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In this episode, we will be running through the window and door types by material (timber / pvc / alu / composite), discussing the benefits and disadvantages to each and description of terminology used in industry.

Scottish Self-Build and Renovation is delighted to be joined by Ben Trotter of Filpumps, based in Inverurie Aberdeenshire. In this episode, we are discussing why it is so important to understand the main types of off-mains water supply available when considering a self-build project. Proceeding to develop the incorrect supply can result in problems such as a shortage of water, poor water pressure of failing water quality.  It addresses the main types of private water supply available, understanding their unique traits and making them work for each application. Note that this is an audio recording of the webinar, and so, for the full version, including visual presentation, please check out our website https://scottishselfbuild.com. 

On this programme, kindly sponsored by Scotframe, Scottish Self-Build and Renovation was joined by a panel of experts to host a LIVE interactive session about listeners own self-build or renovation project, whether it is in the early concept stage or advanced execution. Our panel of speakers include:- Duncan Robson of DWR Architecture for Project Management, Architectural and Interior Design; Hamish Malcolm of Munro Noble Financial Services  and Neil Walker of The Communities Housing Trust for Finance, including raising finance, self-build mortgages; Malcolm Thomson of Scotframe for Timber Kit / Construction; Bohdan Nastiuk of Home Energy Scotland for renewables and energy efficiency; Caroline and Thomas Laurenson of TL Tech Smart for smart homes and audio/visual; Ben Trotter of Filpumps for private water supply development and treatment

 We are joined by Ben Trotter from Scotland's private water supply specialists, Filpumps. Established in 1992, Filpumps have remained at the forefront of the industry for 28 years. Ben will take us through the different types of private water supplies and equipment, exploring the best way to utilise these to create a reliable and safe water supply for your home. 

A question that gets asked a lot by people doing major home renovations or a new build is whether they should include hardwired network connections throughout the home. As with all questions there is no one right answer and the best solution for you will depend on a number of factors. We are big fans of shows like Grand Designs and this often gives the impression that to include hardwired systems involves kilometres of cabling and a unit the size of a larder fridge to accommodate in a cupboard somewhere. But there are other options and it is often the case that a hybrid solution of wired and wireless gives the optimum connectivity to suit your requirements. We are joined by TL Tech Smart and we’ll discuss the options and the things that might influence your choices such as your lifestyle and budget. By the end of the podcast, you should feel more informed and confident to discuss your requirements with your electrician or smart home integration specialist.

The Scottish Government has provided a Self-Build Loan Fund to assist individuals experiencing difficulty in obtaining self-build mortgage finance, and who can repay the loan upon completion of their new home. The fund is administered by The Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust. The SBLF is available from 1 September 2018 to 31 August 2021 and is open to applicants across Scotland in both rural and urban areas. Applications can be submitted at any point between these dates with all loans to be repaid by 31 August 2022. This session will provide information on the criteria to qualify for this Fund and how it could help you e.g downsizing, bridging, gifted land, crofting. We will be joined by Neil Walker, Self-Build Loan Fund Officer for The Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust. 

Scottish Self-Build and Renovation is delighted to be joined by Richard Tinto of Tinto Architecture Interiors and You. We will be discussing why a Self-build or Renovation is not only a sound investment but also how it is the best way to ensure you and your family get the very best space possible to improve the quality of your lives. We will also cover the importance of knowing your area that you would intend to live, whether this is a new build or renovating your existing home. Finally, we will cover the decision process to evaluate the best solution for you, that creates more value, better for the environment and, most importantly, better for the lives of the customer. Richard is the founder and leader of Team Tinto. A true creative and design thinker he was architecturally trained at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture, Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.

Scottish Self-Build and Renovation is delighted to be joined by Mike Bauermeister and Daniel Tweats of Kishorn Insulations. This webinar firstly introduces Kishorn Insulations, and then looks at the different ways heat escapes from your home by touching on some building science principles. Kishorn will go on to demonstrate the benefit of airtightness, the inaccuracies of UValues , and introduce Icynene spray foam insulation as a very effective solution.

Scottish Self-Build and Renovation is delighted to be joined on its third online programme by Kelly Tadd of Black Isle Renewables who will be presenting on future proofing your home and providing an introduction to heat pumps and how this can provide all your heating and hot water needs, reducing your carbon footprint and providing a comfortable indoor climate. Based in Dingwall, Black Isle Renewables are specialists in environmentally-friendly, renewable heating systems and operate throughout North Scotland.

Scottish Self-Build and Renovation is delighted to be joined on its second programme by none other than Hamish Malcolm of Munro and Noble Financial Services who will be providing a step-by-step guide to self-build mortgages. Hamish will provide an overview of mortgage providers and available products, what lenders are typically looking for, other potential sources of finance for self-build projects, current changes being experienced due to current COVID challenges and options for re-financing at the end of your self-build project.Based in Inverness, Hamish is a highly experienced independent adviser on commercial and residential lending.

We are joined on our inaugural Scottish Self-Build and Renovation podcast by Duncan Robson of DWR Architecture Aberdeenshire who is going to provide an introductory overview of the various aspects of Self-build Projects from start to finish.  Duncan will briefly cover topics including assessing your property’s potential, Money Matters, Architectural Design, Planning and Local Authority Permissions, Construction, Health and Safety, as well as Quality, Cost & Time Management.  A great beginner's guide to self-builds if you are contemplating the next exciting chapter in your life!