First time refurbishment 1960's flat
Discussion
No this guy is the next level, we've been nothing but polite. He's always trying to impose, insisting on full show a rounds at every stage to check pipe work, complaining when water was dropping off the balcony as the drain wasn't cleared, disagreeing with planned internal finishes when I tried to talk him through it, wanting to vet and prevent unaccompanied access to all tradesmen, standingn in full view wearing next to nothing (righty whiteys) starring at my girlfriend...the list goes on and he's just a weirdo...
We get on 100% with everybody else in the block and went out of our way to introduce ourselves and apologise to all before work stated, apologising for any disruption in advance. We asked for people to come and let us know if we were making too much noise, nobody has done (we limit ourselves to 8:30 on evenings) - first thing we had was a letter (I only got around to opening last week) from the council dated mid-July.
The plumber took a look and tried to fix the issue before, he can't find the block isolation point so would have to get to freezing it etc. - hassle and expense I can't cope with ATM. I have reported it to the facilities management co (I own a share of freehold which has appointed a managing agent) so that they can fix. I was more getting annoyed at the constant issues which amount to a total of no bother to him that he needs to stick his oar in about, we just want peace and quiet really.
Just had my pre-op appointment so am off over there now to see what else has been done and maybe do some sanding
think the move in date has been pushed back toward the end of the month I fear 
We'll be living in the place post completion, something else I've spotted which I'm going to enquire about doing also...
We get on 100% with everybody else in the block and went out of our way to introduce ourselves and apologise to all before work stated, apologising for any disruption in advance. We asked for people to come and let us know if we were making too much noise, nobody has done (we limit ourselves to 8:30 on evenings) - first thing we had was a letter (I only got around to opening last week) from the council dated mid-July.
The plumber took a look and tried to fix the issue before, he can't find the block isolation point so would have to get to freezing it etc. - hassle and expense I can't cope with ATM. I have reported it to the facilities management co (I own a share of freehold which has appointed a managing agent) so that they can fix. I was more getting annoyed at the constant issues which amount to a total of no bother to him that he needs to stick his oar in about, we just want peace and quiet really.
Just had my pre-op appointment so am off over there now to see what else has been done and maybe do some sanding
think the move in date has been pushed back toward the end of the month I fear We'll be living in the place post completion, something else I've spotted which I'm going to enquire about doing also...
Real quick one...think the granite co are trying to have me over...
Have selected 20mm black granite.
They were out to template this morning, the cooker unit (with job cut out central to the 600 unit) sits on the end of a run. They have said that there is insufficient gap to the end of the run to allow the hob cut out to fit whilst maintaining strength. As a result we will HAVE to upgrade to 30mm and quartz at a substantial extra cost. (Materials cost 50% more...)
With the undermount hob there should be at least a 50mm gap to the edge (affordable granite state this on their website) but the fitter/templater said this isn't possible. Our carpenter (fitted kitchen) sees no problem with the gap and says worst case can re-enforce internally with timber (how I don't know).
Anybody know the specifics here?
Have selected 20mm black granite.
They were out to template this morning, the cooker unit (with job cut out central to the 600 unit) sits on the end of a run. They have said that there is insufficient gap to the end of the run to allow the hob cut out to fit whilst maintaining strength. As a result we will HAVE to upgrade to 30mm and quartz at a substantial extra cost. (Materials cost 50% more...)
With the undermount hob there should be at least a 50mm gap to the edge (affordable granite state this on their website) but the fitter/templater said this isn't possible. Our carpenter (fitted kitchen) sees no problem with the gap and says worst case can re-enforce internally with timber (how I don't know).
Anybody know the specifics here?
Thanks for that - always an option, only issue is we're a little tight on clearance between wall and base units already - will come to 420 only after the tops so would rather do it as initially spec'ed.
Affordable granite say a 50mm gap, this (http://caraco.co.uk/quotefiles/Kitchen%20Fitters%20notes.pdf) suggests 80mm - with the hob being a standard 490 we'll have 110mm - should be more than enough.
Affordable granite say a 50mm gap, this (http://caraco.co.uk/quotefiles/Kitchen%20Fitters%20notes.pdf) suggests 80mm - with the hob being a standard 490 we'll have 110mm - should be more than enough.
Thought it rude not to update.
Short is I haven't been doing much having only had the cast off my hand last week, the splint & stitches come out tomorrow though so should be able to crack on a little more this weekend - as a result we've had to push back the carpet fitters/appliance delivery alongside our move-in date - now looking like 22 Oct as between then and now life looks to be getting in the way...
Main progress has been the second fix of the electrics, majority now sorted but the light holes on 10% have come into contact with the batons that support some of the false ceiling - not a huge issue as I'll have to get them drilled/chiselled away in the specific spaces as I don't want to have to re-drill holes (they are perfectly measured and set via chalk line now!).
As above the granite was measured yesterday and there is a possible issue with 20mm granite and the gap to the end of the run being only 110mm - this says 80mm is ok (http://caraco.co.uk/quotefiles/Kitchen%20Fitters%20notes.pdf), especially if they reinforce the support there - would rather not shell out 50% more - £1.9k on worktops is more than enough me thinks....
Beyond this the carpentry is coming along - we had to bastardise one of the kitchen units so that it would go around the boiler after they moved it along the wall - not ideal but necessary to get a regs compliant flue exit (and keep it hidden - don't want a flue across the kitchen again!) - had to get myself a new door that will be cut down to size by the fitter when he finishes some other snagging bits - naturally with the boiler now being a tight fit the cupboard will have some vents attached to the underside but will have to be taken off for certification purposes....
The main progress has been in the bathrooms which should both be finished by the end of the week...the tiler is a real perfectionist and has done everything to a very good standard - he doesn't believe in corner edging strips at all! - fully cut joints & angles everywhere, even with the ceramic tiles!
Main bathroom has come out really well with the slate, just needs the front of the bath tiling, the cabinet internals tiling and the remaining box section made and tiled, followed by grouting. There will be a made to measure mirror going in the gap behind what will be the sink:
(apologies for the bad pictures - only the light from the phone's flash (and a solitary work-light to work with!)
and an example of some of the cuts (both cut at 45* and matched up):
The en-suite has also come out very nicely, the limestone compliments the white well and should look very classy when the finishing touches are added:
Short is I haven't been doing much having only had the cast off my hand last week, the splint & stitches come out tomorrow though so should be able to crack on a little more this weekend - as a result we've had to push back the carpet fitters/appliance delivery alongside our move-in date - now looking like 22 Oct as between then and now life looks to be getting in the way...
Main progress has been the second fix of the electrics, majority now sorted but the light holes on 10% have come into contact with the batons that support some of the false ceiling - not a huge issue as I'll have to get them drilled/chiselled away in the specific spaces as I don't want to have to re-drill holes (they are perfectly measured and set via chalk line now!).
As above the granite was measured yesterday and there is a possible issue with 20mm granite and the gap to the end of the run being only 110mm - this says 80mm is ok (http://caraco.co.uk/quotefiles/Kitchen%20Fitters%20notes.pdf), especially if they reinforce the support there - would rather not shell out 50% more - £1.9k on worktops is more than enough me thinks....
Beyond this the carpentry is coming along - we had to bastardise one of the kitchen units so that it would go around the boiler after they moved it along the wall - not ideal but necessary to get a regs compliant flue exit (and keep it hidden - don't want a flue across the kitchen again!) - had to get myself a new door that will be cut down to size by the fitter when he finishes some other snagging bits - naturally with the boiler now being a tight fit the cupboard will have some vents attached to the underside but will have to be taken off for certification purposes....
The main progress has been in the bathrooms which should both be finished by the end of the week...the tiler is a real perfectionist and has done everything to a very good standard - he doesn't believe in corner edging strips at all! - fully cut joints & angles everywhere, even with the ceramic tiles!
Main bathroom has come out really well with the slate, just needs the front of the bath tiling, the cabinet internals tiling and the remaining box section made and tiled, followed by grouting. There will be a made to measure mirror going in the gap behind what will be the sink:
(apologies for the bad pictures - only the light from the phone's flash (and a solitary work-light to work with!)
and an example of some of the cuts (both cut at 45* and matched up):
The en-suite has also come out very nicely, the limestone compliments the white well and should look very classy when the finishing touches are added:
Edited by kiethton on Wednesday 21st September 15:28
We've only managed to get back into things today unfortunately (combination of a pre-booked holiday and the tiler taking over the whole place).
However there has been some progress, the radiators are now in and plumbed, the tiling is now 90% finished and the worktops went in the kitchen this afternoon. Just the lights to finalise (the showers cover a couple so need to be moved) and the wires need to be fished out.
The carpenter and tiling should be done by the end of the week then it's onto the home straight with decorating resuming in earnest now that I can move my hand (thanks physio!!!)
Will try and get some more updates when back there tomorrow - a picture paints a thousand words as they say!
Still targeting to be in within 12 days....gulp!
However there has been some progress, the radiators are now in and plumbed, the tiling is now 90% finished and the worktops went in the kitchen this afternoon. Just the lights to finalise (the showers cover a couple so need to be moved) and the wires need to be fished out.
The carpenter and tiling should be done by the end of the week then it's onto the home straight with decorating resuming in earnest now that I can move my hand (thanks physio!!!)
Will try and get some more updates when back there tomorrow - a picture paints a thousand words as they say!
Still targeting to be in within 12 days....gulp!
Sorry for the lack of updates - with the tiler monopolising the flat there was little that could be done, well that and a hand in plaster and the last week being spent on a wet & windswept Croatian beach...
All's now nearly sorted - the tiler is on site to finish off today with the Carpentry work set to be finished by the end of the week. I've got my work cut out (and a few days holiday booked) to get all the decorating completed over the next 12 days to move in over the weekend of 22/23rd October - home straight now!
Things have been cracking on, the plumber has installed all radiators, finished the gas connections and installed all of the showers/sanitary-ware, although there is now a slight issue with two of my carefully measured and cut spotlight holes...
not going to give much light there!!!
The worktops were fitted onto the kitchen units on Monday and are looking good - a bit of a price increase however - given short distances between cut-outs and the end of runs my 20mm granite selection had to be upgraded to 30mm quartz with a cost boost to boot....with the only black choice being flecked (we had previously gone with an understated black granite) we had not choice - very shiny under torchlight!
Just needs the final connections to the sink/hob making now, the tap to be installed and an additional skim to the ceiling to bring the level down slightly (ceiling slightly off, units square), well that and the handles/shelves being put on/inside the units and the breakfast bar leg being put on - more jobs for me this weekend...
We also noticed that as the units haven't been pushed fully into the gap the light switch is now about 40mm too far off the door frame and if left would end up partially obsucred by the fridge so I'll have to re-drill the cinder block and patch up the hole....ho-hum! - good-er excuse as any to get reacquainted to the drill that knocked my finger out anyway!
Everything else however is taking shape!
Colours have been chosen, carpets are paid for and due to be fitted on 22nd - not long left now!!!! - when we know the trades are done I'll have to call time on the storage - Safestore, although good is bloody expensive @ ~£170pm....
More gratuitous progress pictures...
En-suite:
Some dark patches on the grout in here still need to be resolved with the tiler as I'm still not 100% satisfied (patches of grout in different shades of grey...)
Main bedroom:
Currently used for tile cutting/sawing - just needs a very good rub-down and clean before painting, boxing in the corner undercoating too....
Utilities cupboard:
Just a rub-down and coat of paint needed before I can lay the vinyl floor
Spare room:
still a dump....needs the skirting/architrave finishing then as above - rub & paint
Light at the end of the tunnel!!!
All's now nearly sorted - the tiler is on site to finish off today with the Carpentry work set to be finished by the end of the week. I've got my work cut out (and a few days holiday booked) to get all the decorating completed over the next 12 days to move in over the weekend of 22/23rd October - home straight now!
Things have been cracking on, the plumber has installed all radiators, finished the gas connections and installed all of the showers/sanitary-ware, although there is now a slight issue with two of my carefully measured and cut spotlight holes...
not going to give much light there!!!
The worktops were fitted onto the kitchen units on Monday and are looking good - a bit of a price increase however - given short distances between cut-outs and the end of runs my 20mm granite selection had to be upgraded to 30mm quartz with a cost boost to boot....with the only black choice being flecked (we had previously gone with an understated black granite) we had not choice - very shiny under torchlight!
Just needs the final connections to the sink/hob making now, the tap to be installed and an additional skim to the ceiling to bring the level down slightly (ceiling slightly off, units square), well that and the handles/shelves being put on/inside the units and the breakfast bar leg being put on - more jobs for me this weekend...
We also noticed that as the units haven't been pushed fully into the gap the light switch is now about 40mm too far off the door frame and if left would end up partially obsucred by the fridge so I'll have to re-drill the cinder block and patch up the hole....ho-hum! - good-er excuse as any to get reacquainted to the drill that knocked my finger out anyway!
Everything else however is taking shape!
Colours have been chosen, carpets are paid for and due to be fitted on 22nd - not long left now!!!! - when we know the trades are done I'll have to call time on the storage - Safestore, although good is bloody expensive @ ~£170pm....
More gratuitous progress pictures...
En-suite:
Some dark patches on the grout in here still need to be resolved with the tiler as I'm still not 100% satisfied (patches of grout in different shades of grey...)
Main bedroom:
Currently used for tile cutting/sawing - just needs a very good rub-down and clean before painting, boxing in the corner undercoating too....
Utilities cupboard:
Just a rub-down and coat of paint needed before I can lay the vinyl floor
Spare room:
still a dump....needs the skirting/architrave finishing then as above - rub & paint
Light at the end of the tunnel!!!
Edited by kiethton on Wednesday 12th October 08:54
We are now on the home straight, so much so my self-storage unit has been served the required notice and a van has been hired for this weekend!
Unfortunately my fears were confirmed, don't think my carpenter/tiler can be bothered to finish - won't answer calls, texts etc - guess it's just left more for me to do!
Unfortunately my timing is not always 100% - I managed to spend most of my Saturday re-doing my CBT (really need to do my DAS at some stage) so left Cindy cleaning & clearing the place which is now thankfully there, well except for the living room/kitchen.
I've booked Thursday and Friday off to get everything into shape ahead of the carpet fitters and the arrival of the last appliances on on Saturday.
Still have a lot left to do before the move though...I think it will end up with us having 2 finished rooms by Sunday evening and one/both of them full of stuff whilst we finish the remainder and a bathroom to move in (the other is a little more involved) - may only be able to move in the following weekend I reckon :/
Trades are nearly done:
Plumbing - 2 more rad's left to hang and the thermostat left to install
Electrics - Install cooker, connect final switches, fish lights for me to install following
Unfortunately my fears were confirmed, don't think my carpenter/tiler can be bothered to finish - won't answer calls, texts etc - guess it's just left more for me to do!
Unfortunately my timing is not always 100% - I managed to spend most of my Saturday re-doing my CBT (really need to do my DAS at some stage) so left Cindy cleaning & clearing the place which is now thankfully there, well except for the living room/kitchen.
I've booked Thursday and Friday off to get everything into shape ahead of the carpet fitters and the arrival of the last appliances on on Saturday.
Still have a lot left to do before the move though...I think it will end up with us having 2 finished rooms by Sunday evening and one/both of them full of stuff whilst we finish the remainder and a bathroom to move in (the other is a little more involved) - may only be able to move in the following weekend I reckon :/
Trades are nearly done:
Plumbing - 2 more rad's left to hang and the thermostat left to install
Electrics - Install cooker, connect final switches, fish lights for me to install following
Yeah its not ideal, that and the days I had off were taken over by doing odd jobs for the electrician - all LED drivers now in (except the one I broke....), the lights will be half-set shortly and then ceilings touched up before they're connected.
Loads of other little jobs to do, half seemingly around sorting out the boxing for the vents in the bathroom - needs to come out more to facilitate the depth of the fans - with asbestos pipes I wasn't going to start hacking them back....
Nonethless we had the van over the weekend, as we weren't ready (despite being there till gone 1am painting!) I pressed the van into service clearing rubbish
In true PH fashion the garage is now clear! -
The bedrooms are also coming on, ceilings done barring a tiny bit of touching up, skirtings done, walls rubbed down after the first coat (still need to tilt the rad to paint behind) so just need a light going over alongside the architraves. I couldn't put the carpets back any longer so they are now in:
A roll of carpet protector will be going down shortly and we'll crack on this weekend - now too dark in the evenings after work, especially without lights!
Loads of other little jobs to do, half seemingly around sorting out the boxing for the vents in the bathroom - needs to come out more to facilitate the depth of the fans - with asbestos pipes I wasn't going to start hacking them back....
Nonethless we had the van over the weekend, as we weren't ready (despite being there till gone 1am painting!) I pressed the van into service clearing rubbish
In true PH fashion the garage is now clear! -
The bedrooms are also coming on, ceilings done barring a tiny bit of touching up, skirtings done, walls rubbed down after the first coat (still need to tilt the rad to paint behind) so just need a light going over alongside the architraves. I couldn't put the carpets back any longer so they are now in:
A roll of carpet protector will be going down shortly and we'll crack on this weekend - now too dark in the evenings after work, especially without lights!
Sorry for the lack of updates but things are progressing, no pictures yet though I'm afraid - hopefully tomorrow!!!
Two rooms (both bedrooms) are now done save for last-touch snagging, I've tiled everywhere that needs to be tiled (except for the main bathroom cabinet) and all is looking good.
I spent a literal day sorting any imperfections in the door frames and walls before the painting and it was well worth it.
Tomorrow's job is to paint the ceilings and last cupboards ahead of the sparky fitting the last of the lights and to grout the un-grouted bits in the ensuite and kitchen. Hope to be in before the end of the month and it can't come quick enough!
Two rooms (both bedrooms) are now done save for last-touch snagging, I've tiled everywhere that needs to be tiled (except for the main bathroom cabinet) and all is looking good.
I spent a literal day sorting any imperfections in the door frames and walls before the painting and it was well worth it.
Tomorrow's job is to paint the ceilings and last cupboards ahead of the sparky fitting the last of the lights and to grout the un-grouted bits in the ensuite and kitchen. Hope to be in before the end of the month and it can't come quick enough!
Not quite but the van is booked for Saturday
You posted just as I was taking some update photo's....all is on track with the exception of the paint - after the first coat of colour I just don't like the finish, looks like the roller has had too much paint on it/not dried correctly
Unfortunately its like this in almost every room so I have a lot of sanding ahead of me! (unless somebody knows another way?):
Small bit toward the mid-bottom left of the picture with the paint gone completely in the bottom right is the small part I've test-sanded which gives an acceptable smoothness....
rest looks a little like this (most not as bad but this is the worst -like orangepeel!):
Not brilliant for freshly plastered walls!
Other than that everything is coming on well - sparky was in yesterday doing some of the lighting which has changed the look of almost everything! - for the better!
One run of lights was working and then stopped whilst I was in, strange so that's being looked at later today
Other than the paint issues above I've just got some grouting to finish off, the doors to put back on/furniture to build and then the handles/shelves to put on the kitchen! Also have the final gas connections/thermostat/taps to put on although the friend doing this has been pretty busy recently so I hope it won't be too much longer here.
Moving the stuff out of storage this weekend into one of the bedrooms to save some cash however, especially as it should only be a matter of weeks, especially with light to work with. some gratuitous current status shots below (please ignore the dust from paint sanding! - gets bloody everywhere but comes off without issue):
Kitchen area, my own tiling effort with full 45* cuts - just needs cleaning and grouting:
Kitchen at front looking toward living:
Main bedroom:
En-suite basin area:
En suite shower: (had to build the boxing above the bog this weekend so still needs to be finished properly....)
Second bedroom:
You posted just as I was taking some update photo's....all is on track with the exception of the paint - after the first coat of colour I just don't like the finish, looks like the roller has had too much paint on it/not dried correctly
Unfortunately its like this in almost every room so I have a lot of sanding ahead of me! (unless somebody knows another way?):
Small bit toward the mid-bottom left of the picture with the paint gone completely in the bottom right is the small part I've test-sanded which gives an acceptable smoothness....
rest looks a little like this (most not as bad but this is the worst -like orangepeel!):
Not brilliant for freshly plastered walls!
Other than that everything is coming on well - sparky was in yesterday doing some of the lighting which has changed the look of almost everything! - for the better!
One run of lights was working and then stopped whilst I was in, strange so that's being looked at later today
Other than the paint issues above I've just got some grouting to finish off, the doors to put back on/furniture to build and then the handles/shelves to put on the kitchen! Also have the final gas connections/thermostat/taps to put on although the friend doing this has been pretty busy recently so I hope it won't be too much longer here.
Moving the stuff out of storage this weekend into one of the bedrooms to save some cash however, especially as it should only be a matter of weeks, especially with light to work with. some gratuitous current status shots below (please ignore the dust from paint sanding! - gets bloody everywhere but comes off without issue):
Kitchen area, my own tiling effort with full 45* cuts - just needs cleaning and grouting:
Kitchen at front looking toward living:
Main bedroom:
En-suite basin area:
En suite shower: (had to build the boxing above the bog this weekend so still needs to be finished properly....)
Second bedroom:
Edited by kiethton on Thursday 24th November 11:04
Yeah, walls were mist coated with Leyland contract white, with another coat of white on top.
I then spent a good weekend sanding it all back to a baby bum finish before the colour - which has gone on and looks like the above.
Only thing I can maybe think of is heating/overloading the roller/wrong type of roller - there is no heating at present but it isn't horrendously cold being the filling in the sandwich for the block, admittedly given the time the paint was being applied there was a definite case of "just get the paint on and go home..." - the stuff applied by brush isn't anywhere near as bad
I then spent a good weekend sanding it all back to a baby bum finish before the colour - which has gone on and looks like the above.
Only thing I can maybe think of is heating/overloading the roller/wrong type of roller - there is no heating at present but it isn't horrendously cold being the filling in the sandwich for the block, admittedly given the time the paint was being applied there was a definite case of "just get the paint on and go home..." - the stuff applied by brush isn't anywhere near as bad
Edited by kiethton on Thursday 24th November 11:04
http://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-knitted-roll...
Are the roller sleeves used
I can sand it back a decent amount and not break though the paint - think that's 100% the cause
I have a sander and even with the bag attached dust gets everywhere - evidenced by the covering on all surfaces, especially visible on the kitchen worktops in the pictures above - a little more is irrelevant now given we'll have it fully cleaned before we move in proper (I'm sealing and fully cleaning one room to hold our stuff!)
Are the roller sleeves used
I can sand it back a decent amount and not break though the paint - think that's 100% the cause
I have a sander and even with the bag attached dust gets everywhere - evidenced by the covering on all surfaces, especially visible on the kitchen worktops in the pictures above - a little more is irrelevant now given we'll have it fully cleaned before we move in proper (I'm sealing and fully cleaning one room to hold our stuff!)
MDMA . said:
looking good and taking shape. little observation in the en-suite. the shaver socket would have looked so much better turned on its side between 1 tile. or at least spaced equally. same as the floor tiles, would look so much better lined up with the wall tiles ( look the same size ).
I wish I could have done this but the shaving point had already been run and the tiler had tiled over the live wire!Had to cut back the tiles and thought to use these to break up the sea of white. Was thinking to arrange the tiles in the gap ala brickwork but decided against it - didn't think it would work with the white tiles which aren't? - the tiles are a different size unfortunately - 100 x 200 on the wall vs. 200 x 300 on the floor.
Paint across all rooms (barring ceilings which is top notch dulux stuff) has been the premium Velspar stuff
I do admit, vs the white which is very thick and went on in a very flattering way the coloured paints are very thin, so much so it was a nightmare to use as the paint just wouldn't spread easily/stay on the tip of the brush for touching in.
I do admit, vs the white which is very thick and went on in a very flattering way the coloured paints are very thin, so much so it was a nightmare to use as the paint just wouldn't spread easily/stay on the tip of the brush for touching in.
Thanks also, used those other sleeves previously with better (if not flawless) results. Half thinking to use a sponge mini-roller as it's given perfect results on the doors etc and I have a good few of the heads left.
If i had the opportunity to heat the place/paint in the summer I would but it's just not practical - not ideal i know...
If i had the opportunity to heat the place/paint in the summer I would but it's just not practical - not ideal i know...
A bit more work has happened - walls were fully stripped in the main bedroom and re-painted, looking multiple times better now thankfully
Now to do the same in the other bedroom and living room.....
The plumber friend has been back to finish the last jobs and has encountered a few issues...
- The dishwasher won't pull out to check that the kitchen fitter installed it correctly
- The clearance around the boiler inside the cupboard isn't certifiable (easily resolved by putting the cupboard on afterwards, with a vent/service hatch cut)
- The kitchen sink (ENKI square undermount 1.0) was supplied without the bloody overflow pipe! - need to try and find a universal jobby as I can't seem to track one online. Also the drainage pipe is 50mm, the waste pipework is 40mm....we have a reducer but it doesn't seem to work 100%....another one for me to try and resolve this evening!
Plan now is to get the main bedroom and en-suite fully finished and sealed off so atleast I can say two rooms are fully done and out of action. I'll repeat the process for the other bedroom and cupboards, hopefully done by this weekend leaving just the living room and last bathroom (plus hallway) to finish - we will get there shortly!!!!
Other than this the electrician has been busy, nearly all lights are now in but with a random niggle in the Living room, hopefully resolved soon!
Beyond that its just the last stages - painting the last coat on a couple of the doors which aren't up to my standards (trying to be an OTT perfectionist in Cindy's words)
We will be in for Xmas!!! - only issue is I'll get little done this weekend due to my DAS course.....fun (or cold if today is anything to go by!) and if I pass I think I'll spend every hour ragging the new CBR600 around! - not that productive for building work!!!!
Now to do the same in the other bedroom and living room.....
The plumber friend has been back to finish the last jobs and has encountered a few issues...
- The dishwasher won't pull out to check that the kitchen fitter installed it correctly
- The clearance around the boiler inside the cupboard isn't certifiable (easily resolved by putting the cupboard on afterwards, with a vent/service hatch cut)
- The kitchen sink (ENKI square undermount 1.0) was supplied without the bloody overflow pipe! - need to try and find a universal jobby as I can't seem to track one online. Also the drainage pipe is 50mm, the waste pipework is 40mm....we have a reducer but it doesn't seem to work 100%....another one for me to try and resolve this evening!
Plan now is to get the main bedroom and en-suite fully finished and sealed off so atleast I can say two rooms are fully done and out of action. I'll repeat the process for the other bedroom and cupboards, hopefully done by this weekend leaving just the living room and last bathroom (plus hallway) to finish - we will get there shortly!!!!
Other than this the electrician has been busy, nearly all lights are now in but with a random niggle in the Living room, hopefully resolved soon!
Beyond that its just the last stages - painting the last coat on a couple of the doors which aren't up to my standards (trying to be an OTT perfectionist in Cindy's words)
We will be in for Xmas!!! - only issue is I'll get little done this weekend due to my DAS course.....fun (or cold if today is anything to go by!) and if I pass I think I'll spend every hour ragging the new CBR600 around! - not that productive for building work!!!!
Well it's true what they say...the last 10% of jobs take 30% of the time!
Oh so nearly there now....much to my GF's annoyance I insist on re-doing jobs/fixing things that aren't correct (primarily removing overspray/drips from doors and door frames) and in her words adding time/doing work that doesn't have to be done.....
Only things left are a thermostat to be connected to the boiler, the grouting of the tiles in the kitchen, cleaning and making good the new grout in the bathrooms then just installing things like shower screens and kitchen door handles followed by the final beads of silicone around the bath etc plus the last bits of touching up (as per the above) and the final edging in each room and we're done!
The place will be fully and finally cleaned to an inch of its life before we bring in anything however as it's totally full of dust and fine bits of building material at the moment!
The end, however, is in sight!
Pictures to follow when there is some natural light....
Oh so nearly there now....much to my GF's annoyance I insist on re-doing jobs/fixing things that aren't correct (primarily removing overspray/drips from doors and door frames) and in her words adding time/doing work that doesn't have to be done.....
Only things left are a thermostat to be connected to the boiler, the grouting of the tiles in the kitchen, cleaning and making good the new grout in the bathrooms then just installing things like shower screens and kitchen door handles followed by the final beads of silicone around the bath etc plus the last bits of touching up (as per the above) and the final edging in each room and we're done!
The place will be fully and finally cleaned to an inch of its life before we bring in anything however as it's totally full of dust and fine bits of building material at the moment!
The end, however, is in sight!
Pictures to follow when there is some natural light....
And for the millionth time we should finally be moving in this weekend!!!!
Only a few very minor bits still left to do:
Connect 2 lights in the bathroom
Sealant around the top of the bathrooms/bath/shower
Grout the kitchen tiles
Touch up a few minor snagging bits
fit the kitchen handles & plinth lights
Thermostat and inhibitor for the CH system
Paint the front door and fit new locks when all trades are done
Then a case of just carrying the furniture up and assembling it! Some updated bathroom pictures:
En-suite:
Main bathroom:
And also got the utility cupboard fully installed and wired in:
The end is in sight!
The budget has been exceeded though....currently sitting @ ~£24k (+£4K) and I owe trades another £2k or so...gulp!
Only a few very minor bits still left to do:
Connect 2 lights in the bathroom
Sealant around the top of the bathrooms/bath/shower
Grout the kitchen tiles
Touch up a few minor snagging bits
fit the kitchen handles & plinth lights
Thermostat and inhibitor for the CH system
Paint the front door and fit new locks when all trades are done
Then a case of just carrying the furniture up and assembling it! Some updated bathroom pictures:
En-suite:
Main bathroom:
And also got the utility cupboard fully installed and wired in:
The end is in sight!
The budget has been exceeded though....currently sitting @ ~£24k (+£4K) and I owe trades another £2k or so...gulp!
Edited by kiethton on Tuesday 10th January 18:53
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