I suppose it had to get stressful somewhen, and in many ways I have done well to avoid the stress for seven months. However, we plan to move in by July 8th (and this is June 11th), there is still so much to do in four weeks, and the stress is now getting to me. I've just been let down by a contractor who was going to clear the front garden for the driveway, so I'm overcoming the stress of that by doing it myself and saving the money. I've written before about people who have tight project plans which cause them extra stress as well as costing them extra money, and it was my deliberate policy to try to avoid a similar situation. So much for that idea!
The photo (left) shows some electrical switches and sockets. Not just any switches and sockets, but OUR switches and sockets, which are all now live! On Friday I had the pleasure of plugging my electrical tools into the proper socket - away with the long extension leads, just plug it in! It is surprising how tidying up the loose wires coming out from every wall makes the whole place seem so much more completed.
Also, the kitchen has arrived (photo right). Looking at the huge pile of boxes, I am really glad that I am not fitting it all myself.
I'd like to think that all remaining work is organised with contractors planned to come along and do their bit at the right moment, but I know that life is not like that. Every time that I have had even two contractors at the same time, it has been quite a strain with their conflicting requirements, but over the next two weeks I expect to have seven different contractors working, so I anticipate some severe conflict. The other work to be done is completion of the second fix plumbing and electrics, installation of a newly made window cill, fitting the kitchen sash window, fitting the lounge fire, doing the driveway (with a dropped kerb) and (significantly) fitting the entire kitchen. Additionally, I have to do certain tasks myself such as grouting the kitchen floor, painting the kitchen walls and finishing the bathroom tiling; then, before moving in, I also have to finish the decorating upstairs and make a wardrobe for the main bedroom, plus then get a couple of carpets fitted. There is also a slight worry about whether we actually have space for everything, and so I'm wondering if I should buy a large shed or even a big tent!
2 comments:
Hello Matthew,
I've been reading about your work on the limecrete floor with great interest as my wife and I are laying limecrete floors in out 18th Century house. What did you use to grout the kitchen floor in the end? Lime mortar? How long after laying the flags did you do this?
Thanks, Gary
Yes, I note that I never included this information back in June 2011. I think I used NHL3.5 with a fairly fine mix of building sand and sharp sand. I also think that I left the flagstones for about ten days before doing this - I had to hurry as the kitchen units were getting delivered!
One important thing is the gap between the flags - if it's too narrow then the grouting is really difficult. Also, make sure that any surplus is wiped off the flags at once, or you will regret it!
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