Timeline
December 2007 – moved into our new home with two children and the contents of a much larger house. This is called incentive!
January 2008 – Donald gets to work on the plans for our extension. These include everyone’s wish list – an office, a den, utility room, large kitchen, fireman’s pole (of course). The result is a three storey, split level addition with the same profile as the two storey house. Submitted 24/1.
February 2008 – Planning department inspects house and tells us to pull it back 2.5 metres, in line with our neighbour’s extension. There goes the den, office, utility room and fireman’s pole. Oh well, there was no harm in asking.
March 2008 – Planning permission received. Donald gets cracking on building warrant and sourcing materials. Engineer signs certificate of structural design and application is submitted. Start preparing garden, which is soon to become a site. Dismantle (and reuse) sheds and decking.
April 2008 – Building warrant granted. Preparation work begins in earnest. Dismantle conservatory (for reuse elsewhere). Break up outdoor steps, foundations of conservatory and shed floors. First skip (of three).
May 2008 – Donald’s friend Ali arrives with digger to clear the site and dig trenches for foundations. Discover problems with drainage pipes – they’re too high. Have to redraw original timeline for project. Get plumbers in. Despite early indications that we would have to, we don’t have to move out while work carried out. Joiners arrive and manage to work away in the garden while plumbers work. 25% of the timber frame constructed and lying on grass. Start work on foundations. Floor slab laid 30/5.
June 2008 – With foundations in place, joiners start erecting frame. Roof to go on. Looks like a house in skeleton form.
July 2008 – Slates on roof. Windows and doors. Hemp batts arriving. Gill and kids move out for the summer. Exterior – wood fibre boards. ‘Wall slap’ from old house into new. Move bathroom. Electrics first fix. Plumbing. Interior stairs.
August 2008 – (revised) Arrives home to building site but house almost habitable. Render exterior walls to make waterproof. Dry out kitchen floor. Plasterboard interior walls. Plumb shower. Move kids into new room.
September 2008 - Sand kitchen floor. Put up stairs. Install kitchen. Flooring and painting. Heating (thermaskirt).
And beyond – Replace windows in front of old house. Fix garden. Housewarming.
