The roof is nearing completion now. For a "belts and braces" approach, we've installed vents at eaves and ridge level, to ensure a good through-flow of air above the insulation envelope and thus reduce the risk of condensation/timber decay.

At the front of the gable there was originally a ridge finial - still to be seen on neighbouring properties. Some Googling lead me to this website, where believe it or not this guy specialises in making reproduction finials - amazing what you can find online! This one is a close match to the one our house would have originally had...

With the roof fully stripped, we discovered a purlin running right behind the original skylight at the top of the stairs (which we couldn't see before because it was behind plaster). This meant that the larger replacement Velux window could not be accommodated. As this is a smoke vent window and part of our fire safety design, this was a significant issue.

The builders have started work on the roof today. Straight away we've found out that we aren't going to be able to salvage as many slates as expected. Apart from that, it's so far, so good.

The MVHR units arrived...

I was considering a very impressive 1.5 litre vacuum flush toilet called Propelair, which I'd seen at Ecobuild...