Planning to begin...

Had the first visit today of the Building Regs Inspector, to advise on works we want to carry out to replace the 2 roofs. The main roof is a remove and replacement with black slate type tiles, replacing any necessary timbers, and the bathroom extension roof which was a flat felted roof, is being replaced with a hipped apex type roof at the rear of the property.

The Building Contractor also came to the cottage, to finalise details etc, and good news is that forms are filled in and relevant fee has been paid, we have the "go ahead" to commence work!!

We have asked for a contract from the Builder, and once this is in place on Monday, scaffolding will be erected, hopefully next Thursday...

Building Regs person also told us its possible to replace kitchen window with a pair of french doors out to patio area, and to knock down a brick wall into bathroom, to extend bathroom, the plan is to make room for a shower. So far, so good.

Busy Days....

Have spent 2 days taking out all of the "horrible" removable items from the cottage, mostly left by previous owner...smelly carpets, curtains, kitchen cupboards, shelves from airing cupboard, all stacked up ready for disposal tomorrow.

The cotage is taking on a new look now the carpets are removed...beginning to wonder about replacement possible floor coverings

Discovered hidden tiles, but don't really think any of them are useable!

Completion Day!

Well finally, after a rush to the solicitor's office to sign a further letter, received call from Agent to say completion had taken place, and I could go to collect the keys.

Our first visitor was the Plumber, to try and rectify a leaking water pipe in the loft! it appears to be leaking from several joints on central heating pipes in the loft..not good news, although he has checked cold water mains supply and that is ok.

I took down old smelly curtains from kitchen and bedrooms, brushed cobwebs from window frames (which are Everest, with lovely hardwood window sills - windows need to be replaced at some point in the distant future!) and then decided to fill in some time while plumber was busy, by pulling up lounge carpet and underlay..old oak boards under this flooring, and pulled out the ancient electric fire surround to reveal a chimney opening (so we can possibly have a gas fire installed).

In the kitchen I managed to dismantle the wall cupboards (before they fell off the wall) and took apart the kitchen base units that are destined for the skip...lurking behind these the plumber discovered that the gas cooker pipe had not been sealed off - he did a double take when he saw it, had been left in a dangerous state..

Home for a lovely hot shower...a good start for day one!!

Preparation begins

Sunday, had a visit to a nearby Car Boot Sale... and found some "old" tools, i think they may come in handy.

However, also went to superstore, for other items, wall paper scrapers and a decent stanley knife as I have old carpets to cut up and dispose of.