Adrian Walker

Take advice on the VAT front as I'm not sure it would/should qualify as new build unless the bungalow is demolished. I would have windows with less mullions. Bi-folds are overrated IMHO.

It's a bit late now, but you shouldn't have a toilet in a wet room. The reason that most people have toilets in bathrooms is because plumbers are lazy. That's a quote from Kevin McCloud.

Welcome to BuildHub and good luck with your application, the design and build to passive house standards is a good choice. I presume that you have used an architect to develop your ideas? Has your house been modelled in PHPP? Your form factor could be a little squarer, but with lots of insulation that shouldn't be a major problem. ICF comes in many versions, but I would look at Velox rather than Durisol or Isotex if you don't want the hassle with airtightness. Depending on your ground conditions Foamed Glass might be a good way to achieve an insulated slab. For DHW (Domestic Hot Water)I would have a look at Sunamp, charged using off-peak electricity. UFH would be a sensible solution for space heating with the option for cooling using an ASHP. Your heating requirement are going to be minimal. I presume that you have a large PV array?

What you need is SAFETY RIGGER BOOTS

My take on the £/sqm is that it not a linear relationship and the sqm area is not defined. Is it the building footprint, useable space, or something else. It is often used by architects to gage a "ballpark' figure from a client. Bearing in mind that very few architects have actually build a house, I think it's a crazy parameter. If you are asking someone to design or build a house for you, tell them the total budget, or the amount that you have after other costs have been taken deducted, eg. land and solicitors fees. £/sqm does help anyone IMHO.

Agreed, however depending on the numbers, you can get an UPVC Passive House Certified window system - https://www.liniar.co.uk/upvc-windows/passivhaus/

If you have two arms full of shopping, etc it's nice that it does it automatically. What a waste of £10 lol

I had one of the first Nanoleaf bulbs in the UK. I have had one firmware update and it has been faultless. The colours are excellent.

Not sure I totally agree with this. We were promised home automation when I was a child, I don't think technology has moved fast enough IMHO. I have a mix of lighting and appliances that I can control and automate from phones or voice (both Siri and Google) - it just works and I'm very happy with it. e.g I arrive home at night and the hall light is on.

You mentioned NHBC, so I guess there is a warranty with it? In most cases NHBC warranties are very difficult to claim on, and as suggested I would go after the conveyancing surveyor. The builder won't care, he has been paid.

This should be OK .https://www.groundtrax.com/cellpave-50-interlocking-ground-reinforcement-system/

Have you considered using Foamed Glass as an insulation? - https://www.mikewye.co.uk/product/foam-glass-insulation-aggregate/

Thanks, yes, that's the stuff. I will PM you.

I’m looking for some off-cuts of Ubbink (bright green) 90/75 ducting. A couple of 500mm length would be great. Happy to arrange a courier or pay postage. Thanks.

Still work in progress as other projects (inc 4 poster bed) have over taken this.

I think he said that he had a bore hole for water and also the pool might be inside

IMHO the architect was thinking about his 10% of build cost fee!!

If it's full insulated a pool will be fine. If you have water source heat pump you should get CoP of 6

A pool is a perfect way to store and extract heat.

Totally agree. There is nothing good about this design and build. Everything is so bland.

They obviously don't know what there doing. It must be sad to see, what a waste, and I guess a long lead time?

It looks like the glass was standing up the wrong way in the first place.

I tried searching to and there aren't any. The reason that I have been told is that all energy providers that to pay a fee to the National Grid which provides the transmission and distribution of electricity. "In 2016, Ofgem removed the requirement for tariffs to have a standing charge following recommendations by the Competition and Markets Authority. However, though suppliers are no longer required to set a standing charge on their tariffs most still do."

IMHO I would use a low or zero VOC paint

Glue is your friend.