Colin Shaw

I am already recycling the old septic tank! Flogas now £1520 plus VAT could check others for same…

I have run it down to next to nothing - 5% max.

It’s from Flogas - underground tank.

I got Calor gas to install an underground LPG tank 4 years ago as no mains gas available. I am now knocking down the property and rebuilding and will use ASHP as single heating source. Kitchen will have induction hob. I was going to remove the LPG tank but cost is £1800 to do so. Cost of keeping the tank is currently £100/year assuming just daily rental. Is there any limit to how long you can do this for without buying gas? At todays prices it would take £18 years before I would be out of pocket so I was considering keeping the tank (blanking pipe work) in case I decided ASHP was not for me or I wanted to use gas for cooking. I was also hoping cost of removal may come down in future as gov drives green agenda. Has anyone else had the same dilemma and is there anything that would prohibit me keeping the tank under rental only but not actually buying gas? Thanks

Agreed with contractor paying but he is not keen to payout now given the long lag until house completion (which I understand - he us very accommodating builder) but to secure now will save 12% uplift (and possibly more by the time we put in the order) from the window company.

Thanks for the feedback. Looking at the rules I can see no mention of timeframe pre start I’d build only completion timeframe if submitting within 3 months. I can explain it clearly if required. thanks again..

I am about to start a single contractor self build in February. I am currently finalising the windows- the builder had a set quote which I have then gone to the supplier and significantly amended to suit it requirements. I have the full quote (£54inc VAT) but the window prices are about to increase. Deposit required to secure them is 35%. If I pay the deposit now myself, prior to the build start, will I be able to claim VAT back at the end of the build since final payment and delivery will of course be during build period? Even though main contractor will be paying remaining 65% as this is same amount as original quote. hope this makes sense!

MarkyP - many thanks for taking the time to give such a detailed reply. Given me plenty to think about! Much appreciated..

I am building a new build and planning UFH throughout, ASHP and Solar PV. Looking for recommendations on how to do the UFH on 1st floor, we will be using easijoists. was told metal plate options are poor and best was to use a screed. 18 or 22mm OSB then follow the joists with 25mm Batons and 25mm dry screed to fit the UFH piping in. Planning 18mm engineered wood floor on top but not sure if I should lay this direct in screed/batons or an additional 22mmOSB - this us what the builder suggests. I feel this will inhibit the UFH effectiveness but understand the builder is trying to make it ultra solid. other issue is that the floor thickness could now be 69mm plus the 18mm engineered wood which will affect sliding doors.. Anyone got similar experience or recommendations? Thanks in advance..

Thanks for the replies. I am keen to stick with original k-rend plan just needed some genuine feedback to discuss with builder... ultimately it’s my choice of course!

I am finalising a quote from my builder for a new build. Walls are block and insulation on exterior with a render over thus. We had always considered using k-rend or Weber finish but the builder is far keener to do a sand/cement finish which will require painting. His reasoning is that he believes Weber etc will turn green (algae/moss?) and require annual jet washing. Would love to hear opinions on this and peoples reasoning for choosing their own finish and experiences with annual maintenance. many thanks

I am in a fortunate position if recently taking early redundancy aged 54. I have a very good pension pot and plan to withdraw 25% up to individual limits next year at 55 which will pay off my existing mortgage and part of a self build. I estimate that I will have a shortfall of circa £200k on completion of the build. Has anyone got experience of self build lenders that will lend against a pension pot. Obviously post build there are several mortgage companies I can choose. Appreciate any advice or from anyone gone through similar. Many thanks..