CalvinHobbes

Thanks, the advice here is indeed so good. The depth of knowledge, patience and tolerance for what must read as silly questions is considerable. I try to do things the right way, hence my badly phrased question so it honestly doesn't bother me if anyone including planners see it. I love BH and have spent a long time reading through old threads. Often the humour is wicked and I find myself laughing too loudly for a house full of sleeping people. My dad started this self build planning with us and he had a lot of experience developing property. He passed so tbh I can almost hear him in some of the posts I read.

Sorry, primarily I just wanted to know can you keep steps in the garden? If it's dicey - they will go and frankly be replaced. They lead to a little gate which is in the approved plans. The tree stumps aren't a worry because of their position. The fir is on the perimeter at a point which will eventually form an entrance but not initially and the fruits are to the sides. The sycamore was small but it understandably annoyed a neighbour too so it's got to go. The cottages must go because they have dry rot.

It will be marked out on Wednesday.

So the 2 cottages are stripped ready to get the heave ho as hard core on the drive. There are about 5 tree roots to dig up too (Fir, pear,2 apple and a sneaky sycamore). Trenches to be dug and a slope at front to factor in. Question: when clearing site - what do you not have to clear? Is it everything above ground must go but fences/exterior walls onto perimeter are ok? What about steps going down to the road between the cottages?

It's stunning. Our roof will be similar but the architect has specified zinc. The composite looks tremendous. You are so neat!

Tesla batteries I thought allowed you to use them when the grid fails. Their software lets the grid pay you for 10% rental too that they can draw in when it's needed. When will other companies catch up?

Thanks for the recommendations. I will chase it up. Just had a scam phone call re insulation wanted ad I put on gumtree. Bloody hell he claimed to be Neil Johnson and was offering 42 sheets of 150mm kingspan for £165!! Yeah I know, if it's too good to be true it is. Anyway the bugger is still calling me. He sent me an invoice from his company - I called them and they knew nothing about him of course. They have passed it to the police.

Thanks, kinda thinking i wont risk buying it in case its deemed unsuitable or makes the u value worse. I hadn't considered the compressive strength.

Does floorboard insulation vary from Kooltherm? Looking at an ad on gumtree for the latter. Also can we use insulation we get off gumtree if it matches the description or is the equivalent of ? Also can we add 2 different mm depths to get the right one? I see you can buy 40mm floorboard insulation. Will it matter if it means there are 2 levels of foil? Sorry for all the questions!

electric windows, bluetooth, cruise control........but it hasn't a mirror behind the visor. 💄

So in my quest for a van (ended up with Ford transit) I was told beware french makes who have had a gear oil change that wasn't oil by the manufacturer. Its inevitably too heavy and it will lay down after 3000 miles. Apparently some people realise after they have done it and sell it on.

Thanks Peter I did need to hear that

This is why I am getting it, nearly tempted to go that bit further and get them...https://www.gumtree.com/p/building-insulation/extratherm-insulation-/1448892596 bah just checked architect wants 150mm thick Kingspan Thermaroof TR26

2012 Vauxhall Vivaro 6 speed manual NO VAT. Psv'd to June 2023. Going to see it tomorrow

Thought about that, need a car with a tow hitch though. I drive an electric which is totally unsuitable.

Budget is tight so it's between this https://www.gumtree.com/p/vans/vauxhall-vivaro-panel-van-2012-manual-1995-cc-/1448828593 and https://jftrucksandvans.com/stock/mar-2013-3488-no-vatnissan-nv200-1-5-dci-89-se-van/ I drove one years ago when my dad had a shop. Getting it to help get stuff from gumtree, builders merchants etc. Really just need it to last a year...but stay legal

Looking at the stages as given by building control,when does commencement actually begin? Do we have to tell building control before the old house comes down? (No cil in NI). I had it in my head building control got involved from foundations up.

Also as if that's not enough I would like it to hold a merv 13 filter. I know moon on stick.😁 https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/what-kind-filter-should-i-use-my-home-hvac-system-help-protect-my-family-covid-19 Currently on day 7 of having covid so yep it does sound enticing.

Seen this but the brink option sees a bit ££££. Was recommended Nuaire but unsure. Also who is the least expensive to get it planned out?

I bought a load in poundland ages ago for a pound, they still work grand.

What is the best value for money MVHR system with some hope of getting parts in future? Also feel free to tell me any brands to avoid.

There is, nearly tempted to...on the condition it goes again. A relative is involved who has 2 40ft containers full of stuff elsewhere, worried she might take it as an opportunity to store more and never let it go.

I see more price rises for insulation in Feb. 😒 We should be breaking ground in January, block build. I was wondering what could we buy in advance and store it in our back yard to avoid price rises? Obviously not plasterboard but what else? Sadly no shed.

omg