Q&As

There is a 28% slope on the site where I want to build a 280m² house. Please advise me on the piling costs and also a cost comparison with building on a level site.

We want to install a solar hot water system and wonder whether there are any grants available to help?

We are having a log cabin shipped from Estonia. Since we will be living in it we are looking for high insulation properties. What sort of roofing would you recommend that is lightweight, easy for DIY installation and at the same time attractive?

How much are attic trusses? I am looking for a 9.1m attic truss with a 30cm overhang.

Our builders want 50% deposit before they will begin work on site. Wouldn’t 10% be more reasonable to allow them to buy materials to get started? I would then make interim payments every month. Should I also retain some monies for snagging, payable three months after the end of work?

I have received a quote from a builder of £850 per m². Will this include VAT?

Our back garden plot will take one or two family homes and meets all the requirements with regard to access, garden size, privacy and so on. However, after negotiating with planning for a year, during which time our architect bent over backwards to meet with the planners’ demands, the senior planning officer has indicated that […]

I am having major problems getting suitable plans approved with the conservation department within the district planning department. Can you help me find representation to handle my case – preferably someone with a successful track record. My case has been dragging on for at least two years now and is becoming stressful.