First Fitting

Great excitement first fit started today, electrician has been and placed the wires. Also we now are half way to a doorway into hall. After 3 weeks with no rain it did start today but we are nearly at a point where this does not matter.

Saturday saw the plumber pop round to look at the boiler which will need moving, and check where heating and sinks are to go.

The fantastic weather over the weekend, warm, dry and a good wind has dried out the concrete base really well as well as giving it the three days it needed without anyone walking on it

Concrete

Amazing what difference a thick layer of concrete (laid over special insulating blocks to help do our bit for conserving energy) makes to the shell, it really is now looking like a building rather than a few odd walls. The scene was one of rapid action with three wheelbarrows hurtling round to keep up with the smoothing of the concrete. The area for the Aga had special metal re-enforcement to ensure the concrete will not be damaged due to a concentrated weight in a small area.

More Muddyfootprints

Could not resist this one- see next post for details

Getting Watertight

Much progress this last few days. The roof has had its first sealant- undertaken during the evening. This is the first layer of proofing - we are told we are getting a great quality roof which is reassuring given the Scottish weather. Also the undercoat (roughcast?) for the harling has started, another Scottish material to keep out bad weather!

Many steps forward and one back

Today part of the work that had been completed went back - with the temporary removal of the inner bay wall. However this was necessary to allow access to the inside for the hardcore and sand to be spread out ahead of laying the concrete base tomorrow. The last few days the focus has been on the blockwork which is now largely complete. It will be stonework at the front and this is scheduled in a bit later. John Wood - lead builder, has said they are back on plan which is excellent. Another fine day today - we have been fortunate of late, hopefully it will hold another 2 weeks (some hope!).

Roof

Most of walls are now in place except the bay - which we presume will be later as it leaves an easy access point and is to be made of stone to match the other bay window in our house. After a wet weekend the roof is starting to go on- weather has picked up now and good progress Monday- Tuesday. A bit slower today as it is UEFA cup final night in Manchester, and Rangers are playing. First time in 36 years they have been in a cup final. It is said 100,000 Scots have travelled south, but looking at the empty roads tonight it feels like more must have gone.

Walls

Sunny weather today and remarkable progress on the building. The outline of three of the walls are now in place, it is beginning to look something more like the plan. Most of the hardcore is down now. Note through the door from builders today saying 'drains passed with flying colours' which is good news. Chatted with neighbour tonight who has just had to dig out their drain cover to have their drains blasted out. Drains clearly can be an alternative to football as a talking point now the football season is nearly over.

Next Stage

The holes have been filled in around the drains, so we must have passed the inspection. A skip has arrived together with some more materials, so looks to be getting serious now. Mark knocked down the old BBQ and the bricks are now part of the hardcore for the east wing. Doing our bit for recycling!

Ready to Build & the Sun Shines

Sue's least favourite retailer arrived today with a major delivery ready for the flooring and some wood for the walls. Sue said it brought back memories of the Cricklade house where she spent many happy hours waiting in Jewsons to order material to keep the builders busy.

Unbelievably for a bank holiday Monday the sun is shining and not a cloud in sight. Shame we would have to jump over large holes and clamber a wall if we wish to get into the back garden.

Drains

Drains- seem to be a favourite topic for Tom, John and Mark. All the old main drainage is having to be replaced, what a mucky job. Just to add to the fun, the drains are some of the deepest that John has seen. Our garden now looks more like a murder investigation site, with a gazebo covering a hole in the ground where the old drains are being replaced behind the house. A couple of photographs for those who like drains. The council inspection is Tuesday 6th May which will then allow the holes to be filled and the concrete base to be laid.