Extension Thread 2022....plaster, panic and pics

[Callmejudith]

Slightly naff title but I haven't had enough coffee yet

I don't want to tempt fate but our neighbours have been very accommodating so far. We let both sides know our plans as soon as we moved in so they had a while to get used to the idea. Our builder has been quite good at giving us advance notice for skips / grab lorries, so we've been able to either reserve spaces with our cars or ask neighbours to move beforehand (with a bottle of wine to sweeten the deal). Not sure if it helps or not, but 3 doors down are also doing a big extension so at least we're not the only ones.

It is stressful having it all going on while we're WFH though. I'm constantly apologising for noise and interruptions on Zoom calls, as the builders seem to have urgent questions at the most inconvenient times. Hopefully I've built up enough credibility in the past so as not to seem too flaky.

We're aiming to have foundations poured this week. I'm desperate to order my kitchen so I can stop overthinking every tiny detail!

We've also had so far minimal hassle with neighbours apart from a slight panic about the scaffolding and fences from both sides.
They have both had extensions in the last 5 years though and one was a total rebuild so I feel like we are within our rights! We only complained once during that time when they were drilling out the patio at 8pm on a Saturday and both builds went on for 8months plus. We are in a cul de sac type of set up of 4 houses.
We have though had to promise to replace one of the kerbs we are using as a builders parking space which is fair enough although technically that neighbour doesn't own it - I believe the council do. But would rather try and keep the peace. Our builder has been great too with keeping the neighbours happy - I think he's had enough experience to know it's the small things that matter.

I really do feel for you who have neighbour issues though. A friend went through it and it was horrible.

Race you on the roof tiling @BlueMooMoo

Race you on the roof tiling @BlueMooMoo

Ooooo! A virtual cup of tea and obligatory it will all be worth it card for the winner.

Hehe!
What week are you on? And sorry I've forgotten but what are you having done? Is it a whole rebuild or new plot?

Whole house refurb although I can’t help thinking a new build would have been easier!
We are about week 14 but have had quite a few delays due to structural matters. Hopefully all past that now! Expected finish is October so a long way to go..

I think that too sometimes as we only have 3 rooms that aren't being demolished. Even our builder was saying how interconnected our build is which is why we've been affected so early on. Some extensions can be totally separated from the house and then only the final few weeks for knock through and make good.

October sounds good. Definitely before Christmas (wink) - I guess try not to have the unexpected fourth baby!

I’m hoping for Halloween, not Christmas! 🎃 👻

The staircase arrived and the builder is asking £1.5k for pushing a ceiling by 30cm so the headheight isnt too low(ground floor ceiling). The ceiling part is 80cm width. There have been tens of little things added each is couple of k easily but I really felt over the top today. This is the ground floor staircase.

The plumber fitted the megaflo in the area which was planned to be my wardrobe. It was supposed to be a horizontal instead. He said there isnt horizontal megaflo in the market anymore. We werent home last week when it was fitted. Really dont know what to do now. It has cost 1/3 of tge intended area for the wardrobe which wasnt big.

@Newhome321 Did you agree a horizontal mega flow and he installed a vertical one? I’d be quite mad about this and think it should have been a phone call to discuss in advance. There are other brands too that do them AFAIK (I looked a few years ago in a different house). I’d ask for a change unless it was left unspecified.

@Newhome I agree. Was the area specified in your plans? It was worth a phone call to you to confirm if you'd be OK.
Additionally the stairs - surely the builder and architect would have known from the plans about the staircase height?

Roof tilers arrive tomorrow 🙌

Today is more general demolition. And my big plan for myself is to finalise the lighting and socket plans ready for a meeting with the head electrician next week.

Sounds like a nightmare re ceilings and incorrect plumbing.

A plasterer here today doing hard wall in the side extension, only did half as not enough stuff delivered.
Had a basic lesson in the difference between hard wall and plasterboard.

Hoping he will finish tomorrow. Also meant to be getting on with steps to side of the patio. Meaning my patio could be cleared of workmens crap soon…maybe.

also my sliding doors for the pantry are in, not finished off with handles or paint but in at least.

Sounds like visible progress @LivingInaBuildingSite and hopefully nearer the finish line

Newhouse, BlueMoo, the plumber said it wont be redone and there isnt horizontal megaflo in the market. He didnt advice me on different brand at all. We have a project manager but he is so rubbish, I have almost been managing the project myself. The staircase was measured by the staircase company, the builder said I could claim back some of the £1500 additional cost as they were the one who measured it. Could I do that?
To ease of the stress, I have been looking for a new(king) bed. Do any of you have recommendation? We havent bought a new bed the last 10 years. X

Foundations were finished today yippee! Let's hope the building inspector is happy on Thursday 😁

Fingers crossed for you @Newhome321 that you can claim back some of the cost.

Are you also able to delay payment to the PM? Or discuss their rate if you're not happy with the service provided?

Are you looking for bed or mattress or both?

@BlueMooMoo and i seem to agree a lot but I agree here too! Can you sack off the PM if he/she is so rubbish that they allow such mistakes? You’re still at an early stage that it might be worth it.

The project is handled by a (large) construction company and the project manager works for the company, I have already complained. He has been trying to make some improvements by coming to the site more often but yesterday he said he couldnt climb to the loft because of bad knees then it drove me mad. How could he check the boiler position without seeing it. Some of the tiles dont look like they have been fitted properly, I thought he is supposed to check that too.

Bluemoo, I am looking for both and looking for a high end one.

GardenandGrandesign: great news on the foundation.

It will be such a relief. I felt like it was such a big ticket item checked off - foundations can wreak havoc on a budget and timescale.

Maybe you can negotiate on price of services rendered then? If you had to total how many hours you've spent during his job and then deduct that off the total. Money talks.

Mattress - we've had a kaymed gel Zurich which originally cost £3900 for the last 8years and it's been great. Hoping to get another similar or whatever the current model is now. I refuse to scimp on this and will put it on credit if need be.
In our guest rooms, we've got sealy orthopaedic range with pillow top. Think it was about £2k for a king if I recall correctly. Again this has been great and we sleep on it from time to time. I think I would want it firmer though if it was my full time mattress.

Beds - divan we bought from carpetright not sure what brand to be honest. It's ok, not had any problems but not particularly stylish.
This time round we're going for getlaidbeds in oak I think.
I would say definitely steer away from metal beds - any one i have slept on has been so uncomfortable!

@Newhome321 one of my friends recommended this company but I haven't used them myself www.buttonandsprung.com

Thank you everyone for your pragmatic comments and kind words about my parking and neighbour issues. It’s a nightmare for everyone, and I understand the neighbours’ annoyance. The root of the issue is that one end of our road has been shut for nearly two years because of another building project. So whenever our grab lorries or deliveries block the other end, no one can leave the road, which I get is very frustrating. I’ve mobilised the builders and PM to find a better solution, but even before we’ve had a chance to do anything, people were complaining again this morning. <sigh>

On the positive side, the build itself is going well and we seem to be on track with the programme (which runs until November).