Renovation Diaries: Extension Updates and Failing Plaster
It’s been a while since my last renovation diary (turns out life gets pretty chaotic when you’re trying to run a business and renovate a house!).
The good news is, a lot has happened since my last update and we’re getting to the really exciting parts now.
The extension
Our rear extension has now been completely built, complete with roof and velux windows!
It’s so exciting to finally see it all come together, and it’s now starting to feel like a home rather than a pile of bricks.
The kitchen was originally going to go in the back part of the L-shape (in the original house). However, as it’s north-west facing, I was worried it would just be really dark.
So I re-jigged the plans from our architect, moved a couple of doors, and transferred the kitchen to the front of the extension.
The back part will now be a cosy sofa and TV area, with a line of units against the back wall which will offer extra storage, as well as a bar / coffee station.
Next week we should be installing the bifolds and the side door of our new utility room. Then it will be ready for plastering!
Now to decide on a kitchen…
The rest of the downstairs
The builders have also started work on reconfiguring the downstairs WC.
We’re essentially bringing it forwards, as it’s currently too far under the stairs – meaning that standing wees are somewhat challenging for the guys!
This will also free up space for a new cupboard under the stairs which will be super handy for storing bits like ironing board, broom, hoover, etc.
I’ve also asked the builders to remove the current fireplace in the living room, and to rebuild the chimney breast in the garage that was removed by the previous owners.
Currently it’s a gas fireplace but we’re planning to put a wood burning stove in – although my goodness the quotes we’ve had are crazy!
Upstairs
Upstairs I’ve been making very slow progress. The office (third bedroom box room) has been painted with an undercoat and is now ready for some colour.
We had one of the walls in the master bedroom plastered as we removed an unsightly electric fireplace.
Unfortunately while I was mist-coating it, the plaster started falling off the wall! I was completely gutted and it seems the bonding had failed.
The plasterer was somewhat baffled but it has now been re-plastered and I’m praying this one holds when I mist coat it!
We’ve also had the guest bedroom plastered, as we removed an old cupboard where the previous water tank was (we upgraded to a combi boiler so we could get rid of the water tank).
What’s next
In terms of the extension, next steps are installing doors and windows, and then plastering.
We also need to decide on a kitchen which is currently causing me to tear my hair out! But I’ll save that for another post.
I’m hopefully going to start painting some colour in the upstairs rooms, as well as attempting to DIY some built-in IKEA pax wardrobes.
We’d also like to get the bathroom done as soon as we can, so I need to start planning that out.
The to do list truly is neverending!
Stay tuned for more updates, coming soon.
