Extension Thread 2021.....aka "where's the bloody builder?"

[Callmejudith]

New thread!

@niki26 it's because they stretch differently and are stiffer if they are cold. It's not obvious though and they should have told you in advance.
Lots of building stuff doesn't work as well in cold or hot weather for example it can be too cold or hot for concrete but it's up to the trades to inform you or even sort it out themselves as they are the "experts"

@niki26 @PoshWatchShitShoes
Wood should have less of an issue as you don't tend to 'stretch' it. It may have a little bit of expansion as it heats up but if they have put the joints in properly it should've able to accommodate that.

@wonkylegs thank you! My husband did say that once the fitter had explained it to him it made sense - but the director of the company basically made out that my husband was a total idiot and it was all his fault. He was adamant that he wasn't going to sort it as it was our issue. It was really unpleasant. I mean - the carpet guys knew it was a renovation project and we didn't live there so I would have thought they would have given us a heads up! His argument is that it's out of their hands as it's so obvious. My husband was arguing with him, saying this isn't our area of expertise and it was carpet man's responsibility to tell his customers - he works in motorsport and doesn't assume his customers know everything about their cars! Can you imagine that conversation?!

Customer: "my car is making and I can't put the brake down properly"
Husband. "Ok - bring it in and I'll take a look"
Customers arrives with car.....
Husband: "oh you shouldn't have driven it. I meant bring it on a trailer - you've completely fucked it now"
Customer:

Hello experienced renovate-ees! I wonder if you guys will be able to advise me. We are in the very early stages of planning a double story extension on our stone Victorian house. In the extension will be going an open plan kitchen living space with bifolds and above it will be two double bedrooms.

From what I’ve read steels are going to have to be used for this. When steels are installed do they have to punch them through the existing walls?

I’m trying to gauge what level the disruption might be and if we will actually manage to stay at home while it’s being done!

Any advise appreciated

@TommyShelby don't underestimate the levels of dust and disruption! I was very naive and we have lived in our project for 9 of the 10 months and it's been hard. We haven't had heating in most rooms since October and currently only have 3 rooms with lighting. Luckily we don't have any children living at home or pets so we can adapt but you just have to lower your standards or you'll drive yourself mad.

I love this thread. I’m literally learning things to watch out for all the time.

Posh I think the tap rinser looks good there and means it will go to the left hand sink easily too.

I have a quote from handmade and we are seriously considering them so pleased to hear you have been pleased with the quality.

@nomoneytree HMKC have been great. I needed a bit more cornice this week and they've sent it to me super quickly. The ladies in the office are lovely. Just be aware of their lead times. I've ordered more of their units to make fitted wardrobes and playroom storage... ordered those new ones mid September, due for delivery in mid April!

For the kitchen design, you may want to consider someone like Karen at OnePlan. She did my friend's kitchen plans and they looked great. I know she gets really booked up. I did my own design and as mentioned, it's been an experience!!

@MissFritton65 - ok that’s good to know! I’ve never lived through any sort of building work before so I have absolutely no frame of reference at all

Wow so much happening!

@PoshWatchShitShoes amazing news re the worktop and lol at Picasso's email. I think the bath looks gorgeous and the riser looks great to me. Also love your big utility sink.

@LivingInABuildingSite that worktop quote sounds ok to me. I love the handleless cupboards - super chic

@Sewfrickinamazeballs that is fab news! How exciting. We moved out but my best advice is to check what you have on over the next few months and keep that stuff either at home or easily accessible in the storage unit. For example I had a dinner party to go and all my nice clothes were in a box somewhere, no handbags, no nice shoes etc. Was very annoying.

@niki26 I wouldn't have a clue about temperature for carpets - glad you got it sorted though

@TommyShelby yes to the steels going in - SO dusty. Especially in a victorian house. It sounds like a super exciting project though.

Not much happening here. Decorator hopefully starting on Monday. I saw a friend yesterday who is very good with colours and she's suggested that we go for a very very pale pink in the kitchen which I am quite excited by. Hopefully DH won't even realise lol. We do have one wall where the sofa is going to go and I'm really tempted to paint that one wall navy to make it a really cosy space. I also want a hot pink sofa now

@Callmejudith love the idea of a hot pink sofa. I fancy a jade green one but I expect I'll end up with a more sensible grey.

Good advice @Callmejudith for @Sewfrickinamazeballs... we've got a fancy dinner this weekend. No suitable shoes or bag to hand, it's somewhere in storage 🤦🏼‍♀️

Cladding looks great where it's gone up, unfortunately the builder hasn't ordered anywhere near enough 😡 so the hidden door is still very visible, the order took ages last time so I'm not holding my breath

@PoshWatchShitShoes i expected us to be in rental for two months...it's been nearly six. So when my grandfather unexpectedly passed away in October I had a choice of two pairs of flip flops for the funeral. I had to buy some black boots - I have an identical pair in storage - but finding them was impossible!!

It was all going well and I thought we were back on track after correcting the massive IKEA cock up ( delivery on 2nd of January for rest of kitchen), but as we were having supper I heard an ominous ping and sure enough, it’s the kitchen fitter texting me a pic of his positive lateral flow test. You couldn’t make it up. So tools down until the new year. I think the only way to survive a renovation/ extension is to metaphorically put yourself on a massive dose of tranquilisers. 😩

Gosh niki26 in rental for 6 months that sounds tough!

@whataboutbob it sounds rough but a few things have made it much much easier.... firstly - we never moved into the new house - we bought it and moved in here and started renovations straight away. So when we move in it'll be the first time!

Secondly - and a massive plus point - it's a flat my husband owns above his commercial premises. So zero rent or bills! Internet set up from downstairs - it's been difficult at times but the fact we haven't had to spend on rent and mortgage has obviously softened the blow!

@whataboutbob oh jeez I just read your update - fucks sake! This stuff truly is one step forward and 2 steps back.

@PoshWatchShitShoes

Good advice *@Callmejudith for @Sewfrickinamazeballs*... we've got a fancy dinner this weekend. No suitable shoes or bag to hand, it's somewhere in storage 🤦🏼‍♀️

Thanks! This never crossed my mind.

Thanks @niki26. It’s true every bit of progress seems to come with some sort of backlash. Glad your current living conditions are not too bad. Living away will make moving in to the renovated home all the more special when it does happen!

@Sewfrickinamazeballs @PoshWatchShitShoes so true. We are at home but most of our things piled up and inaccessible; went to a Christmas party in Doc Martens as I've only access to "sensible" shoes; slippers, wellies, or Dr Martens! Luckily everyone found it hilarious as I've actually got 200 pairs of shoes and I'm known for it!

I’ve been watching this thread for a while and following all the stories and your ups and downs. The photos are fab, lots of inspiration. I have planning permission in for a kitchen/ diner extension and some internal structural work to make a laundry room and create a side door to the house. This is in tandem with a full renovation of a Victorian house that has been largely untouched for about 30 years, so needs the full works. I am meeting a builder on Monday for an exploratory conversation about costs and timeframes. Am quite scared!!

Tried to post these earlier but don't think it worked, apologies if now comes up twice. This made me very happy yesterday...

@Indecisivelurcher - looks brilliant, I love the pegboard, may steal that idea for somewhere in my utility!

@whataboutbob - what a nightmare. Just going to have to resign yourselves to zero progress. Had you been in close contact with him?

No guys here at weekends which is a mixed blessing I find. Nice to have peace but two days of nothing happening too.
I’ve got an orchestra concert this eve, then a (possibly) long run tomorrow. So the weekend will whizz by.

Anyone got anything happening?

@Littlemissweepy Whatever costs or timescales are mentioned add a generous contingency.
It helps when unexpected stuff crops up and if you don't use it all it feels great that you have "spare money" or it's finished quicker than you'd planned (that rarely happens but it's nice if it does)!

I love the pegboard too!