Man Cave Mk2

[b33fy]

Nice fittings make a big difference if you can stomach the prices.

Hopefully the plastering is all done before Christmas.

Yep, they are expensive Duncan, you could easily get carried away with it all. Hopefully with a few nice bits it’ll set the scene so to speak.

The plasterer set up Tuesday and did three days, completing the two bedrooms and adjoining en-suites. We needed the Monday to finish off a few bits for him and clear the rooms. Greg’s coming back in the new year to do the last bathroom and put some coving up in the two bedrooms. All works out nicely.

We’ve been wasting time on the wood burner which is a PITA to fit. The chimney has to have a register plate made and fitted to stop any detritus coming down and minimise heat loss. The opening is an odd shape with a curved back so a ball ache cutting the cement board to fit. Given up for now. No real plan over Xmas, waiting for the plaster to dry then mist coat the en-suites. Hang some rads in the living area and might make a start on the parquet floor.

[DJ.]

Glad to hear you are taking a well earned rest!
Happy Christmas to you all

[b33fy]

Glad to hear you are taking a well earned rest!
Happy Christmas to you all

Thanks for the moral support over the past year Duncan, it really does help at times. A merry xmas to you and anyone else hiding out there who takes an interest in our endeavours.

[DJ.]

And it's over!
All that build up and in two days it's all gone!

[b33fy]

And it's over!
All that build up and in two days it's all gone!

Yep. The older I get the more shite Xmas is. Bought a dinner in a box for four so James had a dinner of sorts. £35. It was in the shop for £5.74 Boxing Day.

As per previous post, gave up on the stove for now. Need to get an offset flue to make the installation a bit easier though nothings open til the 6th.

Hung the radiators in the living area. Took a while to get the first one right and the brackets in the right place as we had to allow for the new floor, skirting and a convection gap at the top. Once the first one was sorted the rest were a breeze.

Started on the floor today. Again a lot of measuring and titting about, probably over thinking things. Once the first row was in we were away, though it was still a bit tricky until it all stopped sliding about. More of the same for the next few days. It’s not a quick job so digging deep and gonna chip away at it.

Been keeping an eye out for tiles to go in the new hall. Found some chequered tiles with a distressed worn look. Price was the stumbling block with the local builders merchants wanting £45m2 Found an online site with a local store so ordered them at £28m2. Going to paint the newly plastered walls a plaster colour The plasterer isn’t impressed

Happy new year to Duncan and anyone else who’s out there.

[DJ.]

Happy New Year

At least the paint is better than magnolia...

The house must be finally starting to feel more homely I hope.

[b33fy]

Happy New Year

At least the paint is better than magnolia...

The house must be finally starting to feel more homely I hope.

Bit of a mixed bag Duncan. The inside is in a mixed state from the untouched old kitchen which we are using as a bit of a mess room, to the new living area which is the most complete. We can’t rip out the old kitchen until we get the new one working with at least a fridge and microwave.

We’re slowly getting there though. Finished the flooring in the new kitchen area other than sealing the floor. We cut a border in which makes it easier to lift the floor if we have problems with radiators. Didn’t make it easy for ourselves but it’s an ok job. Going to start getting some kitchen units in now and hopefully get the wood burner burning once some parts arrive.

[DJ.]

It's a bit like building a kit car, you seem to make amazing progress initially, but all the fiddly bits inside take much longer. The floor looks good

[b33fy]

It's a bit like building a kit car, you seem to make amazing progress initially, but all the fiddly bits inside take much longer. The floor looks good

Yep, they certainly do. I guess if you’re laying floors for a living you’ve got that previous knowledge whereas we’re learning on the hoof. The kitchen is a good example with an instruction manual for most scenarios and configurations, though you then have to “blend” them with the appliance instructions. Spent six hours today reconfiguring a tall unit for two ovens still got some more work to do, cutting more of the back of the unit out and moving the power outlets on the wall. Though I might use flex outlets instead then you haven’t got the plug sticking out.

Gotta go off piste for the fridge freezer.. can’t wait.

Got the waste and plumbing done for the dishwasher and gas for the hob. (All pressure tested and will be checked out by an expert of sorts when the gas meter is connected)

Greg finished the second round of plastering which means we can sort out a working bathroom and finish two bedrooms. He fitted the coving as well which looks great. Stewart the Slater is popping back next week to do some painting. Keeps him out of the cold weather and moves things along for me whilst I mess about with other stuff. Going to have another go the wood burner using an offset flue as the fireplace is pretty shallow so it should be easier to connect up.

More of the same next week.

[DJ.]

I find it mind boggling how much there is to do refurbishing a house makes me glad we are happy living where we are.

I've just started the winter servicing on my Seven, hopefully not too much to do although I've already found the reversing light wiring needed repair and I know the front wheel bearings are due for greasing and the brake fluid needs changing