Design Struggles

"It would be good to have a pool table somewhere" I said. "And where are we putting the piano?"

Innocent comments you would think, but they lead straight to "Stress City". Where, indeed, are we going to put the piano and where can we squeeze in a pool table. 3D Home Planning software hasn't really helped us lay things out in a manner which makes us thing "Yes - That's what we want!"

"I want to be able to work in the kitchen AND look out at the garden."

Sounds reasonable.

"I want a walk-in larder."

Okay.

"I want the living space in the extension to be beside the all-glass wall."

Yup. Got that one.

"I want a pool table."

"I want."

"I want."

Does this mean we have to extend further (with the obvious increase in costs)? Or do we have to sacrifice the downstairs utility room/larder combo? Or do we have to "cram" things in? Or is there another way to achieve everything that is on our wish list?

This may be one for the architect - we've hit an inspiration-free zone this weekend.

Talk of the architect reminds me that at least the hosue has been measured up for the production of the current plans. So progress is being made.

In other news, however, I seem to be struggling to find an insurer who will insure the building during the construction phase. Most companies are refusing to provide a quotation. Aviva stated that 30 days of non-occupancy would prevent them from quoting, for example. Must start phoning round some insurers this week.