Well, we signed on the dotted line and I posted the mortgage application forms to the bank. Pity I didn't put a stamp on it (just realised as it dropped into the post box) . After a week it hadn't arrived and we had to call in in-person to re-sign. Anyway - job's a good one and we've got some money to pay for the house!
Now we're just playing the waiting game.... solicitor and architect....can't wait to get started!
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Sunday, 8 November 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Financing The Deal
It's nice dealing with people who are eager to help and I do understand the give-and-take nature of dealing with suppliers. They're nice to me. I give them business. To use a well-worn phrase, "simples".
Yesterday was a day for ensuring that my supplier of financers for my project was dealt with and what a painless process that was. Admittedly the meeting took about an hour longer than I was expecting but I'm terrible for underestimating these things.
By comparison, however, I wasn't expecting the following:
The bank, rightly, wanted an independent valuation of the property and we had a phone call from the aforementioned valuer as we were driving home from our meeting with the bank. That sounds very efficient to me! The valuer arrived at the property three hours after the bank meeting and took all of ten minutes to give the property the once over (and his blessing).
So, all that is now required (I believe) is a signature somewhere along a dotted line.
Now, if only the minor "issuette" surrounding the title deeds of the property can be sorted! Oh, and the architect finds the time to come and measure up. Oh, and we can find a builder who can perform the necessary in the required timeframe at the right price.
Yesterday was a day for ensuring that my supplier of financers for my project was dealt with and what a painless process that was. Admittedly the meeting took about an hour longer than I was expecting but I'm terrible for underestimating these things.
By comparison, however, I wasn't expecting the following:
The bank, rightly, wanted an independent valuation of the property and we had a phone call from the aforementioned valuer as we were driving home from our meeting with the bank. That sounds very efficient to me! The valuer arrived at the property three hours after the bank meeting and took all of ten minutes to give the property the once over (and his blessing).
So, all that is now required (I believe) is a signature somewhere along a dotted line.
Now, if only the minor "issuette" surrounding the title deeds of the property can be sorted! Oh, and the architect finds the time to come and measure up. Oh, and we can find a builder who can perform the necessary in the required timeframe at the right price.
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
80s Stone Cladding - the Good, the Bad or the Ugly
Ugly methinks or maybe baaaad, never good. Tis gone from around the fireplace. I'm loving it!
On the slightly less good news front - some tiles fell of the bathroom wall and knocked a radiator off the wall. Keith has drained the system to prevent a flood! Ooops!
The pine panel ceiling has now been removed from the downstairs bathroom and I could see today that there appears to be insulation in the sloping roof. Lots of draughts though as there are a lot of little gaps too!
On the slightly less good news front - some tiles fell of the bathroom wall and knocked a radiator off the wall. Keith has drained the system to prevent a flood! Ooops!
The pine panel ceiling has now been removed from the downstairs bathroom and I could see today that there appears to be insulation in the sloping roof. Lots of draughts though as there are a lot of little gaps too!
Monday, 26 October 2009
A Modern Home
I'm into my IT - it's what I do for a living - so it makes sense that my new home will be equipped with the latest and greatest gadgets. I currently enjoy a 50mb cable line into my home which comes in very handy with the work that I do, for example.
When it comes to home networking, I like the idea of having CAT5e/CAT6a cable running into every room in the house (with the possible exception of the bathroom, of course). Do I need to do this though? Won't wireless "cut the mustard"?
As I see it, I would like to future proof the house as much as possible. If I want to stream HD video, CATxx cabling would be beneficial. If I want super-fast backup capability for each laptop, CATxx cabling would be beneficial. If I want to play about with home automation technologies, CATxx cabling would be beneficial.
And then there is the option of using the home's electrical wiring to carry data signals using those spectacularly good 200mbs bridge devices - I use one at present and it works a treat!
So the options are:
When it comes to home networking, I like the idea of having CAT5e/CAT6a cable running into every room in the house (with the possible exception of the bathroom, of course). Do I need to do this though? Won't wireless "cut the mustard"?
As I see it, I would like to future proof the house as much as possible. If I want to stream HD video, CATxx cabling would be beneficial. If I want super-fast backup capability for each laptop, CATxx cabling would be beneficial. If I want to play about with home automation technologies, CATxx cabling would be beneficial.
And then there is the option of using the home's electrical wiring to carry data signals using those spectacularly good 200mbs bridge devices - I use one at present and it works a treat!
So the options are:
- stick with wireless
- use the electrical system
- run dedicated CATxx cabling to each room
The Imagery Evolves
The artist in the family has been at it again. This time, it has been mocking up some more sketches of the front elevation and the upstairs floorplan.
We're basically settled on the idea that the dormers will be removed and replaced with Velux windows and that the study will have two long windows inserted instead of the small one that is in place just now. And, we are basically settled on the idea of a sloped front extension rather than a flat-roofed one (as long as the stairs can handle it internally).
The upstairs floorplan, however, has been revamped ever so slightly as there is now a room for a washing machine and tumble-drier. Not exactly a radical evolution but at least it matches the way that we actually live our lives. Why take clothes downstairs just to wash them and cart them back upstairs?
We're basically settled on the idea that the dormers will be removed and replaced with Velux windows and that the study will have two long windows inserted instead of the small one that is in place just now. And, we are basically settled on the idea of a sloped front extension rather than a flat-roofed one (as long as the stairs can handle it internally).
The upstairs floorplan, however, has been revamped ever so slightly as there is now a room for a washing machine and tumble-drier. Not exactly a radical evolution but at least it matches the way that we actually live our lives. Why take clothes downstairs just to wash them and cart them back upstairs?
Friday, 23 October 2009
Where are we now
Haven't been able to get up to see where we are but I am reliably informed that the utility room at the back of the garage is empty, the tiles have been removed from the kitchen, attic emptied, ponds drained, garden waste gone, doors, frames and skirtings removed. Basically - anything removable has been! Will update after tomorrows visit.
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