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Hi everybody. I've been searching for some input and advice on my MHRV system online, and noticed this very helpful site. My wife and I built our house about 5 years ago, and have a loft mounted Regavent Air Unit 600 DC R fitted, and it is this system that we're seeking some input and advice on. Having experience a few warm summers, and having finally read the manual in detail we have learnt more about what the standard 'Summer' mode actually does - namely switch the incoming air supply OFF to allow windows to be opened, rather than provide a bypass to the incoming air heat exchange. Fair enough. However, the ability to have cooler air (i.e. with no heat recovery active) distributed via the system is attractive, not least due to keeping noise, bugs and dust out in the evenings and nights. So, having also learnt that the bypass function was then, and is still now an option (which we would have likely chosen at the time had we been more aware), we're assessing whether this is a possibility to be fitted as an after market solution. The Regavent does not list this as being available as a retrofit - in fact the 'Shop' options do seem pretty limited, suggesting that the company wants to only sell components if they can be sold with a fitting option. Checking back on our old quotations, the bypass was listed as an option but was not costed - again suggesting that some components may have a variable price depending on the deal being struck. Appreciate if anyone on the forum has had any experience of having the bypass option added as an after market fit, either by having Regavent in, by purchasing the equipment themselves or even having a 3rd party system fitted. Many thanks.

Hello all, Just starting out, based in angus Scotland. My parents built their own home using scandiahus 20 years ago and always fancied it. We sold our house in January planning just to buy another home in a more rural location, its not panned out as the market has gone nuts and so thinking this is the world telling us to build our own?! I have an 11 and 13 year old, run my own business. We have identified a plot (one of 4) and are negotiating on it. These plots so far have not sold and I am told by the agent its down to the phone/broadband signal being very poor. Anyway, I suppose my list of initial silly questions are as follows: 1.The plot already has full planning permission , we would just need to make some design changes to meet our needs, how long could that take? 2. Anyone had success with getting decent broadband into a rural area? How did you do it? Running a business and 2 kids makes this as essential as running water! 3. Living on site? If we bought a static, how easy is it to get connected , permission to live on the site and can you have a caravan as an address so you can get post? 4. Self build mortgages for people who run their own business, where to start? 5. We intend to do a lot of the work ourselves, what is a realistic cost psqm? My architect reckons with current rise in costs the lowest we could aim for is 1500/sqm. 6. ANy other general advice? Thanks Jenny

Hi all, Been lurking a while soaking up the wisdom, while our plans percolate and mature. Already been an enducation! Just in the process ofr finalising the techincal specs for a new 5 bed house in Hampshire in the Meon Valley area. Some details of what we will be attmepting to lure others into conversation on same topics and steal their knowlesge...:-) Pile and beam foundation: After much to and fro between geotechnical engineer, architect and structural engineer on foundation type...I had wanted to do an unsulated/pasive slab which builder and I could have laid ourselves. Vetoed Hempcrete build as far as we can.Trying to build as sustainably as possible, interested what we can do with the material and helps to avoid competition for bricks...only competiing interests are horses for bedding...... Trying to get as energy efficient without committing to passive house as too constraining on design and I do like open windows at times. Still figuring out energy mix: Solar PV and thermal definitely, UFH, then debating on whether an ASHP or GSHP is going to pay back if the house is highly insulated. But how else do I cover the heating gap Recoup waste heat with MVHR. We are off-grid for gas otherwise I did like the look of the integrated Viessmann fuel cell/gas boiler. As in Southdown National park, stricty nitrogen requirements, so foul drainage going through septic tank and reed beds and pond to drainage field. Off mains drains. To manage rain water drainage on the plot I thought I might as well try my hand at creating a natural swimming pool. They are nice to look at and it will be an adventure! Anyway that is us for now! Hope to start the build in January for a couple of years. We live on the site in a bungalow which we have to demolish afterwards, so we can take our time and enjoy hte journey. Cheers Paul

Hi everyone, I just wanted to introduce myself, and hopefully I can add some value to people. Two years ago I Completed on a property which I completed a medium renovation on, and enjoyed doing it. I done this to a high standard, and the property let out since before the "To Let" sign even got put up. I currently work full time (on Shift) in a different sector, which I do not enjoy. But I like property, business and anything related. I read everyday, and I am constantly learning. So I hope I can add value in one way or another. I may not know the answer, but I might know someone who does, as prior to Covid, I used to regularly network at property events, and sometimes business events. So my plan near in Norfolk, is to hire out Construction related equipment, and find a strong USP (unique selling proposition), as this market is competitive (but I am sure that you are all in competitive fields to, due to the demand). I would love to help anyone in anyway I can, and if you have hired equipment before, I would love to hear what you have rented ect. Especially if it is mini diggers.

hi guys I'm building my own house in norfolk its a solid wall constuction with ground floor block and beam and first floor with 215 mm hollow core concrete slabs externally 200 mm insulation with a thin coat render system . my background is ive been a bricklayer for over 40 years and also specialised in machine rendering/plastering and also pumped floor screeds hopefully I can be of help on this forum !!