Redoctober

As for land drains and the issues they may present, well I'm with @JSHarris on this matter. We too built on a section of an agricultural field. We came across field drains - didn't replace or repair as such as the drainage systems we installed, more than covered the purposes of the ones we came across.

WOW - 400 Metres away from the pole! Not sure of the cost of cable but I do know that Scottish Power who dealt with our Electricity were happy to supply 50m of cable within their quote for us in order to get connected. The Engineer went on to say anything over and you are "talking big money"!! Also, there is a member or two on this site who has had expensive experiences with energy supply issues. Tread very carefully would be my advice.

Welcome - you may wish to have a read through this thread as various suppliers are mentioned.

I've been using Longbow with a back pack on an area which measures about 600sqm - and found it to be very effective against the weeds Approx cost - £85 for 5ltrs. Back pack around £50 - worth investing in a decent one. I suspect my 5ltrs will last a very long time so no worries on that front.

Sorry, I can't bring myself to write what is actually on my mind - it's a family forum after all ?? Brightened up a dull Sunday afternoon for me anyway.

WOW - I have workshop envy. What a place!

Cheers - I appreciate that. ?

This thread is an interesting one as we too are just coming to terms with our UFH and DHW systems, driven by an ASHP. Our individual room thermostats allow us to set the UFH to be called into action when the temperature drops below the level I have set them for, during particular periods of the day. The Master panel, which I confess I never touch, shows me when the DWH is being called upon and also when the UFH is being called for. The main temp is set for 21c. @PeterW - sorry for my ignorance but how can the UFH be set for 35c and the room stats at 20.5c. Would the UFH not will cut off in those rooms once the temp reaches 20.5c?

Yes I can see that an overarching text / summary would be useful, but I have to say, I think that this is a well thought through list of requirements. I'm sure the architect will be more than happy with this type of approach and it will no doubt assist when it comes to discussing particular matters. Well done I say.

I was with @NSS on this particular matter - our RHI payments, which came through fairly swiftly I have to say, amount to £211 per quarter [£444 per annum] on a 84 EPC rated 165m2 house.

Plus one to the above - we used him and would fully recommend him. We used him for the same reasons as @joe90 Total reclaim came back at £5k on a build that cost £300k -

Another lovely looking house emerging within a truly wonderful setting.

aahh the memories. A sure sign though that things are going in the right direction. Just can't get enough of those views - do you keep thinking to yourself, how lucky you are? I would imagine so, as we often catch ourselves reflecting upon a wonderful achievement, even still, after being in for nearly a year. I think it must be a self build thing. Anyway, good luck with the forthcoming progress.

Welcome aboard and I would echo the comments above with regards to your wealth of experience and knowledge. I'm sure it will offer members that something different to tap into as and when. I feel I should ask you to cast your eye on our stone built cottage, erected last year but in a way, I'm not sure I should - The phrase " careful what you wish for " springs to mind!! ?

We opted for an oak frame carport and integrated shed - cost of frame etc without roof slates and foundations came in at around £26k - no VAT payable as it was a design, supply and fit. Oak frame with larch cladding. See image - 7m wide by 6m deep. [Early 2018 prices].

Welcome - I look forward to seeing this development unfold, so please do keep the reports coming. Yes, I would echo the sentiment that a 7 month build schedule on £1200p.s.m. is tight indeed. Don't go putting yourself under any unnecessary pressures as it will bite your backside!! We managed a seven month build from breaking ground to moving in and I did was sweep up after the tradesmen!!. I didn't manage a £1200 p.s.m. budget either. Good luck.

Hello and welcome to the forum. The way to get the best out of this site is to treat it as a two way street. Where abouts are you building? Is the intended build a complex one? Keep us updated with progress and ask as many questions as you like.

WOW, that does look impressive - and to think I thought you were developing a stone cottage !!! ?

Wow, a stunning looking property. Those moments you snatch should be rightly cherished and you should feel proud of what you have achieved. Great feeling isn't it?

@puntloos have a look at this blog entry - might help explain a few pros and cons.

It might be worth your while sending your plans off to an online estimator - for the sake of £150 or so, they provide you with a detailed breakdown of likely costs based on your spec. If the budget needs to be trimmed, then it allows you to see where possible savings could be made thereafter.

We have had one of the "mid range models" installed and it works a treat. Ours too has been installed between JJI Joists. Fits well and have had no issues with the operating side of things either.

I don't know where you are in the country but you might find UKOAKDOORS useful as they have a showroom at Lutterworth, just off the M1 - J20 I think. Failing that, you might find this place more accessible - https://www.nsbrc.co.uk/

Agreed.

As with most things in the self build world, it comes down to budget. We went for oak skirting / door frames etc simply because I didn't want the hassle of having to paint them in the future.