Progress report

Things have really picked up pace on site now that we are virtually wind and watertight. There's a far more positive vibe around and ETC is currently end July (which is really handy given that we're off on a short holiday on the 2nd August - Duh!) . That's a grand total of 9 weeks late. I wouldn't mind so much if I didn't need to keep running up there every day to water my veg. My plan had been to be there at the time when everything was thirsty and wander out into the garden of an evening.

There are a range of opinions with regard to the reasons for the delay. Regular readers of this blog may realize some of the reasons. The builders have applied for an extension - and cited their opinions for the delay. Suffice it to say there will be some further discussion around this. We have to find a home come end June through until end July as our tenancy here ends.

So what's happening on site:

• All the windows and doors are in except the new front door and the kitchen door. The internal skin of the gable will follow on much later.
  
• The roof is fully tiled at the front and probably 30% tiled at the back.
• The house has ply flooring in both upstairs and down - that's not finished flooring - I mean its all walkable on.
• All the underfloor heating panels are fitted - plumbing first fix is nearly done.
• The electrics are nearly 1st fixed - only the living area to go.
• All the sanitaryware is now on site (bath, loos, basins) and awaiting a chance to be fitted. They came from a compbination of B&Q and Quayside (local dept. store).
  
• We have some of the taps etc at home. The rest arrive early next week. I highly recommend Aquabrand who have been immensely patient, helpful and good value.
  
• The stove is on its way - it left Derbyshire today. We bought it from a shop called Robeys who have been very helpful.
• The ventilation ducting proved too complex for the builders to work out (not their fault I hasten to add - we blame Ubbink for a distinct lack of instructions / help through the design process). So local air conditioning experts are coming in next week to make it work - yes we know its not an air conditioning system but they will be able to apply themselves to the challenge.

What are we thinking about now?

• This week we finally (we hope) solved the glazing dilemma (several posts below) . We have managed to identify a way to source the glass we want at the size we want. I'm more than a little familiar now with the workings of the glass industry.
• We're gathering tenders for the external work - 4 in total.
• We considering audiovisual stuff so that ducting can be found and placed in the right place. Current confusion is around the completely incomprehensible range of LCD flatscreen TV's which Sony make. Trying to see through the marketing hype is nigh on impossible.
• We're answering lots of small (but important) questions from people like the electrician. E.g. Where should we put the isolation spurs for the hob, cooker and fridge freezer?
• We're still awaiting a final appliance from Buyers and Sellers - the washing machine. Its an AEG one which seems to provide everything we want (AAA rated and large) and matches the (A rated and large) dryer which we already have in Catherine's greenhouse. Problem is that AEG had some serious industrial action earlier in the year and they've been playing catchup ever since. Everything else has come through in dribs and drabs - this final piece seems to be taking a very long time. We don't need it until end July so there's still a while to go.
• Front doors - we've found doors we're happy enough with, and locks we like the look of. Problem is they don't appear to be fully compatible. One must change.
• Making the money work - a constant ponderance.