Kitchen Extension Update 2

The thing that has surprised me the most about having work-people in is how quickly things happen, when they happen. Admittedly, starting an extension in winter was not the best of plans, but when they can crack on, they REALLY crack on. So, for this extension update, expect BIG advances.

When I last left you (see update 1 here), we had a concrete sub-floor, a bricked up window (leaving us with a pitch-black stairwell) and a huge gaping hole in the back of our house. Well, it only took two days for the fastest joiner in the East, to cut and assemble (that’s right, it had to be made on-site!) our wooden framework. By the end of day two, we had a roof… and I cannot tell you how exciting that was!

Finally, we could get a sense of the space that we would have. Now, I’ve said it before, this extension is by no means palatial. Actually, it’s bloody tiny. Our lovely dining space and third bedroom/study has been massively compromised by a ‘necessary’ disabled access shower room. Unfortunately, there is no way around this pain-in-the-arse space, so we are making lemonade out of lemons and turning it into a laundry room/wc. The plumbing for the shower will be capped-off under the floor, ready for anyone who requires it in the future (as per legal requirements). Still, it leaves us with two awkward rooms, which I am trying not to dwell on too much. Brian keeps telling me that they’re going to be fine, so I am choosing to believe him. THEY ARE GOING TO BE FINE!

Although small, each space will still make a massive difference to how we live in the house. Having the framework up has allowed us to start planning furniture layouts and how we will use the space. Having the openings for the roof windows and French doors has also given us an idea of the daylight we will have. It’s going to be glorious!! The back of the house is West facing so we cannot wait to have the French doors open and the sun streaming in on a Summer evening. Let’s just hope we get some sun.

The day after the carpenter left, the brickie arrived. In just a few short days we had concrete block walls. The old hall window was faced-up in granite and the garden wall was repaired to fill the gap. All still to be pointed, but looking great. It’s so exciting to see finished stages coming together. Especially this next stage…

We Have Light!!

Last Friday, the team showed up (I wasn’t expecting them until the following week) to work on the roof window for the stairs. In just a few short hours, the hole was cut, the window installed, tiles in place and the interior plasterboarded. Swift work!

Look at the massive difference it has made. The upstairs landing was always quite gloomy, unless the sun was streaming in (which was rare!), but now it is so light and airy. The downstairs is also flooded with light, which is a massive relief, as I had been worried that we would lose too much due to the landing window being removed.

We went for a traditional conservation style window for the stairs, with a plan to replacing the attic windows with similar too. I love how it looks from outside too. Like it has always been there.

As I type, the carpenters and electricians are hard at work on the extension interior… so hopefully my next update will be very soon…