (that's the gritty stuff): 3 parts 20mm gravel. Mix in wheelbarrow, adding water a bit at a time. When you think it needs just one more splash of water, stop, 'cos that's probably going to be one splash too many. This is probably the least expensive part of the job and materials are easily available, so you could have a play around first if you wanted...

Very nice! See how I included you there... very touchy-feely I thought.

Like that's ever stopped you... Anyhow, weren't you planning a 'Green wall'? Did you find a solution?

Hmm... I'm going to stick with Capsids. The Southern Green Shield bug is known to favour beans. Not sure how it feels about peppermint, but worth a try.