Q&As

I’m having a house redeveloped. It’s quite a big job, about £180k inc VAT for the total work. As it’s not a new build, I know I cannot reclaim all VAT. My question is, should the builder be passing back the VAT he is reclaiming on products purchased on my behalf? What is the usual [...]

Looking for self build insurance Have site with existing building, scheduled for demolition. The existing new detached garage (6m x 12m) will remain Location is coastal, with a SIP kit build and steel foundations Tried a few of the main players already and have been unsuccessful. Any thoughts ?

I am thinking of using Oakwrights for a build project. Is there a lender that will finance the project using my existing home as surety, and if so, how does it work? Would I be able to remain in my existing home until the project is finished/can be moved into?

We have planning approval to do a rear and side extension, and also to convert our loft into a bedroom. We may not do the whole project ourselves, but we are one year into our planning approval (out of the three before it lapses), so we wanted to do something to ensure the approval lasts [...]

I’m renovating a property which was empty for 15 years and I have a couple specific questions about the VAT reclaim process. Firstly, my VAT registered builder is purchasing some materials from his suppliers and, at the end of each month, invoices me for materials and labour with VAT on the total of 5%. My [...]

We are looking to replace a mobile home with a log home or modular build. Can you advise on the best option for a long term home. We would have preferred brick built but would be outside our £120,000 budget for a 3 bedroom bungalow.

We have an asphalt floor and want to stick some oak wooden floorboards onto it. Would you be able to advise on which primer and glue would be the most suitable? Also, are you able to clarify if there is a difference in the adhesive requirements between solid wood flooring and engineering flooring and what [...]

I am subscribed and have been for a while with your magazine which is very interesting. I just wondered if you ever done any articles or are thinking of doing any articles on self build for the disabled people as I would be very interested in getting some other peoples input and point of view. [...]