So more-or less where we are now... To do? More internal doors to fit, window linings, storage, tiling. Those are the big ones, then the snagging begins... But we're all very happy to be in. Initial feedback is that the layout works well, daylighting is good and the temperature is stable. Great to feel the sunshine streaming in at breakfast time. Big thanks to all who have given their time over the course of the project. More to follow...

Was the month we moved across, with a little more help...

With the underfloor heating commissioned, work inside continued in comfort. Filling... painting... joinery... services....

I do mean to work back through my photos and do a more detailed stage-by-stage breakdown of the process.. but as I haven't managed to do that yet here is a rapid fire selection of pictures to take us to the end of 2016.

So.... no news for ages, I know! Just so much going on. But I'm really happy because the Final Certificate for the build has now been issued! This is the 'sign off' by the Building Inspector that states that the building meets all relevant Building Regulations. Its not, as they clearly state, any sort of warranty, it doesn't mean that your building will not suffer from any issues. But it does mean that you have been seen to comply with the Building Regs. These are principally concerned with the safety of occupants and people in the vicinity, and the energy consumption of the building.
This is an epic moment as although the project is by no means finished - lots of snagging to do - in fact lots of jobs that go well beyond snagging, but it feels as though the remaining work is now quantifiable (and to some extent non-essential). It also marks the practical completion of the final major building project that we set out to do when we completed the purchase of the existing house and land 5 and a half years ago. Other maintenance and improvement projects are now needed, but its still a huge moment for us.

With the underfloor heating commissioned, work inside carried on in comfort....

So with the floor down, the internal partitions can start to take shape, starting with those that define the shape and size of the future stair. With these in place the final detailed design and fabrication of the stair can begin...!

Concrete pours are always stressful and this was no exception, although we got a nice technical rep. in to support us with the Self Compacting Concrete (ie self-levelling - magic!) as a promotional freebie, the lorry was late and almost got stuck the wrong side of a parked car... But once cured the concrete will form a solid, flood resisting floor that will add to the thermal mass of the building, smoothing temperature fluctuations. The concrete came with steel fibre reinforcement (chopped up wires) that meant we didn't need a reinforcing steel mesh, saving time, money and aggravation (and injuries!).