Doors and Floors

Well I have been without a kitchen for about 4 weeks now and being realistic, for it to be completely finished it will probably be another 4!  However it is looking more like a room now, and the bi fold doors were fitted last week so we are back to natural daylight rather than living in a cave, which is a relief.

The kitchen and most of the appliances and the floor tiles have been delivered and are in my garage, the first fix electrics are done, the plasterboard is up, the underfloor heating pipes in and the floors screeded (both now but only 1 in the photos). 

Decorating wise I finished Charlie's room a couple of weeks ago, but he can't move back in until his carpet is fitted......once this happens I will probably do the guest bedroom next.  

I have been busy pricing up other projects i.e. stair balustrades, replacement internal doors, decking, carpets etc.  I have also had to source all the light and electrical fittings for the extension.  Great service from http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/ for all my down lighters, bulbs and chrome sockets, I sourced the LED strips for the plinths from www.brightlightz.co.uk and the exterior downlighters from http://www.ukelectricalsupplies.com.  I also got a great Pop up socket and some replacement radiator valves which I found cheapest via Amazon.

Budget wise, well all the TV programmes tell you to have a contigency and they are 100% right as all of our contingency has been spent. So don't even think about a project this size unless you have one!

I have had quite a few headaches the last couple of weeks over steels and structural issues, won't bore you with the details but you just have to keep calm and it all gets resolved in the end.

Finally I am delighted that today and tomorrow the builders are finally finishing the brick parapets at either end of the extension,  with the recent cold weather these gaping holes have made it to be freezing inside.  The list of projects to complete continues but I think once we are in the kitchen/family room there will be an audible sigh of relief reveberating around West Wickham!

The doors open as a set of french doors in the middle, or fold completely back both sides....roll on summer

The centre island will be here

View back into the kitchen

View from the lounge windows

One of the offending holes, the plastic flaps in the wind!

Reality Bites!!

OK so no one said it would be easy, but anyone considering an extension that involves removing your kitchen be prepared! I have had a kitchen replaced before and it was a bit inconvenient for a couple of weeks, but this is a whole other ball game! We have been without a kitchen for three weeks now and have approx 3-5 weeks still to go!  My current mantra "It will be worth it" repeat a thousand times a day!!