Clearing Up and Planning the Next Phase

 

Yesterday ended up being a rather messy day. The plasterer removed the old coving on Friday night and the dry liners worked all day Saturday to board all the ceilings ... those horrible artex ceilings can't be seen anymore! The job will be completed on the 12th/13th April, when the plasterer will return to skim all the ceilings.

In the meantime, there is dust everywhere. I started wiping everything down on Sunday and again yesterday. I gave up on that while I bagged the old coving, ready to be taken to the recycling yard next time Niall is here, as that particular task just created more dust. The old coving was dumped in the conservatory but it was too breezy to have the doors open - bits of coving were flying everywhere and my eyes were stinging from the plaster dust, so I had to suffer the heat with the doors closed but at least it kept that mess contained to the conservatory. I will finish it off today, just the bits shown in the photo to bag up and then that particular task is finished. I half regretted not paying the extra for disposal, but with a bit of effort and a trip to the yard I've saved £150, which I'm sure will come in really useful as all the work progresses.

I've found a local electrician who came round at the weekend to quote for all the work I want done. I'm waiting on his price, so fingers crossed that it's not extortionate. It sounded like he can fit me in quickly so, if that does work out, I will be getting my new kitchen sooner than expected. He also recommended a plumber who will be able to sort out the bathroom but I haven't contacted him yet. It will be the next thing after the kitchen is finished but I want to see if I am eligible for a grant before I start that phase of the improvements.

Neighbour V called round today and confirmed that I was correct, and that we do share the cost of any replacement fencing between our properties. I'm glad she was able to confirm it to her own satisfaction at it saved any possible awkwardness if I'd had to show her where it is written in my property deeds. Anyway, we have agreed to get some quotes and take it from there ... she is aware that I need to finish the kitchen before I have to deal with the expense of replacement fences.

I think it's probably time to get everything on a proper spreadsheet, timings and finances, so I know exactly what's happening. A job for tomorrow, I think.