Garage Windows

To make the garage more secure, a decision was made for the builder to brick up the 4 windows...
this is probably a cheaper option than having to replace them all with new window frames, as current frames are rotten. Over time, the garage walls will be rendered to cover up the mis-matched blockwork and bricks

We have light!

Second fix electrics commenced today, all going well so far. Didn't realise quite how many double switched sockets we have in the cottage - 20!

Just love the chandelier fitted in the kitchen...... we found it in a shop in Knaresborough!

Door Frames

Rather than try to refurbish existing door frames that have years of paint on them, we opted to replace all of them, except for front hallway, which didnt appear to have quite as many layers of paint!

Before pic...

After door frames fitted!

Loft Access

The central part of loft is now boarded, this is to be used for a "Boys Toys" area..hopefully eventually to have a train set up there.

The plumber and electrician hve diverted cables and pipes away from this area.

A new timber loft ladder and loft hatch has been installed for easier access from the hallway.

Bathroom Plumbing

After finally making a decision about which bath, basin and toilet we would have for the bathroom, the plumber made a start installing the water and central heating supplies.

Velux Windows

We installed 2 Velux windows in kitchen and 1 in bathroom, to allow more light into the cottage

Bargain Purchase!

Spotted this mirror for sale in local charity shop on my travels..£9.99..one of my first purchases for decorating the cottage...

My next purchase was from Ebay..a wooden fire surround for £10!

Wedding Day!

Not really renovations news...but visiting the cottage recently, spotted a carriage with horses in the street..a girl who lives next to the Post Office was getting married...a few doors from the cottage...Good Luck to them on their wedding day.

Coving and Picture Rail

Now that plastering is well on the way to being complete, we have decided on coving and picture rail design
Initial quote was for standard gyproc coving, then joiner suggested that we may like the new type of polyurethane coving which is available in more choice of designs...however, searching on Ebay, we found a supplier and manufacturer of old style handmade plaster coving, made with hessian backing, very local to the cottage. We visited his workshop, took samples back to the cottage to measure best size, and placed the order..

Delivery is expected by the end of this week, then the builder will install sometime next week...pics to follow...

French Doors

The UPVC french doors have been manufactured...I visited the factory to choose the handles, and managed to take a sneek peak at them in production

They are now installed into the kitchen, in place of old kitchen window..stonework wall below was demolished and doors have now been fitted. We had a couple of problems with fitter..he initially began to make stihl saw cuts into the rear bedroom window space (not correct room) but as our builder quickly pointed out his error, he literally patched up his saw cuts with cement..and moved onto correct location! We didnt find out about this until the following day, and as you can guess we weren't very happy!

Garage door repairs

Until we decide if we are actually going to keep the garage construction and fit a replacement roof..we don't wish to spend too much money on renovation, but at the same time, want to make sure the doors are secure.
We have had the builders install a new up and over garage door to the front, but rear door required some urgent repair...

 A new lock and door handle is fitted

  and a replacement piece of timber fitted into door frame

Bathroom fittings

We have at last made choices of bathroom fittings,most are ordered and  delivered..

Burlington Edwardian Basin with towel rail

 Small double ended roll top bath - really wanted a bath but as bathroom space is very limited...had to opt for small version

Towel warmer with integrated radiator column