Q&As

We own and are converting a former silk mill workshop – an empty industrial building that has never been residential – into our house. It’s currently in very poor condition and has full planning for conversion with no restrictions on its future sale etc. For clarity, am I correct in thinking that if I employ [...]

I’ve been told the best timber for a timber frame home should come from the Nordic regions because the trees grow more slowly and are therefore stronger. But I’m keen to use homegrown timber in my project. Is this advisable?

The neighbours have just built a huge two-bedroom lodge one metre from my southern boundary fence, well over 2.5m high, with three windows looking directly into where my bedrooms will be. The height throws a deep shadow over my plot, and the length and width make it bigger than their original bungalow, let alone dominating [...]

What is the latest in the Government proposed legislation about building a two storey self contained residential house in the back garden along the edge of our conservation area? The main house is four stories and the proposed development would occupy a little less than a half of the back garden. The surrounding brick wall [...]

Is it worth installing pipework/glycol tubes behind black cladding to generate hot water on sunny days? If so, has anyone done it? Mike Johnson

Hi, I was just wondering on the rules around using the Lifetime ISA for self builds. I can’t seem to find any advice or answers online. We already own the land, however we would just be looking for a mortgage on the build itself and the construction. Would we be able to avail of the [...]

Long story short ‒ I’ll try to keep this brief. I had been planning a large extension and renovation. During an expensive structural survey, it was discovered that the footings of the original dwelling were unsuitable. As a result, about 95% of the property was knocked down and new footings were constructed. The only parts [...]

I was wondering if you could help, we are planning on starting our new build project, but we need a surveyor/ structural warranty. Is this something you can advise on?