Day 34 and a bonus day. We had 3 tradesmen working today which was a pleasant surprise since this is Saturday.
Richard, the painter, turned up to add a second coat to the walls and perimeter ceiling and to put a finish coat to the hidey / slidey door. He was also able to put a top coat on the pre-finished skirting boards.
George, plastics and glass, arrived to put the finishing touches to the partition wall glazing. He also installed finishing trim along the top edge of the perimeter ceiling as well as the interior trims to hide the last pieces of the roof framing metalwork.
Conservatory – Partition wall glazing fitted and trimmed
The partition wall glazing is also double glazed !!! Unexpected, but this will help keep the washing machine noise out of the living space.
Conservatory – Apex and tie-bar trimming is now fitted
Externally he has now finished off the guttering …
Conservatory – New guttering and existing house guttering are now finished.
Looks much better than the temporary fix ….
Conservatory – Wall art ? Box gutter and house guttering. Temporary solution.
The ever-present Craig, master of all trades was here to build the steps leading to the utility room door and provide the alternative access to the decking.
Conservatory – Steps to utility room door and alternative access to the decking.
We are still awaiting the radiator for the living space. It transpires that despite our choosing the radiator 2 – 3 weeks ago, it isn’t a stock item but is only available by special order. Has it been ordered ? You guess.
So the project is almost complete. Just the steps and the side access paving to be made good. The radiator and skirting to be fitted in the living space, door furniture to be fitted to the hidey /slidey door and then there are a couple of niggley items to do with the finish of the plaster work.
Today was a smiley day. Lots of progress, both inside and out.
Outside first, the decking has been completed . . .
Conservatory – We have decking, we have steps.
and we have steps.
Conservatory – We have decking, access from the utility room end. we just have to have the steps built to join with this.
Edges have been faced off so we shouldn’t lose any grandchildren underneath. Once the utility room steps are built we will have access to the decking from each end.
Conservatory – Another decking view
As a precursor to the inside works, we now have a tumble dryer vent installed.
Conservatory – Tumble dryer vent installed.
And so to why this is a smiley day… after six weeks without a washing machine on hand, we finally have a fully functional utility room.
Conservatory – Big smile on Gerry’s face. We now have a functioning utility room.
So, a nice new work top and cupboards. Machines lifted in, from their temporary home in the garage, and plumbed in. This moment has been a long time coming and, to Gerry, is probably more important than actually finishing the whole project. Friends and family have stepped forward and offered laundry facilities but it is something that Gerry has found particularly trying.
Had the plumbers turned to earlier we could have made temporary use of our machines while other works were proceeding. But hey, water under the bridge and all that.
Conservatory – Hidey / Slidey (Pocket Door) can be closed now.
With the completion of the tiling, the hidey / slidey door can be closed. Still has to have the door furniture fitted. And there is another smiley moment. Although I tried to get the furniture from our local DIY stores, both B & Q and Wickes failed to come up with the goods.
So I had to resort to the interweb. And what a service I received. I placed the order on Thursday afternoon and the door furniture arrived, by FedEx, by noon the following day.
Also, almost completed was the skirting boards ….
Conservatory – Skirting boards installed.
I say “almost completed” as the final piece of skirting cannot be installed until the plumber comes and installs the radiator. Getting a plumber here for any great period of time has been a major trial. So much so that the plumbers are now referred to as “The Scarlett Pimpernel”.
“They seek him here, They seek him there, They seek that elusive plumber everywhere”
Our particular pimpernel is more elusive than Sir Percy Blakeney, hero of the Baroness Orczy novel. The installation of the radiator is the last major item for the inside and is a major frustration for all parties involved in this project.
Work is proceeding at quite a good pace now and this was one of those days when the changes are significant and obvious.
The tiling in the utility room is complete and what a difference it has made. Still to be given a final clean and buff but the transition is fantastic.
Conservatory – Utility room tiling has been laid and grouted
Still have the work top, cupboard and skirting boards to be fitted but it’s looking good.
Outside is probably where the biggest transition has taken place. The decking guy, Paul, arrived this morning and look what a difference one guy can make.
Conservatory – Decking viewed from side access.
Hand rail posts are in, just the spindles and rails to be installed. That’s a job tomorrow.
Conservatory – Decking viewed from garden
The deck looks to be quite robust. Come the full effects of global warming, when the oceans rise and the A3(M) becomes a canal, I’ll have somewhere to moor a boat.
Back to reality, still to be built are the steps down from the decking, leading to the patio, and the surrounds to be faced off so that the grandchildren can’t hide underneath.
So here we are, Day 31 and various signs of progress to report.
The outer garage wall and “verges” have been made good so we are truly weather-proof now.
Conservatory – Garage wall and roof “verge” have been made good.
The, original, grotty old bit of timber has been replaced by bricks and looks much, much better. The edge of the roof, “verge”, has also been made good. Verge was a term that until now I had only ever associated with the grassy edging along road sides. It appears it is also a term used to describe roof edging, presumably when there are no overhanging eaves, as is the case with our house.
When taking these pictures I did note that the end cap is missing from the plastic sill.
Unable to proceed with the tiling in the utility area Craig has made himself busy in other areas. The access point for the running gear of the “hidey / slidey” door now has a new removable cover.
Conservatory – “hidey / slidey” door now has a cover for the running gear access.
By the way, “hidey / slidey” is my term to describe the door and its ability to hide inside the wall. I was advised yesterday that the correct term is “Pocket Door” and although it does describe nature of the door I think I will stick with my descriptor.
Also a new step has been constructed for inside the garage.
Conservatory – New garage step
This step is needed since we have raised the floor in the conservatory to match the floor level in the house. This in turn required the garage door to be lifted making the step down into the garage quite large. The step will make the transition much safer and of course easier on my ageing legs.
Late in the day there was much rejoicing as a plumber appeared. Although not, it transpired, to do all the works on which we are waiting. However, this is a major achievement.
Conservatory – Plumbing for the washing machine.
We now have a water supply and waste pipe for the washing machine. Unfortunately, nobody informed the plumber that the spec also called for an outside tap. Which meant that he had to modify his newly installed pipe-work. Still we have moved ahead and although the outside tap isn’t fitted there is access, outside, to water for cement and tile adhesive mixing.
Conservatory – Plumbing for the outside tap
Also delivered today was the glazing frame to cap off the partition wall …..
Conservatory – Partition wall glazing frame.
A truck also arrived to deliver the timber for the decking ….
Conservatory – Decking kit
Looks a bit like a flat pack from Ikea although I don’t think it includes any instructions. This should be the last of the large material deliveries. Speaking to my neighbour, he has observed the expressions of the various delivery drivers as take note of the curve in the communal driveway and the overhanging trees. They have all managed to make it onto the drive and to escape afterwards so it can’t be that bad.
With all of todays activities I think the light at the end of the tunnel is burning a little brighter. Lets just hope it’s not an express train heading this way.
Seem to have lost count of the days since this began. I believe this is Day 30, only counting week days and allowing for the August Bank Holiday.
The end is in sight but there is still much to do.
Conservatory – Tiles down and grouted.
Laying of the floor tiles has continued and the living room floor area is now complete and grouted.
Conservatory – Tiles down and grouted.
Just needs for the tiles to be cleaned and buffed.
Conservatory – Tiles down and grouted.
Oh, I forgot that the skirting boards and radiator are still to be fitted.
The lack of plumbing support is becoming an irritant now we have been six weeks without laundry facilities. We are farming our dirty laundry out to family members which is all well and good and we thank them for their support but it isn’t the same as having your own facilities readily accessible.
Forgetting about our personal needs lack of plumbing is now blocking the tile laying in the utility area. If the plumbers were to come and just bring the cold water supply up above floor lever with a service valve then the tiling could proceed.
I could do it myself but two things prevent me from jumping in and doing the job. Firstly I am paying for this work to be done. Secondly, and more importantly, I want the work carried out by a professional person who will be accountable should any problems occur in the future. All in all this is very frustrating.
In addition the lack of a water supply means that the guys are reliant on using our kitchen sink for water to mix cement, tile adhesive etc. etc. With the best will in the world it still means dirt and grime is carried into the house.
The plumbers were supposed to arrive Monday afternoon and / or Tuesday morning. Well here we are on Wednesday morning and still no-show.
I haven’t posted anything about the rebuild until now due our recent trip “oop north” for the wedding and to visit with friends and family. We were, effectively, away for ten days, So, as you can imagine, we were expecting some dramatic changes, big progress. Perhaps our expectations were not mixed with correct amount of reality but to say we were disappointed would have been an understatement. Initially we thought perhaps the guys had taken advantage of our absence to go off and work elsewhere. These views were, perhaps, fuelled in part by tiredness following our long journey back from Cumbria.
The reality was that the guys had been busy while we were away. Much of what they had done was of the fiddly nature so the progress was subtle.
The day we left the final plaster boarding was underway and plastering was completed that day.
The temporary roof glazing has been removed, replaced by electric roof vents.
Conservatory – Electric roof vents have been installed, replacing the plain glazing panels temporarily installed.
The electrician has been in and installed the LED down lighters, installed the power sockets both indoor and outdoor as well as connecting the electrics for the roof vents. He has also fitted and hardwired the electric fire that will supplement the radiator panel which, ultimately, will be the main source of heating
Conservatory – Wall mounted “flame effect” fan heater. Will supplement the radiator, if necessary, during cold weather.
Externally, the cornice work has been installed although at the time of the photo it was not complete.
Conservatory – Cornice has been installed as well as two orbs to complete the finial along the roof apex.
We have also gained two orbs to finish off the finial on the apex of the roof.
Less obvious is the finishing trim that has been fitted around the three windows in the end wall, also the end caps for the sills and judicious amounts of silicon sealant. All of the glazing panels were tidied up, stickers removed and extraneous plaster removed from the plastic surrounds.
Conservatory – Window trimmed and sealed
On Saturday morning, after our return, the decorator arrived to paint throughout. He has applied two coats all round to the walls and perimeter ceiling. He has also applied two layers of undercoat to the “hidey / slidey” door.
Conservatory – Late night illuminations on the newly painted walls
More trimming was carried out on Saturday as well as the downpipes for the guttering. The downpipes where the new box gutter has to interface with the existing house guttering have proven to be a little more problematical.
Conservatory – Wall art ? Box gutter and house guttering. Temporary solution.
As of yesterday, Monday, floor tile laying has started. First thoughts are that the colour, Polished Ivory, looks good. It’s the first time that we have seen the tiles en-masse so we are pleased that we don’t feel like the colour choice was a mistake.
Conservatory – Floor tiling, no grout at this time.
So, whats left to do ?
Obviously completion of the tiling. However, completion in the utility area is going to be gated by the plumbers. There is a threat that they might put in an appearance today. We need them to, at the very least, bring the cold water supply up through the floor for the washing machine. Once that pipe is above floor level the tiles can be laid. Also on the plumbing front we are waiting for the washing machine drain and the installation of the tall panel radiator.
The partition wall is going to be capped by a glazed panel to complete the separation between utility and living spaces. Some trimming is also planned for the top of the perimeter ceiling. The bi-fold doors need some minor adjustments as they aren’t as free running as they should be. Guess who managed to snap a key, left in the central lock the first time I fully opened the doors. Important lesson learnt there then.
Conservatory – Late night illuminations.
Once all the interior work is completed then, outside, construction can begin for the decking. Also creation of the steps down from the utility room. The side access paving needs to be tidied up too.
So there is still quite a bit to do but am beginning to feel that we are nearing the end of this project.
Finally !! The day has arrived when “all” the glass is installed. The guys have had a busy day.
First the plasterers arrived and set to work applying the plaster skim over the plaster board.
Conservatory – Plaster has been applied to the perimeter ceiling and the walls of the utility room
Soon after the fitters arrived and set about removing our kitchen window and door. No pictures of this stage. During the morning we left the crew working while we headed over to Salisbury to procure some furniture for when the conservatory is completed.
While we were away the plumbers arrived, removed the radiator, capped off the hot water supply and connected the cold water supply for the utility room.
Conservatory – Old radiator removed and pipes capped pending the installation of a new tall panel radiator
Removing the radiator will allow the plasterers to cover the wall with plaster board. There will not be any exposed brick this time round. Been there, done that, don’t want to do it again. Ever !!
Conservatory – Old, redundant hot water supply pipe is capped. New cold water supply line is connected.
When we arrived back from Salisbury the kitchen door and window were in place. Not only that but so was the new garage door. That was a surprise as nobody had told us that the door had been made yet.
Conservatory – New kitchen door and window.Conservatory – New garage door.
Just when the guys were cleaning up from the door and window fitting another van pulled up onto our drive. Whoohoo !! The bi-fold doors had arrived and were duly installed.
Conservatory – The bi-fold doors are inConservatory – External view of the bi-fold doors
The doors are in and functional but not finished. The glass is in but not all the seals have been fixed. Just sufficient to hold the glass in place overnight. The sealing will be completed tomorrow and other trim will also be installed.
And, no, that is not our new decking.
Unfortunately, this will be the last of my daily posts regarding the conservatory rebuild. We are away for a few days, going up north for a wedding. Then going further up north to visit with friends. While we are away the work will continue and, I hope, the next post on this subject will present to you the finished conservatory.
Weatherwise today has been truly awful. It has rained, and rained, all day long. Sometimes with the power of a monsoon. Luckily, since the roof and glazing has been installed it means that the guys doing the plasterboarding can get on regardless. It also meant that the lack of an outside tap didn’t impede their progress and also let them demonstrate their ingenuity.
Conservatory – Water feature. Supplementing the lack of an outside tap.
The guys created a temporary water feature which saved them taking up the flooring to get access to the water pipe since our outside pipe has not been installed yet.
Visually the build has changed again significantly. The guys have almost completed the plaster boarding.
Conservatory – Plaster boarding
The electrician was in attendance this morning and has run his cables and fitted the socket and switch boxes into position. He will be back, when the plastering is completed, to wire in the sockets and switches as well as fitting the down lighter units.
Conservatory – Outside door from the utility room.
The guys told me that our kitchen window and back door are being replaced tomorrow.
Conservatory – Kitchen window still to be replaced
Also the bi-fold doors are to be installed.
We had a visit from the plumbers earlier and they hope to come back tomorrow to remove the radiator and prepare the pipes for the replacement radiator. This will, once the kitchen window is done, allow the guys to finish the plaster boarding. Then the true plaster work can begin.
Day 18, being a Saturday, is a bonus day. Normally we would not have had anyone on site. However, Craig asked if it would be OK to work and, of course, we said yes. He was here for most of the day and the following photos show the results of his efforts.
Conservatory – Stud wall and sliding door
We now have the framework in place for the stud wall which will separate the utility room from the rest of the conservatory. In the background can be seen some of the sheets of plasterboard which will be installed starting Monday. We also have the “hidey – slidey” door installed although not fully functional. Full operation will only be possible after the plaster work is completed and floor tiles laid. At the moment there are two wooden blocks in place to prevent damage to the track which will be subsurface once the tiles are in place.
Conservatory – Stud wall and sliding door
Note the stud wall does not reach to the apex of the roof. The stud only goes high enough to continue the same line as the plaster board for the perimeter ceiling. There will be a glazed insert installed atop the stud wall to allow light to pass thru whilst keeping out any noise from the washing machine and tumble dryer in the utility area.
Can’t wait for Monday as there is a hint that the bi-fold doors will be installed which will then make the whole structure truly weather proof.
WrAnTz 