(Note: next paragraph is a bit of a self-indulgent derail!) DH and I both find PIL very wearing, so he is is really supportive. Early on in our marriage, it wasn't like that. He was very much in what those in the Stately Homes thread aptly call the FOG, to the point that whenever he saw them (and I know this sounds mad, but I am honestly not exaggerating) after a few hours he would have terrible stomach ache and then go green and be sick. His anxiety was off the scale. It really got to the point where it was affecting our relationship, because PIL made it abundantly clear that I wasn't "marriage material" in their eyes and I felt, not without reason, that this was colouring his view of me. I absolutely insisted he saw a counsellor to work out what he wanted to do (which was one of the most nervewracking things I've ever done) and he reluctantly went... and emerged about 6 months later a much freer and less anxious bloke. The sessions more than paid for themselves, because his work almost immediately noticed the change, and got him into leadership training. And our marriage is much more solid now that we are a proper team. 
It's sad that his relationship to PIL is more distant, but to alter that, they would have to stop trying to boss and bully, which is never going to happen.
So are those blocks actually already glued together dust? I assumed they were finger pieces that were shrink wrapped, which would then have to be individually laid. I love your floor so much, I'm wondering about getting something similar for my bedroom once I've saved up a bit. It's absolutely gorgeous.
bax - Poor dog! I am sure he will adjust eventually once he realises it's not going to hurt him. I'm slightly concerned whether my cat will cope with the hob now. He hates loud noises! The electrician walked into "his" bedroom yesterday while whistling, and I found him protesting at the intrusion on top of a pile of books in the corner!
namedy - I LOVE the idea of just enjoying the house before you put yourself through the "to do" list. I don't know if others feel the same, but I don't feel like my new space is really mine yet. It's difficult to explain - it's not familiar, as I haven't actually spent any time in it. Allowing yourself time simply to enjoy the new space sounds really mindful, and psychologically quite settling.