Extension going on....can anyone relate to this

[makeminealargeoneplease]

We have had lots of building work going on since July, a major extension that will double our living space, just so you get an idea of the size of the project. Completion date that our builder gave us from the onset was two weeks ago but the project is over running and still seems like there is loads to do, builder is saying 3 weeks, but I'm not holding my breath. I'm getting really fed up with it now, would like my home back. We are around a month or so from completion I just can't be bothered with housework right now, not like I normally am. I know once I get my home back without builders trapsing in and out I will take pride in my house again but for the moment I just have no motivation. I guess its like just before you move house to a bigger place, and you know you'll have more space. Am I just being lazy and should I kick myself up the arse. Don't get me wrong, we are not living in a pigsty or anything I'm upto date with washing and ironing, and still dust, and hoover clean kitchen and bathroom etc, I'm just not as thorough or motivated as I normally am. I'm also shattered, sleeping about 4 hours a night and the rest of the time lying awake thinking about all the stuff that needs doing, and I think that doesn't help when I'm just so tired. Think I'll get some Nytol today. I hate insomnia!

[BlueCowWonders]

yes, just been through similar and it is hard (even the postman said ' I thought you'd moved out').

Re housework, don't do any of it! It's just not worth it, and there'll be plenty of it when the work is completed. For now, just concentrate on being kind to yourself and your dh and dc, but mostly yourself. It's horrible having people ALWAYS there and no time off. So, deep breath, ignore housework and keep projecting forward! Maybe helpful to have a mantra - this will be finished soon, this will be finished soon, and breathe...

[brimfull]

god give yourself a break woman!!

4 hrs sleep a night is enough to give the housework up but buiding work as well!

there is no point beating yourself up abut it,do the minimum you can get away with and concentrate on getting some sleep and relaxing .

[MOrticiaAdams]

I'd knock the dusting on the head too, if I was you! We finished our building stuff in August and the dust is still settling!

As long as the kitchen and bathroom are hygenic enough to eat or wash in, chill out. At least you've got a kitchen, we didn't even have that to keep clean!

[rolereversal]

you sound like you are doing more now than I usually do when no building work going on

Try and be laid back about it, I know its not easy, my dh built an extension on our house and it took 2 years. Still not really finished actually and I nag constantly but it doesnt get me anywhere

I sympathise with the sleepless nights too, there is something about building work being done on your house that really blows your mind, the week our new kitchen was due I slept about an hour a night, and had stress related asthma constantly.

So dont worry about the housework, the dust will be settling for the next 3 years so there is plenty of time to deal with that. Pour yourself a glass of wine and have a sit down. and bugger the builders

[laurasmiles]

Oh gosh I am RIGHT THERE with you!!! We started in June and have rebuilt the back of the house for a new kitchen dining room utility and downstairs wc, plus renovating the whole of the rest of the house. So, we have no kitchen and both bathrooms have been gutted. The bath is in one of them but no sink or toilet in that room - just a downstairs loo. No windows or doors in the back of the house - just plastic sheeting. Everywhere is filfthy with dust. The children look like they are living in war torn Beirut - I've given up changing their clothes every hour!!
I too am not sleeping...averaging about four hours. I don't have much advice but I have a LOT of empathy. Each week for the past month, I've asked my dp how much longer and every time he says 'six weeks' - it's never going to come!!! I tried to start Flylady to mitvate me but even she can't make me feel like I'm geting anywhere with it. I've opted for dark shades in the day and large rum and cokes at night.

[makeminealargeoneplease]

aaaahhh! after reading all your replies I am feeling so much better
We asked our builder today if he could possibly give us a date for completion...."eerrm I'll have to get back to you on that".....wtf?? we are 2 weeks overrun did it not occur to you that we might be asking you that question soon???....blardy builders!
Wrapped up and went for long walk today with the kids and dog....I think that is the way forward....be out of this blinking house as much as possible!
Laurasmiles....I am loving the idea of a little bit of rumification!! girl after my own heart!!

[DANCESwithLordPsGhost]

Oh I've lived through two extensions (loft conversion and kitchen extension). It's a nightmare. You get so far along and then you just lose the will to clean/make any effort/live. The dust WON'T go while they are there so BIN THE DUSTERS. I virtually lived at a friend's house for about 2 weeks at one point (thank you lovely friend!)

Just grit your teeth and make badges for your children 'My mum is not a slattern, we're having building work done' - you'll be fine.

[Tyke1]

just a little point but if builder gave you a completion date and has now overrun surely you are entitled to knock money off for being overdue

[laurasmiles]

lol - love the badge idea DANCE... I do feel like we are a family of tramps at the moment.

Glad you're feeling better today makemine... - so am I. I think it's so nice to know you're not the only one - good old mumsnet. Yes, and the rum helps too! :-)