What a Difference a Day Makes

I genuinely can’t believe the progress that the builders have made on this project.  They told me they expected to have the DPC level up by the end of next week, but I always thought that was going to be an optimistic target.

However they have done exactly as they have said this week, the foundations are poured.  And they didn’t even work on Tuesday.  They look like, and act like, they know what they are doing and what they want to achieve.

The building inspector is impressed too.  Not only at the speed of the work, but how well they have done it.  The foundations are around 1200mm deep all the way round.  Thus I reckon we have about a 600 x 600 plinth to work from.  This, remember, is on ground described as the Rolls Royce of soil.  Fantastic.

Unfortunately the neighbours are less impressed, and we’ve had liaisons with the Highways Agency, The Local Councillor, the Health and Safety Executive and the Police.   It transpired we’ve done little wrong but annoyed people that are used to a quiet life, the way they like it.  It can’t be great having the builders move in, but I’m not entirely sure the best way to object is in such a clipboard and pen manner.

Still, Junior was mesmerised again. He was in his element.  Photo on the digger, telling the truck driver where to pour the cement, and advising the building inspector that ”this is going to be my house”.  Bless him. He really is a wonder, and what makes this so worthwhile, if a little bitter-sweet.

So, end of week one.  Not without its problems and aggravations, but overall the best week in the building project by far. 

Now, this weekends task.  I’ve got to smooth talk one of my neighbours into selling me some water.  I hope they don’t all take a dislike to us. But I don’t suppose I can do a lot about that.