Monday 12 November
First up, a meeting on site with the partner of the man in charge to remind him about the agreed working hours and that no noisy activities should take place after 1pm on Saturdays (although they can do non-noisy work).
As we spoke, the boards over the windows and door openings had been removed, opening up views of the garden jam packed full of materials and odd bits of equipment. However the opening for the new garden doors is now ready for them to be installed on Wednesday, along with the new window.
Finishing the reveals around the doors and window will be done afterwards, when the rest of the wall is boarded and plastered (there's not much of it...most of this end of the house will be glazing at ground floor level).
This seemed like a good time to remind him that the new doors and windows are going to arrive on Wednesday and the guys must clear the decking immediately outside (if nothing else) so that these can be installed. He agreed that it was time to get rid of the old French doors which are still propped up on the deck, the rubbish that's accumulated, and all the stuff they are no longer using. He said that another skip had been ordered. That's good news assuming it actually comes!
The next delivery deadline is Thursday afternoon, when the kitchen cabinets are due to arrive. By then, the screed on the lower dining area level will need to be protected so that the units can be put in this area, opened, checked and stored pending installation next week.
The kitchen area itself will also need to be cleared to do the installation. Most of the space is currently being taken up by a mixer used for the screed last week. That's no longer needed and can go back to the plant hire people. There's also some sheets of plasterboard to be found a new home if they are to be used here, as well as OSB and ply, which will probably be used to protect the screed.
I reminded him that the boxed in vent duct also needs to be skimmed as quickly as possible so that the plaster can dry out and be painted before the kitchen wall units are put up on Monday, tight underneath this lowered area of ceiling. A friend is on standby to help me paint on Thursday, but whether we'll actually be able to do it depends on how quickly the skim coat of plaster goes on and dries out. I have a horrible feeling that I'll end up doing at the weekend, rather than visiting a friend as planned - yet another weekend working on the house project rather than socialising - I do hope not...
There was also a discussion about the last bit of stud wall to be constructed on the ground floor to enclose the stairs above the stringer within the kitchen area. The bit below the stairs will stay open to accommodate a sideboard - my overflow storage for kitchen and dining items not used on a regular basis.
I was worried that this stud would intrude into the opening for the door into the kitchen. I'm assured that it won't. However, it will be tight as the stud has to be firelined to separate the stairs from the kitchen area in a fire protected compartment - a requirement because the house is on three levels since the loft was converted in 1989. I think he'd forgotten that, and was planning to put up a simple timber partition rather than something more robust...
Having gone through these points, I felt a bit easier in my mind...only to feel more frustrated as the day wore on and none of the action points discussed had been progressed. The only person on site was a new chap working in the loft, which is not time critical to meet deadlines, unlike the work downstairs. Doh!
Still, I suppose I should be pleased about any progress - the plinth for the shower has now been constructed ready to take the shower tray which has been delivered.
Whilst still maintaining headroom over the stairs below, the sloping floor in the toilet which projected over the loft stairs below the old wash basin and cupboard has been modified to provide a larger flat area where you can stand while using the new wash hand basin. This is necessary because the new short projection toilet pan will have to be installed further forward than before, so that people using the loo don't bump their heads on the replacement purlin which spans the back wall of the toilet cubicle. Pulling the loo forward reduces the space between the toilet pan and wash basin. As a result, original sloping floor under the old wash basin has had to be modified to enlarge the area of flat floor where you can stand when using the wash basin. Had this not been done, you would have been able to wash your hands when sitting on the toilet - that would be just too cramped!
The framework for the remaining shower wall has also gone up (most of this wall will be a glazed panel to allow borrowed light into the shower from the Velux in the WC adjacent).
A cupboard at high level on the landing above the stairwell has been cut back to line through with the back of the shower. What's left of this cupboard space will be opened up into the toilet cubicle to provide an additional storage "niche" above the wash hand basin for toiletries. It will all make sense when you see the photos of the finished thing!
At his request, I sent the builder a link to the extract fan with an integral light which I would like to be used in the loft shower as he couldn't find the original link I'd sent him, plus a link to the track light I'm proposing to use downstairs so that the electrician can select the best place to put the power feed.
And surprise, surprise, the new kitchen sink has arrived! It has taken up temporary residency in the front room as there's nowhere else to put it downstairs and its far too heavy for me to carry upstairs. However, by this time next week, it should be installed in its new home...
What else? I think I've solved the mystery as to why the man in charge keeps billing me for an item I've already paid for...He's noted the payment, but put it against the wrong item in the schedule of works, one box above where it should have gone. Here's hoping that he now realises his mistake and we can end what has been a time consuming and unproductive exchanges of emails.
I've queried a variation on the latest valuation arising from the Building Inspector's request to use fireline board rather than plasterboard downstairs. Happy to pay the extra cost over and above standard plasterboard, but the man in charge has requested payment for 70 sheets, when I estimate that less than half that number were needed, even allowing for 10% wastage. I've asked him to check my maths and let me know if he agrees with the calculation. If I've made a silly mistake adding up areas, then I won't argue...
However, I also pointed out that if he seeks a variation dating back to the Building Inspector's visit on 18 September, then it's only fair that he should pay for the variation in my costs which were incurred (coincidentally on the same day) when I ordered and paid the new garden doors and windows after waiting a fortnight for him to do it without any action. The quote from the supplier was over £300 more than the builders quote which I'd accepted, and I'd absorbed the extra outgoing without making a fuss just to get the order processed and production in train, given the 6 week lead in time between order and installation. I think its only fair that he accepts my variation of costs, if I accept his...we shall see.
On a happier note, I'm allowing myself time to think about some nicer things to do with the build - researching furniture and fittings - and make decisions about appliances ready to grab any relevant bargains in the Black Friday sales - one unexpected and potentially welcome benefit to come out of all these delays!
Tuesday 13 November
I was out most of the morning but delighted and relieved to see that the skip has been changed over in my absence, and is starting to fill up.
Another meeting with the partner of the man in charge shortly after I arrived back home. We've sorted out detailing in the loft shower, including the routing of the drain pipe and the design of the glazed panel on one side of the shower cubicle. Also agreed where the combined shower extract/light will be positioned inside the shower cubicle and the routing of its duct to the exterior.
Downstairs, we agreed where the external lights will go - one centred above the doors, the other centred over the window - and the position of the extract duct external vents, side by side above the light over the window (not a lot of choice about that!). I can choose and buy them now I we've agreed where they are going.
The section of lowered ceilings will be skim plastered tomorrow. As predicted, there won't be enough time for the plaster to dry and be painted on Thursday. I think I'll have to return early from my weekend away to get it done ready for the kitchen cabinets to be installed on Monday.
We also discussed who was responsible for buying what - drawing up and agreeing a list is a good idea for the avoidance of doubt, provided its based on the schedule of works. I think the firm may be having cash flow problems...
On a related subject, the supplier of the new garden doors and window invoiced me this afternoon for the balance of the supply/fit cost which I must transfer prior to installation tomorrow. They are due to arrive between 10am and 11 am. Tomorrow is going to be exciting. Installing the doors and windows will make a big transformation downstairs.
The man on site has been working on the inspection pit to the main drain which now runs internally, underneath the new extension, so that its ready to take the "tray" which will go on top. In theory, this metal tray allows the floor finish to be taken across the inspection cover, but has a facility to lift it off if the drain gets blocked or needs to be inspected for any other reason. I'm not sure how its supposed to work in practice as, by close of business, the whole lot had been covered over...I'm sure the builder will enlighten me.
Wednesday 14 November
I've been looking forward to today - the day when the new garden doors and window will be installed. The builders arrive first and start to clear the space. The mixer is collected. Work begins on taking the ventilation ducts through to the outside. The doors and window are supposed to be delivered between 10-11am. By 11.30 am there's still no sign of them. I email the supplier asking is there a problem? I'm told that they are delayed but on their way; should arrive around 12:10. Then another email from the supplier. The van has broken down. Another van has been sent to Luton to pick up my items and bring them to Oxford. They will be installed today, but no one seems to know when.
I begin to feel a little concerned, especially if they end up doing the installation and making a noise after 5.30pm, so reply pointing out the restrictions on noisy activities and copy in my builder and the immediate neighbours so that they know what's going on, and that I'm doing my best to keep the noisy activities within reasonable working hours.
The door suppliers turn up around 2pm and set to work. It turns out the fitters are Polish too, so the conversation flows easily with my man on site. All I have to do is confirm the depth of the floor finish so they can work to that. I leave them to it and take the dirty washing to the launderette...not for much longer I hope! While I'm there the kitchen fitter calls to check still OK for the delivery tomorrow. At his request, I contact the kitchen suppliers to confirm the type of delivery (two man delivery to the ground floor room of choice) and request a heads up about an hour before they are likely to arrive in Oxford, so that the designer/fitter can be here in time to check everything as its brought in.
By the time I get home, the job is done. The window and doors are installed, and, in the twilight, I have a room with a view!
It's not much of a view from the room at the moment as there's still a lot of building stuff in the garden. But there is light, at last. The column in between the doors and windows will be finished tomorrow, along with the pillars at the sides and the reveals to doors and windows. It's starting to look better!
Last job of the night is to put some protective film up on the glazing to minimise splashes and reduce the risk of damage when the end wall is boarded and plastered tomorrow.
The lower area of ceiling which contains the ventilation ducts has been skimmed at last so, all being well, that will be dry enough to paint on Sunday. The rest of the kitchen area which needs painting will be done on Friday, if all goes to plan. The paint (special formula for bare plaster which doesn't need a mist coat) has been ordered and paid for, and one of my neighbours from the other end of the street has offered to give men a lift to collect it as the big tubs are too heavy and large for me to manage on my own.
So...at long last, the house is weathertight. No more boards over the door and window openings with gaps around the edges letting in rain and wind. A major milestone!
Thursday 15 November
Another big day today. The kitchen cabinets are due to be delivered this afternoon. I sent to text to the delivery driver asking for a heads up when they are about an hour off getting here. The kitchen designer/fitter is on standby to come over when we know they are going to arrive. To my surprise, the delivery driver rang me shortly after to say they only had three "drop offs" today, and I was Number 3. They were in Swindon at the time, but would be with me in 45 minutes or an hour.
Action time! A quick call to the kitchen designer/fitter to let him know that the delivery was going to be earlier than anticipated (a bit of a problem for him, as he was waiting to have a wheel fixed on his car!). Then a quick word to the builder on site to warn him they were coming and ask for sheets of plaster board which were restricting access to the kitchen diner to be moved.
The delivery went smoothly, carefully and quickly. They were finished before the kitchen designer/fitted arrived. Everything is stacked up neatly on the dining area floor ready to be installed on Monday.
The kitchen fitter was pleased to see everything arrived safely. We took a quick peek inside one of the boxes to remind me of the colour I'd chosen (a pale, silvery grey) then went into the garden to look at the new doors and window from the outside - the first time I'd seen the exterior of the fittings. We noticed one bit of trim that needed fixing properly, which I later photographed and sent to the supplier asking for it to be sorted out ASAP.
It's also clear that a certain amount of tidying up will be needed on the reveals of the doors, which are a bit of a mess. I'll talk to the partner of the man in charge about that on Monday.
By close of business, the garden end wall of the dining area has been boarded completely, ready to be skimmed tomorrow.
One of my neighbours has helped me pick up the paint ready for a decorating session in the kitchen area tomorrow at the opposite end of the open plan room to where the plastering will be going on so that should be OK.
My mission tonight is to make sure that the areas we plan to paint tomorrow are clear of obstacles.
My mission first thing in the morning will be to climb over the obstacle course that is the garden to find the paint rollers, brushes and trays stored in the shed ready to set to work when the friend who is helping me arrives after breakfast.
My last act of the day is to pay the latest invoice from the man in charge. As usual it includes items which have not been started and requests full payment for a couple of things not completed. Plus this time around there are some new hiccups....Four "variations" added to the invoice, three of which are included in the original schedule of works and have been paid already, and a couple of items where had I paid the sum requested, there would have been an overpayment given the amount I've paid on earlier invoices.. Even though it would be easier and quicker to simply transfer the sum requested, it pays to check these things rather than take the bottom line at face value...
Friday 16 November
Another (small) milestone today...with help from a friend, I have put the first coat of paint on the walls and ceiling of the kitchen area; special breathable paint for bare plaster. No mist coat required. Just two coats and it's looking good!
Luckily most of the wall area will be covered by base units, wall cupboards and the mirror glass splash back so we only had to do the ceiling, tops of the walls and where the steels and their supporting walls have been boxed in. There's one area left for me to finish (the lowered ceiling which contains the vent extract ducts). By Sunday it will have dried out ready for painting, then the whole lot will be ready for the kitchen fitters to come in on Monday.
While we were painting, the builder's man on the site has been putting the skim plaster coat on the end wall of the dining area where the new window and doors have been installed. He's still working on that when I leave to visit a friend for a couple of nights.
It's a bit scary leaving the builders to their own devices without supervision, but I keep cancelling weekend arrangements, and now feel like I deserve a break so am taking a chance...Last act before leaving home is to email the neighbours, tell them I'm away for the weekend and remind them of who to contact if here are any problems while I'm not around.
Sunday 18 November
Back at home in the afternoon, refreshed from my short break with a friend, and plenty of time to put two coats of paint on the last area to be decorated, as well as an extra coat on some of the bits we did on Friday, just to finish off the paint in the tray.
A quick check around so see what else (if anything) was done yesterday in my absence. The gallows bracket in the dining area has been boxed in and skimmed...
...and a channel has been cut ready to install the thermostat/controller for the underfloor heating and its electricity supply. Upstairs in the loft, the space has been tidied up a b t, so I'm guessing that's where the builders will be working this coming week while the kitchen fitters are working downstairs.
One thing the builders forgot to do was move several sheets of plasterboard and timber which are stacked up against a wall in the kitchen area where a run of base units, tall units and wall cupboards are due to be installed.
I text a photo to the partner of the man in charge with a request that they are moved out of the way by 8am tomorrow morning, when the kitchen fitters are due to arrive as they are too heavy for me to shift on my own. The reply comes back that the lads will do it.
That's it! I think we are all set for the next big milestone - the kitchen installation which starts tomorrow!
First up, a meeting on site with the partner of the man in charge to remind him about the agreed working hours and that no noisy activities should take place after 1pm on Saturdays (although they can do non-noisy work).
As we spoke, the boards over the windows and door openings had been removed, opening up views of the garden jam packed full of materials and odd bits of equipment. However the opening for the new garden doors is now ready for them to be installed on Wednesday, along with the new window.
Finishing the reveals around the doors and window will be done afterwards, when the rest of the wall is boarded and plastered (there's not much of it...most of this end of the house will be glazing at ground floor level).
This seemed like a good time to remind him that the new doors and windows are going to arrive on Wednesday and the guys must clear the decking immediately outside (if nothing else) so that these can be installed. He agreed that it was time to get rid of the old French doors which are still propped up on the deck, the rubbish that's accumulated, and all the stuff they are no longer using. He said that another skip had been ordered. That's good news assuming it actually comes!
The next delivery deadline is Thursday afternoon, when the kitchen cabinets are due to arrive. By then, the screed on the lower dining area level will need to be protected so that the units can be put in this area, opened, checked and stored pending installation next week.
The kitchen area itself will also need to be cleared to do the installation. Most of the space is currently being taken up by a mixer used for the screed last week. That's no longer needed and can go back to the plant hire people. There's also some sheets of plasterboard to be found a new home if they are to be used here, as well as OSB and ply, which will probably be used to protect the screed.
I reminded him that the boxed in vent duct also needs to be skimmed as quickly as possible so that the plaster can dry out and be painted before the kitchen wall units are put up on Monday, tight underneath this lowered area of ceiling. A friend is on standby to help me paint on Thursday, but whether we'll actually be able to do it depends on how quickly the skim coat of plaster goes on and dries out. I have a horrible feeling that I'll end up doing at the weekend, rather than visiting a friend as planned - yet another weekend working on the house project rather than socialising - I do hope not...
There was also a discussion about the last bit of stud wall to be constructed on the ground floor to enclose the stairs above the stringer within the kitchen area. The bit below the stairs will stay open to accommodate a sideboard - my overflow storage for kitchen and dining items not used on a regular basis.
I was worried that this stud would intrude into the opening for the door into the kitchen. I'm assured that it won't. However, it will be tight as the stud has to be firelined to separate the stairs from the kitchen area in a fire protected compartment - a requirement because the house is on three levels since the loft was converted in 1989. I think he'd forgotten that, and was planning to put up a simple timber partition rather than something more robust...
Having gone through these points, I felt a bit easier in my mind...only to feel more frustrated as the day wore on and none of the action points discussed had been progressed. The only person on site was a new chap working in the loft, which is not time critical to meet deadlines, unlike the work downstairs. Doh!
Still, I suppose I should be pleased about any progress - the plinth for the shower has now been constructed ready to take the shower tray which has been delivered.
Whilst still maintaining headroom over the stairs below, the sloping floor in the toilet which projected over the loft stairs below the old wash basin and cupboard has been modified to provide a larger flat area where you can stand while using the new wash hand basin. This is necessary because the new short projection toilet pan will have to be installed further forward than before, so that people using the loo don't bump their heads on the replacement purlin which spans the back wall of the toilet cubicle. Pulling the loo forward reduces the space between the toilet pan and wash basin. As a result, original sloping floor under the old wash basin has had to be modified to enlarge the area of flat floor where you can stand when using the wash basin. Had this not been done, you would have been able to wash your hands when sitting on the toilet - that would be just too cramped!
The framework for the remaining shower wall has also gone up (most of this wall will be a glazed panel to allow borrowed light into the shower from the Velux in the WC adjacent).
A cupboard at high level on the landing above the stairwell has been cut back to line through with the back of the shower. What's left of this cupboard space will be opened up into the toilet cubicle to provide an additional storage "niche" above the wash hand basin for toiletries. It will all make sense when you see the photos of the finished thing!
At his request, I sent the builder a link to the extract fan with an integral light which I would like to be used in the loft shower as he couldn't find the original link I'd sent him, plus a link to the track light I'm proposing to use downstairs so that the electrician can select the best place to put the power feed.
And surprise, surprise, the new kitchen sink has arrived! It has taken up temporary residency in the front room as there's nowhere else to put it downstairs and its far too heavy for me to carry upstairs. However, by this time next week, it should be installed in its new home...
What else? I think I've solved the mystery as to why the man in charge keeps billing me for an item I've already paid for...He's noted the payment, but put it against the wrong item in the schedule of works, one box above where it should have gone. Here's hoping that he now realises his mistake and we can end what has been a time consuming and unproductive exchanges of emails.
I've queried a variation on the latest valuation arising from the Building Inspector's request to use fireline board rather than plasterboard downstairs. Happy to pay the extra cost over and above standard plasterboard, but the man in charge has requested payment for 70 sheets, when I estimate that less than half that number were needed, even allowing for 10% wastage. I've asked him to check my maths and let me know if he agrees with the calculation. If I've made a silly mistake adding up areas, then I won't argue...
However, I also pointed out that if he seeks a variation dating back to the Building Inspector's visit on 18 September, then it's only fair that he should pay for the variation in my costs which were incurred (coincidentally on the same day) when I ordered and paid the new garden doors and windows after waiting a fortnight for him to do it without any action. The quote from the supplier was over £300 more than the builders quote which I'd accepted, and I'd absorbed the extra outgoing without making a fuss just to get the order processed and production in train, given the 6 week lead in time between order and installation. I think its only fair that he accepts my variation of costs, if I accept his...we shall see.
On a happier note, I'm allowing myself time to think about some nicer things to do with the build - researching furniture and fittings - and make decisions about appliances ready to grab any relevant bargains in the Black Friday sales - one unexpected and potentially welcome benefit to come out of all these delays!
Tuesday 13 November
I was out most of the morning but delighted and relieved to see that the skip has been changed over in my absence, and is starting to fill up.
Another meeting with the partner of the man in charge shortly after I arrived back home. We've sorted out detailing in the loft shower, including the routing of the drain pipe and the design of the glazed panel on one side of the shower cubicle. Also agreed where the combined shower extract/light will be positioned inside the shower cubicle and the routing of its duct to the exterior.
Downstairs, we agreed where the external lights will go - one centred above the doors, the other centred over the window - and the position of the extract duct external vents, side by side above the light over the window (not a lot of choice about that!). I can choose and buy them now I we've agreed where they are going.
The section of lowered ceilings will be skim plastered tomorrow. As predicted, there won't be enough time for the plaster to dry and be painted on Thursday. I think I'll have to return early from my weekend away to get it done ready for the kitchen cabinets to be installed on Monday.
We also discussed who was responsible for buying what - drawing up and agreeing a list is a good idea for the avoidance of doubt, provided its based on the schedule of works. I think the firm may be having cash flow problems...
On a related subject, the supplier of the new garden doors and window invoiced me this afternoon for the balance of the supply/fit cost which I must transfer prior to installation tomorrow. They are due to arrive between 10am and 11 am. Tomorrow is going to be exciting. Installing the doors and windows will make a big transformation downstairs.
The man on site has been working on the inspection pit to the main drain which now runs internally, underneath the new extension, so that its ready to take the "tray" which will go on top. In theory, this metal tray allows the floor finish to be taken across the inspection cover, but has a facility to lift it off if the drain gets blocked or needs to be inspected for any other reason. I'm not sure how its supposed to work in practice as, by close of business, the whole lot had been covered over...I'm sure the builder will enlighten me.
Wednesday 14 November
I've been looking forward to today - the day when the new garden doors and window will be installed. The builders arrive first and start to clear the space. The mixer is collected. Work begins on taking the ventilation ducts through to the outside. The doors and window are supposed to be delivered between 10-11am. By 11.30 am there's still no sign of them. I email the supplier asking is there a problem? I'm told that they are delayed but on their way; should arrive around 12:10. Then another email from the supplier. The van has broken down. Another van has been sent to Luton to pick up my items and bring them to Oxford. They will be installed today, but no one seems to know when.
I begin to feel a little concerned, especially if they end up doing the installation and making a noise after 5.30pm, so reply pointing out the restrictions on noisy activities and copy in my builder and the immediate neighbours so that they know what's going on, and that I'm doing my best to keep the noisy activities within reasonable working hours.
The door suppliers turn up around 2pm and set to work. It turns out the fitters are Polish too, so the conversation flows easily with my man on site. All I have to do is confirm the depth of the floor finish so they can work to that. I leave them to it and take the dirty washing to the launderette...not for much longer I hope! While I'm there the kitchen fitter calls to check still OK for the delivery tomorrow. At his request, I contact the kitchen suppliers to confirm the type of delivery (two man delivery to the ground floor room of choice) and request a heads up about an hour before they are likely to arrive in Oxford, so that the designer/fitter can be here in time to check everything as its brought in.
By the time I get home, the job is done. The window and doors are installed, and, in the twilight, I have a room with a view!
The lower area of ceiling which contains the ventilation ducts has been skimmed at last so, all being well, that will be dry enough to paint on Sunday. The rest of the kitchen area which needs painting will be done on Friday, if all goes to plan. The paint (special formula for bare plaster which doesn't need a mist coat) has been ordered and paid for, and one of my neighbours from the other end of the street has offered to give men a lift to collect it as the big tubs are too heavy and large for me to manage on my own.
So...at long last, the house is weathertight. No more boards over the door and window openings with gaps around the edges letting in rain and wind. A major milestone!
Thursday 15 November
Another big day today. The kitchen cabinets are due to be delivered this afternoon. I sent to text to the delivery driver asking for a heads up when they are about an hour off getting here. The kitchen designer/fitter is on standby to come over when we know they are going to arrive. To my surprise, the delivery driver rang me shortly after to say they only had three "drop offs" today, and I was Number 3. They were in Swindon at the time, but would be with me in 45 minutes or an hour.
Action time! A quick call to the kitchen designer/fitter to let him know that the delivery was going to be earlier than anticipated (a bit of a problem for him, as he was waiting to have a wheel fixed on his car!). Then a quick word to the builder on site to warn him they were coming and ask for sheets of plaster board which were restricting access to the kitchen diner to be moved.
The delivery went smoothly, carefully and quickly. They were finished before the kitchen designer/fitted arrived. Everything is stacked up neatly on the dining area floor ready to be installed on Monday.
The kitchen fitter was pleased to see everything arrived safely. We took a quick peek inside one of the boxes to remind me of the colour I'd chosen (a pale, silvery grey) then went into the garden to look at the new doors and window from the outside - the first time I'd seen the exterior of the fittings. We noticed one bit of trim that needed fixing properly, which I later photographed and sent to the supplier asking for it to be sorted out ASAP.
It's also clear that a certain amount of tidying up will be needed on the reveals of the doors, which are a bit of a mess. I'll talk to the partner of the man in charge about that on Monday.
By close of business, the garden end wall of the dining area has been boarded completely, ready to be skimmed tomorrow.
One of my neighbours has helped me pick up the paint ready for a decorating session in the kitchen area tomorrow at the opposite end of the open plan room to where the plastering will be going on so that should be OK.
My mission tonight is to make sure that the areas we plan to paint tomorrow are clear of obstacles.
My mission first thing in the morning will be to climb over the obstacle course that is the garden to find the paint rollers, brushes and trays stored in the shed ready to set to work when the friend who is helping me arrives after breakfast.
My last act of the day is to pay the latest invoice from the man in charge. As usual it includes items which have not been started and requests full payment for a couple of things not completed. Plus this time around there are some new hiccups....Four "variations" added to the invoice, three of which are included in the original schedule of works and have been paid already, and a couple of items where had I paid the sum requested, there would have been an overpayment given the amount I've paid on earlier invoices.. Even though it would be easier and quicker to simply transfer the sum requested, it pays to check these things rather than take the bottom line at face value...
Friday 16 November
Another (small) milestone today...with help from a friend, I have put the first coat of paint on the walls and ceiling of the kitchen area; special breathable paint for bare plaster. No mist coat required. Just two coats and it's looking good!
Luckily most of the wall area will be covered by base units, wall cupboards and the mirror glass splash back so we only had to do the ceiling, tops of the walls and where the steels and their supporting walls have been boxed in. There's one area left for me to finish (the lowered ceiling which contains the vent extract ducts). By Sunday it will have dried out ready for painting, then the whole lot will be ready for the kitchen fitters to come in on Monday.
While we were painting, the builder's man on the site has been putting the skim plaster coat on the end wall of the dining area where the new window and doors have been installed. He's still working on that when I leave to visit a friend for a couple of nights.
It's a bit scary leaving the builders to their own devices without supervision, but I keep cancelling weekend arrangements, and now feel like I deserve a break so am taking a chance...Last act before leaving home is to email the neighbours, tell them I'm away for the weekend and remind them of who to contact if here are any problems while I'm not around.
Sunday 18 November
Back at home in the afternoon, refreshed from my short break with a friend, and plenty of time to put two coats of paint on the last area to be decorated, as well as an extra coat on some of the bits we did on Friday, just to finish off the paint in the tray.
A quick check around so see what else (if anything) was done yesterday in my absence. The gallows bracket in the dining area has been boxed in and skimmed...
...and a channel has been cut ready to install the thermostat/controller for the underfloor heating and its electricity supply. Upstairs in the loft, the space has been tidied up a b t, so I'm guessing that's where the builders will be working this coming week while the kitchen fitters are working downstairs.
One thing the builders forgot to do was move several sheets of plasterboard and timber which are stacked up against a wall in the kitchen area where a run of base units, tall units and wall cupboards are due to be installed.
I text a photo to the partner of the man in charge with a request that they are moved out of the way by 8am tomorrow morning, when the kitchen fitters are due to arrive as they are too heavy for me to shift on my own. The reply comes back that the lads will do it.
That's it! I think we are all set for the next big milestone - the kitchen installation which starts tomorrow!
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