The next step.

The next stage of our building work was meant to be replacing the windows. After a couple of failed starts we found a handyman who seemed promising.

The poor man turned up as expected. Started the job and was rather surprised to find that the lintel on one window was rotten from the water damage and the other didn’t even have one. Luckily he was unfazed by this and after a few days delay while he did other jobs, he returned with nice new concrete lintels and scaffold.

These bricks were resting on the window frame and could even be supporting the roof but they’ve gone now.

They say you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs. I think my bathroom is officially broken!

I’ve got one new window and downstairs gets done next week.

Things can only get better.

Busy, busy but slowly.

Another part of the renovation story has started today. The chimney that takes the boiler flue is coming down. Well it’s being reduced and capped off anyway! The workman arrived at 8am and although it’s only 10.30 they are presently on their third tea break.

The scaffold is up and the top is off. The old flue is sticking out of the top in this picture but that all has to go. Following the poor fitting of the guttering after the new roof in 2017 but chimney has been letting in water and the flue is perished.

On the inside we have removed the damp plaster to reveal the extent of the damage. The boiler has gone and a number of old water pipes have also been removed. The water has been soaking into the surrounding wattle and daub wall so that has also come down, much of it totally without any help from us!

Also missing is the ceiling and all the plaster in the utility room and upstairs, the wall, part of the floor and the bathroom sink and toilet surround. The whole suite is coming out along with all its cast iron pipework on Friday.

Looking on the bright side I have got a brilliant old chimney pot that I’m sure I can plant something in and in between making the workers tea I have jarred the weekends honey. What’s to complain about!