My Extension and Garage Build Project
Discussion
More progress today - now that the sub-floors are in, it was time to start getting the internal walls sorted - so the blocks were laid out
and building began
and we have the beginnings of the study wall
we have also had the garage door (an SWS seceuroglide excel) installed today, which I think looks great and will tie in nicely with the navy back door (which is being fitted on Thursday) - it is currently powered by an extension lead, but the sparky and plumber are both on site tomorrow - so we have been running round with an aerosol marking where we want sockets etc to be put, along with the boiler.
in the meantime I am going to have a bit of a break from the project - and am off to Donington on Friday evening to get in my first trackday of the year - which should be a nice change!
and building began
and we have the beginnings of the study wall
we have also had the garage door (an SWS seceuroglide excel) installed today, which I think looks great and will tie in nicely with the navy back door (which is being fitted on Thursday) - it is currently powered by an extension lead, but the sparky and plumber are both on site tomorrow - so we have been running round with an aerosol marking where we want sockets etc to be put, along with the boiler.
in the meantime I am going to have a bit of a break from the project - and am off to Donington on Friday evening to get in my first trackday of the year - which should be a nice change!
Thanks - I am very happy with the door!
More progress to report today - and another milestone. Firstly, we have a new door (back door into the utility room)
and we have bifolds too!
Also moved the old back door onto the back of the garage
Study wall is complete, and wiring for lights and lots of insulation going into the roof space
Kitchen window blocked up, and door removed
So now we are water-tight - and looking to start knocking through shortly - likely the bedroom will be done tomorrow, and the family room next week (the boiler has to be moved before the wall can come down - which should be Wednesday. Time to clear out the kitchen and prepare for the disruption to come inside for a while!
More progress to report today - and another milestone. Firstly, we have a new door (back door into the utility room)
and we have bifolds too!
Also moved the old back door onto the back of the garage
Study wall is complete, and wiring for lights and lots of insulation going into the roof space
Kitchen window blocked up, and door removed
So now we are water-tight - and looking to start knocking through shortly - likely the bedroom will be done tomorrow, and the family room next week (the boiler has to be moved before the wall can come down - which should be Wednesday. Time to clear out the kitchen and prepare for the disruption to come inside for a while!
So - it's been a few days, so it must be time for another update!
First of all on Friday, the bedroom was knocked through, and floor laid...
Before:
After:
Then, over the weekend, we have cleared the kitchen - most things going into the garage, but with a temporary kitchen/dining area now in the playroom.
Then it was time for the outer skin of the wall to be attacked and the first steel inserted
which uncovered where a window had been in the wall prior to the conservatory being built
In order to remove the inner skin, the boiler needed to be moved - so yesterday we had plumber, sparky and builders all on site, and the boiler was moved - allowing them to literally smash my back doors in! It has properly opened up the space, which now looks huge with the vaulted ceiling and amazingly light, with the combination of the bifolds and rooflights, really flooding the space.
The builders have again been awesome, making sure that we still have a sink connected (we had no hot water last night, but that wasn't too much of an issue - it will be back on today), and that we could power up the oven - and have been very meticulous about leaving the place tidy overnight to make sure that there is nothing that the kids can get their hands on.
Today's job is lifting the kitchen floor, so that they can lay a new sub-floor tomorrow, to then insulate and lay the under-floor heating early next week! The pace of change is really cracking on now!
First of all on Friday, the bedroom was knocked through, and floor laid...
Before:
After:
Then, over the weekend, we have cleared the kitchen - most things going into the garage, but with a temporary kitchen/dining area now in the playroom.
Then it was time for the outer skin of the wall to be attacked and the first steel inserted
which uncovered where a window had been in the wall prior to the conservatory being built
In order to remove the inner skin, the boiler needed to be moved - so yesterday we had plumber, sparky and builders all on site, and the boiler was moved - allowing them to literally smash my back doors in! It has properly opened up the space, which now looks huge with the vaulted ceiling and amazingly light, with the combination of the bifolds and rooflights, really flooding the space.
The builders have again been awesome, making sure that we still have a sink connected (we had no hot water last night, but that wasn't too much of an issue - it will be back on today), and that we could power up the oven - and have been very meticulous about leaving the place tidy overnight to make sure that there is nothing that the kids can get their hands on.
Today's job is lifting the kitchen floor, so that they can lay a new sub-floor tomorrow, to then insulate and lay the under-floor heating early next week! The pace of change is really cracking on now!
Time for another update and we are getting closer to the end!
First of all, was to remove the old concrete kitchen floor - which was apparently a fair old job, being 7-8 inches thick in places! With a first skip full, we still had a fair old pile to sort out - and a little more digging.
So after a second skip-load was dug out, we had a clear area with temporary boarded floor!
Monday then started with the kitchen sub-floor being poured to give us a level
Today we have firstly had another visit from the building inspector, who was happy with everything so far. We have also had the electrician in starting to rearrange the wiring in the kitchen area
While the builders have boarded the vaulted ceiling in the family room area
While the joiner has been back to put together the studwork to form the wall between the toilet and utility ready for the plumber coming back as the manifold for the UFH is going to be hidden inside the bottom of the wall
So the rest of the week will have more electrics going in along with the insulation on the floor, and the UFH pipework so that it can then all be finished with the final screed. We have also ordered the kitchen, which is due to be delivered in a week or so, and the builders think that we should be all sorted in the next 3 weeks or so - which is exciting news, but I think they've got a busy time to go!
First of all, was to remove the old concrete kitchen floor - which was apparently a fair old job, being 7-8 inches thick in places! With a first skip full, we still had a fair old pile to sort out - and a little more digging.
So after a second skip-load was dug out, we had a clear area with temporary boarded floor!
Monday then started with the kitchen sub-floor being poured to give us a level
Today we have firstly had another visit from the building inspector, who was happy with everything so far. We have also had the electrician in starting to rearrange the wiring in the kitchen area
While the builders have boarded the vaulted ceiling in the family room area
While the joiner has been back to put together the studwork to form the wall between the toilet and utility ready for the plumber coming back as the manifold for the UFH is going to be hidden inside the bottom of the wall
So the rest of the week will have more electrics going in along with the insulation on the floor, and the UFH pipework so that it can then all be finished with the final screed. We have also ordered the kitchen, which is due to be delivered in a week or so, and the builders think that we should be all sorted in the next 3 weeks or so - which is exciting news, but I think they've got a busy time to go!
So, it's update time again!
so first off, the block wall between the study and cloakroom was put up (which then cuts off the short-cut route through that had been useful for shifting stuff!)
and the study ceiling was boarded
The cloakroom/utility wall was boarded
and the insulation laid onto the sub-floor
so that the manifold can be mounted and the UFH pipework was laid
and then swiftly covered again with screeding - which has been allowed to go off over the weekend
Today is another day of plumbing - finishing the reworking of the old pipework to the new position of the boiler and sorting water to outside taps and my garage sink, then it's more boarding and finishing for the rest of the week in preparation for the plasterers.
so first off, the block wall between the study and cloakroom was put up (which then cuts off the short-cut route through that had been useful for shifting stuff!)
and the study ceiling was boarded
The cloakroom/utility wall was boarded
and the insulation laid onto the sub-floor
so that the manifold can be mounted and the UFH pipework was laid
and then swiftly covered again with screeding - which has been allowed to go off over the weekend
Today is another day of plumbing - finishing the reworking of the old pipework to the new position of the boiler and sorting water to outside taps and my garage sink, then it's more boarding and finishing for the rest of the week in preparation for the plasterers.
Cheers for the comments! Thankfully for the builders, I am not quite hanging around for the critical pictures, but have been grabbing a few pics most nights, to capture the day's progress!
we have been continuing to progress anyway - the main jobs being to get the walls and ceilings boarded, door casings in and generally preparing for plastering.
We have also got insulation sorted in the bedroom roofspace and pipes boxed in, so that is ready for boarding tomorrow, while the plasterers start work on the downstairs.
My garage has also been filled temporarily, as the kitchen has arrived in a million boxes, ready to be assembled and fitted shortly!
The builders are essentially done until a round of snagging and tidying - so it's now a case of plaster for the next couple of days then a bit of painting, second fix electrics, final plumbing, kitchen fitting, floor tiling/wood laying and we'll be all done - sounds easy really!
we have been continuing to progress anyway - the main jobs being to get the walls and ceilings boarded, door casings in and generally preparing for plastering.
We have also got insulation sorted in the bedroom roofspace and pipes boxed in, so that is ready for boarding tomorrow, while the plasterers start work on the downstairs.
My garage has also been filled temporarily, as the kitchen has arrived in a million boxes, ready to be assembled and fitted shortly!
The builders are essentially done until a round of snagging and tidying - so it's now a case of plaster for the next couple of days then a bit of painting, second fix electrics, final plumbing, kitchen fitting, floor tiling/wood laying and we'll be all done - sounds easy really!
So, I've been a little slack with the updates again - as we've been busy (and I'm now in China on business to top it all off!), so it's probably time for a big picture-athon!
firstly since the last update, I got plastered...
Then (after the plaster had dried off), it was time to get a mist coat of paint on, leaving spaces where there will be tiles (the tiler prefers to stick to bare plaster)
Then it was time for the kitchen to start going in!
So it is all getting closer now - the electrics are now connected so that we have lights and power in the new rooms, and finally have running water to the sink also. Hopefully by the time I get back home, the log burner should be installed, and then it will be ready for tiles - and then furniture!
firstly since the last update, I got plastered...
Then (after the plaster had dried off), it was time to get a mist coat of paint on, leaving spaces where there will be tiles (the tiler prefers to stick to bare plaster)
Then it was time for the kitchen to start going in!
So it is all getting closer now - the electrics are now connected so that we have lights and power in the new rooms, and finally have running water to the sink also. Hopefully by the time I get back home, the log burner should be installed, and then it will be ready for tiles - and then furniture!
Just scanned through your thread looking for inspiration when my project starts - and it appears to have worked!
Our new house needs fully modifying, and we were planning to have to live at the in-laws for a while, but your mention of a temporary kitchen gave me an idea - it should have been obvious, but we have a length conservatory across the back of the house, and if I use that as a temp kitchen we can move in much earlier while I get on opening up the kitchen and dining room.
Your extension seem to be progressing really quickly - how many weeks total are you expecting in to take and are you on target?
Looks like I will have to work my way through all the projects on PH....
Our new house needs fully modifying, and we were planning to have to live at the in-laws for a while, but your mention of a temporary kitchen gave me an idea - it should have been obvious, but we have a length conservatory across the back of the house, and if I use that as a temp kitchen we can move in much earlier while I get on opening up the kitchen and dining room.
Your extension seem to be progressing really quickly - how many weeks total are you expecting in to take and are you on target?
Looks like I will have to work my way through all the projects on PH....
Cheers for the comments - glad that this thread is still of interest! I am still travelling so haven't seen the latest developments in the flesh, but it will be good to get home and do so!
For the timescale etc - the builders originally said they reckoned 12-16 weeks for the build - we are now on week 16, and the build is done (just some external tidying up to finish) and we have final finishing to do - tiling being the critical step is being done next week, and will be followed by doors/skirtings/kitchen plinths & trimming, then we can move stuff into the new areas and clear the garage so that the electrician can sort the electrics in there. I reckon another couple of weeks and we will be able to officially say that we're finished!
I think we would have been in a mess had it not been for the temporary kitchen and the pre-work that we did last summer rearranging the windows/bathroom layout - without that we would have had all but 2 rooms in the house impacted by the work! Being able to get the build done and then move stuff into the garage has proved useful, and has also saved the need to move stuff completely out and into storage - which would have been extra cost and hassle!
The latest pictures I have show the stove is now installed, with the twin-wall flue exiting up through the ceiling - which I am quite liking as it gives an industrial feel, and seems to accentuate the height of the room - will be interesting to see if that's true when I see it first-hand!
For the timescale etc - the builders originally said they reckoned 12-16 weeks for the build - we are now on week 16, and the build is done (just some external tidying up to finish) and we have final finishing to do - tiling being the critical step is being done next week, and will be followed by doors/skirtings/kitchen plinths & trimming, then we can move stuff into the new areas and clear the garage so that the electrician can sort the electrics in there. I reckon another couple of weeks and we will be able to officially say that we're finished!
I think we would have been in a mess had it not been for the temporary kitchen and the pre-work that we did last summer rearranging the windows/bathroom layout - without that we would have had all but 2 rooms in the house impacted by the work! Being able to get the build done and then move stuff into the garage has proved useful, and has also saved the need to move stuff completely out and into storage - which would have been extra cost and hassle!
The latest pictures I have show the stove is now installed, with the twin-wall flue exiting up through the ceiling - which I am quite liking as it gives an industrial feel, and seems to accentuate the height of the room - will be interesting to see if that's true when I see it first-hand!
So, it's been a while, and we have been very busy - and I haven't managed to sit down for 5 minutes to put together an update to the thread! The good news is that we have had significant progress! I guess the best way to show what we've got done it through pictures, so here goes...
First job when I was back from China was to clear the new space ready for the tiles to go down on the floor. We had debated long and hard about what to do on the floor - debating between wood and tiles, eventually thinking that we would go for a terracotta tile - but then talking to our tiler, were persuaded to go slightly different - finally selecting on large flagstone-looking tiles, which we hadn't considered, but once down really look fantastic!
in progress
We also got the wood flooring down in my wife's study/craftroom, and began to put furniture back in
then my wife was even more excited, as the range was delivered
We had a damp and (slightly) colder day, so decided to give the stove a whirl
and we have some furniture going in - starting to look like a real room now!
so then it was time to sort out my space - which was looking a little busy, with all the stuff from the kitchen being stored there while all was happening
although I did have my sink all installed and sorted - which I think will be a useful addition to the garage
and we have been busy putting things into the new cupboards, and getting clear, so that I now have all my lights and power sorted out, and started painting the walls - which was a long, laborious process. Using a big, soft brush and working it into the blockwork seemed to be the way forward, starting with a watered down coat and then neat paint - although to get a decent finish has taken 65litres of paint, which has been a bit of a challenge!
The walls are looking good through, and tonight I have sealed the floor ready for the first coat of paint to go on there tomorrow - so hopefully by the end of the week, I should be able to get my Mini back into its new home!
So we are now essentially all done for the build - the builders have done all of the snagging that we had spotted (and a couple of extra jobs that we had requested), the electrics are all done and certified, the plumbing is all done (no pics today, but the downstairs loo is now all fitted and sorted), and everything finished on the woodwork and kitchen. It really is down to us now to finish off organising the space, and just one final fitment which is to fit the cooker hood - which had a cracked motor when it came to be fitted - a replacement is coming on Friday.
I will add more updates as we get the final bits sorted and some more thoughts - but overall, I can't say enough good words about any of our trades, especially the builders who have coordinated the process seamlessly, with everything coming in on our expected time, and within our planned costs.
First job when I was back from China was to clear the new space ready for the tiles to go down on the floor. We had debated long and hard about what to do on the floor - debating between wood and tiles, eventually thinking that we would go for a terracotta tile - but then talking to our tiler, were persuaded to go slightly different - finally selecting on large flagstone-looking tiles, which we hadn't considered, but once down really look fantastic!
in progress
We also got the wood flooring down in my wife's study/craftroom, and began to put furniture back in
then my wife was even more excited, as the range was delivered
We had a damp and (slightly) colder day, so decided to give the stove a whirl
and we have some furniture going in - starting to look like a real room now!
so then it was time to sort out my space - which was looking a little busy, with all the stuff from the kitchen being stored there while all was happening
although I did have my sink all installed and sorted - which I think will be a useful addition to the garage
and we have been busy putting things into the new cupboards, and getting clear, so that I now have all my lights and power sorted out, and started painting the walls - which was a long, laborious process. Using a big, soft brush and working it into the blockwork seemed to be the way forward, starting with a watered down coat and then neat paint - although to get a decent finish has taken 65litres of paint, which has been a bit of a challenge!
The walls are looking good through, and tonight I have sealed the floor ready for the first coat of paint to go on there tomorrow - so hopefully by the end of the week, I should be able to get my Mini back into its new home!
So we are now essentially all done for the build - the builders have done all of the snagging that we had spotted (and a couple of extra jobs that we had requested), the electrics are all done and certified, the plumbing is all done (no pics today, but the downstairs loo is now all fitted and sorted), and everything finished on the woodwork and kitchen. It really is down to us now to finish off organising the space, and just one final fitment which is to fit the cooker hood - which had a cracked motor when it came to be fitted - a replacement is coming on Friday.
I will add more updates as we get the final bits sorted and some more thoughts - but overall, I can't say enough good words about any of our trades, especially the builders who have coordinated the process seamlessly, with everything coming in on our expected time, and within our planned costs.
Thanks all for the comments, it really is a transformation, and has made a huge difference to the feel of the house, and really makes it into what we want it to be!
A bit more progress on the final steps to report - so let's get on with the pictures!
One first job was to sort out the final piece of the kitchen - when the cooker hood was delivered, the housing for the motor was cracked and damaged, so we had to wait for a replacement. The joiner had put all the fixings in place though, so all I had to do was screw it in place and we were sorted - and had the kitchen looking finished.
and with a little more sorting out, the main room is looking good
then it was back onto sorting the garage out - first applying sealer to the floor, followed by getting some paint on.
after the first coat of paint (I ended up painting around the treadmill and then filling in the gap!)
Then after a second coat of paint, it was time to fetch my toolbox back from storage
and tonight was a big evening - as it was time to go up to a friend's house and attempt to wake my mini up from its slumber!
Having connected the battery up, it was the moment of truth - and thankfully after a bit of cranking to get some fuel through it fired right up, and drove itself out and onto the trailer (which is perhaps a little generously sized!)
and then at the other end it got itself off and into its new home, which is a bit more spacious and welcoming than the old garage!
and finally, we made sure that there was room for a friend to join it!
in other news, we have also had a final inspection by building control this week, and the inspector was very complimentary, and very happy with all of the work - so we should have it all signed off and sorted shortly.
Now is the time for the important bits to get sorted - I have a TV on order for the main room (and have a hand-me-down to fit in the garage too!), and now need to get the garage layout sorted out, and all my stuff put back in, and then it will be time to add the lift as soon as the cash reserves have recovered a bit!
A bit more progress on the final steps to report - so let's get on with the pictures!
One first job was to sort out the final piece of the kitchen - when the cooker hood was delivered, the housing for the motor was cracked and damaged, so we had to wait for a replacement. The joiner had put all the fixings in place though, so all I had to do was screw it in place and we were sorted - and had the kitchen looking finished.
and with a little more sorting out, the main room is looking good
then it was back onto sorting the garage out - first applying sealer to the floor, followed by getting some paint on.
after the first coat of paint (I ended up painting around the treadmill and then filling in the gap!)
Then after a second coat of paint, it was time to fetch my toolbox back from storage
and tonight was a big evening - as it was time to go up to a friend's house and attempt to wake my mini up from its slumber!
Having connected the battery up, it was the moment of truth - and thankfully after a bit of cranking to get some fuel through it fired right up, and drove itself out and onto the trailer (which is perhaps a little generously sized!)
and then at the other end it got itself off and into its new home, which is a bit more spacious and welcoming than the old garage!
and finally, we made sure that there was room for a friend to join it!
in other news, we have also had a final inspection by building control this week, and the inspector was very complimentary, and very happy with all of the work - so we should have it all signed off and sorted shortly.
Now is the time for the important bits to get sorted - I have a TV on order for the main room (and have a hand-me-down to fit in the garage too!), and now need to get the garage layout sorted out, and all my stuff put back in, and then it will be time to add the lift as soon as the cash reserves have recovered a bit!
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