Steve Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 Hi Everyone, We are in the early stages of our self build and I'm interested to get your specification must-haves whilst I still have the opportunity to make changes/look at alternatives. I'm trying to keep an open mind so it can be anything relating to the self build which you believe shouldn't be missed off. Whether it be a Hep2O manifold, MVHR system, CAT cabling, plant room, hot water tap etc etc. Preferred brands where applicable would be appreciated too to help with researching. Many thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProDave Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 This could be a long list. LOTS of insulation. Air tight membrane and seal everything to death. MVHR Good triple glazed windows and doors. Efficient heating system probably with under floor heating. Beyond that it gets very much into personal tastes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dreadnaught Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 (edited) PHPP model of your house before you start and blower-door test at the end (ideally one before then too), and lot more about Passive House besides. A fabric-first approach! Edited April 7, 2018 by Dreadnaught Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexphd1 Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 I think Dave nails it pretty much. For me low mantaince material was also important. Aluclad windows. Stainless roof and gutters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CC45 Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 As per Dave. We did go 2g not 3g, difference was massive - years of gas! Don't skimp on what you can't redo in the future. Put the utility in the middle of the house. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProDave Posted April 8, 2018 Share Posted April 8, 2018 If we are talking about layout, make sure you put your hot water tank right at the centre of where all the hot taps are to minimise pipe lengths to the hot tap. Don't do what my (plumber) friend did, and put the HW tank in the plant room at one end, the complete opposite end of the house to the bathrooms and kitchen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lizzie Posted April 8, 2018 Share Posted April 8, 2018 5 minutes ago, ProDave said: If we are talking about layout, make sure you put your hot water tank right at the centre of where all the hot taps are to minimise pipe lengths to the hot tap. Don't do what my (plumber) friend did, and put the HW tank in the plant room at one end, the complete opposite end of the house to the bathrooms and kitchen. Mine is at the opposite end of the house in the plant room.....quite a wait for hot water to get through to the bathrooms, good tip ProDave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe90 Posted April 8, 2018 Share Posted April 8, 2018 12 hours ago, CC45 said: As per Dave. We did go 2g not 3g, difference was massive - years of gas! Don't skimp on what you can't redo in the future. Put the utility in the middle of the house. I also went 2g not 3g, not a lot of difference in u value ( window manufacturer had their own glass technician to give optimum coatings). i agree with lots of insulation, and air tightness with MVHR . I also agree with DHW cylinder central to points of use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToughButterCup Posted April 8, 2018 Share Posted April 8, 2018 23 hours ago, Steve said: [...] I'm trying to keep an open mind so it can be anything relating to the self build which you believe shouldn't be missed off. [...] A sense of humour. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferdinand Posted April 8, 2018 Share Posted April 8, 2018 A longer term perspective than you thought you needed. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProDave Posted April 8, 2018 Share Posted April 8, 2018 And deeper pockets than you thought you would need. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteamyTea Posted April 8, 2018 Share Posted April 8, 2018 Rather than doing a full PHPP model, you could make a simple spreadsheet model and see what happens when you change the key elements of walls, doors, windows floor, and air changes. You can normally get basic weather information for you area from the Met Office. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeremy Harris Posted April 8, 2018 Share Posted April 8, 2018 5 minutes ago, SteamyTea said: Rather than doing a full PHPP model, you could make a simple spreadsheet model and see what happens when you change the key elements of walls, doors, windows floor, and air changes. You can normally get basic weather information for you area from the Met Office. Like this one? http://www.mayfly.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Fabric-and-ventilation-heat-loss-calculator-Master.xls 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonM Posted April 9, 2018 Share Posted April 9, 2018 Modelling the performance of the house whilst it is still a drawing and easy to change, together with insulation, air-tightness and MVHR will go a long way to producing a comfortable house to live in. Keep things as simple as possible and bear in mind that anything Technology related is likely to dated in 5 yrs and obsolete in 10 years. Have a clear understanding of what your house requirements and budget are before you start. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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