Sounds really tough. This is the company I used many years ago....soundstop. Their website is informative. Just in case you haven't already seen it, they mention a couple of ultra slim products on their website, and some sort of 'joist caps'. There may be generic, non-branded versions of the similar products. I'm not sure. Another thought - Would there be the same issue for wall insulation on the neighbour's side? Maybe you could share the cost if they were also interested and could fit it on their side?

Looks a nice big house. I think I’d live it in first and see how you use the space. I’d definitely want a larger kitchen but I think with a 4 storey house you also need a WC downstairs. There are a lot of guest bedrooms, maybe you could use one of the upstairs rooms as a laundry room and maybe another study or play room? Or consider using bed 3 (?) as a lovely ensuite to the principal bedroom. It may also be cheaper/easier to use that back bedroom as a bathroom given where the existing pipe work is. Maybe in future you could also consider extending into the side return?

I agree with you about new builds feeling a bit 'shiny'. I would go for huge format tiles such as Mandarin Stone concrete look ones (Kast sand) in a warm colour. You can't scuff them, they are very practical and look good in a contemporary setting. I've got engineered wood but I wouldn't have it in a kitchen and I have LVT in my studio which is super practical but doesn't 'feel' like wood it that's imporatant to you.

Hello! It looks like you put a lot of effort into the design of your new home, which is fantastic. Concrete is indeed chilly underfoot, and a few essential changes could make a significant impact. Here are some considerations for your floor: 1. The first and most effective, in my opinion, is a mix of underfloor heating and floor screed. Since you're working with a concrete foundation, one of the most effective ways to keep your flooring warm is to install underfloor heating. This works especially well with a well laid floor screed, which helps to uniformly distribute heat over your flooring. Not only does this keep the floor warm, but it also improves the overall comfort of your living space. It works especially well with LVT because the equal heat dispersion keeps the floor at a pleasant temperature. Applying a layer of floor screed over your concrete base before laying down LVT or laminate adds an extra layer of insulation. This means that your floors will feel warmer to the touch, and the screed can also help create a smoother, more lasting surface for your flooring by removing any irregularities in the concrete that may compromise the quality of the LVT or laminate. 2. When we talk about design, half carpet, half laminate is probably the best solution here. Mixing carpet and laminate can be very effective, but a clear delineation is required to make the transition appear deliberate rather than a compromise. The idea is to select complementary colours and textures. If you're concerned about aesthetics, using a single type of flooring across the space, such as LVT or laminate, may be more cohesive, especially if you have an effective heating solution underneath. If ease of cleaning is important, especially with a newborn, laminate or LVT is the way to go in the dining room. You can still create a cosy living environment by layering a large area rug over the LVT, giving you the best of both worlds: comfort and functionality. I'd recommend contacting Next Level, these guys are experts at this topic and can provide specialised guidance. Hope this helps!