Q&As

I own an old sandstone villa (sandstone ashlar walls) which has no insulation and is very cold. I’ve tried to find some guidance on how to install internal insulation but I have been unable to find a coherent overview method of how to install wall, floor, roof insulation without causing any problems with condensation. Most [...]

In 2015, I paid £315K for a 170sqm bungalow on a 0.5 acre plot in the beautiful Cheshire countryside, which required a complete renovation. I spent almost £300k on adding a 100sqm extension; £10k’s worth of solar panels; 230sqm of wet UFH heated by biomass boiler on RHI (pays over £2K a year); rewiring the [...]

Following an accredited structural survey on a Victorian terraced house in East London, some structural repairs are required on a renovation project, which are fairly major. I would like to get professional specifications drawn up under advisement that are: A) suitable to obtain building control (BC) approval for self build and/or master trades where appropriate [...]

I have submitted a planning application for a replacement residential dwelling (three bed bungalow being replaced with a five bed chalet bungalow – our sole residence) and as part of the condition of approving the application the local authority requires that we complete a Biodiversity Net Gain assessment. They said approval will be provided in [...]

This is my second self-build and I have already had a VAT claim back in 2012, am I able to do it again with this new self-build?

I have a Class Q application going through the appeal process. I am reasonably confident of success as it was declined on subjective grounds that they think too much work is needed, despite engineering reports and architects having a different opinion. If I succeed, I want to put in for a replacement house instead that [...]

I live in Hertfordshire St Albans in a very desirable area. I have an approved planning permission for a 3/4 beds detached house with parking. I need an advice on how raise the fund to build it or sell the land with the planning permission.

I’m looking into building my own home and am trying to find a plot in a rural, countryside location. However, much of what I’m seeing is intended for agricultural use. How do you know what kind of land is suitable for changing to residential use, and what are the parameters and potential constraints involved in [...]