First-time house renovation

helping_hubby

TomsMom wrote: »

Oh dear Sam, I'd be gutted too. It was lovely to see the trees before and it makes you wonder why the council found it necessary to be so brutal, could they not have just pruned them????????

I think you need some sort of screen at the bottom of your garden to hide what is now a poor view. If your fence is already 6' I'm not sure you can put trellis on top as that would then make it about 7'. Trees on your side seem the obvious solution but do be wary of Leylandii, they can grown at an alarming rate (which is good to screen the view) but can also grow to an alarming height :eek: . If you've not already done so, take a look at this site dedicated to Leylandii. Also check out if there are any other trees that might be suitable. I'm not an tree expert so cannot recommend any - maybe you could ask on the green fingered forum.

Thanks TomsMom, short of them planting new trees to replace the old ones, which I can't see happening as they claim the reason they've chopped them down is because kids were hiding under them etc...I just don't know what to do, but maybe it seems the Leylandii idea was a bit extreme. I will have to hunt out another fast growing tree or bush. I don't know what though.

It also worries me for the resale value of the house. I've certainly learnt my lesson for the next house I buy...and let this be a lesson to other people house hunting - trees are not permanent fixtures

So you're saying the trellis will count as fence height? So that wouldn't be allowed? What if I put it on anyway? What;s the worst amount of trouble we can get in? The back fence backs onto a deadend alleyway anyway?

TomsMom

helping_hubby wrote: »

they claim the reason they've chopped them down is because kids were hiding under them etc

Well, depending on what these kids were getting up to it seems quite drastic action.

So you're saying the trellis will count as fence height? So that wouldn't be allowed? What if I put it on anyway? What;s the worst amount of trouble we can get in? The back fence backs onto a deadend alleyway anyway?

I'm not 100% sure but I think it would count as fence height. But, hey ho, you're not to know that. So put your trellis up for now and IF there is any comeback the worst they can do is ask you to remove it.

latecomer

I would be seriously annoyed if they'd done that to us but then I'm not sure what rights you have as the trees were obviously not yours. Fingers crossed they will do something to make amends.

Personally if they dont I would be getting something very fast growing like you suggested and then just make sure you keep them under control. Rather have some extra work than a bad view.

Our little project has taken a big step forward - we apparently have holes in the roof and they intend to open it up today for the dormers to be formed, or at least the one at the front as thats where the scaffolding is up. They've been doing a lot of work on the roof structure over the last week in preparation for this. I've been taking pictures but haven't had time to update the blog and probably wont until the end of the week/weekend.

The progress on the outside isn't so good. Bad weather has been slowing them down. They are not that far from putting in the lintel for the top of the patio doors and garage door but then still have a fair bit of work to do after that, particularly at the front above the garage door.

I'm not sure when thet are going to try and get the roof trusses built and up but I think they have a roofer booked in for next week so they'll need to get them done before then. I'm not sure how long it will take to build the trusses but hopefully not too long as lots of other stuff is being held up until at least a temporary roof is over the garage so the boiler can be installed.

not made much progress on the kitchen front but the place we went to at the weekend should be quoting be the end of the week and then its decision time. We've pretty much decided on that appliances we are going to have but haven't bought them yet. We can get an extended warranty through our RBS current account (its one with a monthly fee) provided we buy them using an RBS card. We dont currently have a RBS credit card and OH dropped in to ask what they are offering at the moment and was told there is a cashback one which will also give 6 months 0% interest on purchases. So we've applied for one of those to pay for the appliances and if we cant use our Amex (its also a cashback one) to pay for the kitchen units we'll use it to pay for them too. Always nice to take advantage of the banks whenever possible

jimbugalee

Hi all,

Lots of progress down here in Herts. We've placed the order for the fire, the slate and now the plastered has come round to make the fireplace look great! It's a shame we covered over the bricks but they weren't suitable to have on show. Fire going in on 9th Dec YEY

Upstairs the bathroom is coming along nicely. Reza has been putting the suite in and fixing the taps and made a start on the plumbing. We're doing the big bit this weekend which is fitting the new soil stack so as of this weekend we'll be using the new toilet (then have to go downstairs to wash our hands!! oh well ...) We're put in the buildings control form and paid £200 grrrrrr for basically nothing but peice of mind when we sell the house.

We also made our lounge into a lounge and have 2 sofas and a tele now. It looks much smarter

Good news came through today in that we might get some free kitchen units (brand new) including sink and work surfaces. We're just waiting for confirmation but fingers crossed they are ours. We got to choose the finish and everything This won't be our permenant kitchen but will last us a lot longer than the one we have now.

Oh sam I would be gutted re the trees but it is a learning for us all. Unfotunately at the end of our garden we have the side of a house grrrr but no windows overlooking.

I'd also say your best bet was to plant some fast growing trees/bushes and build it back up. Then before you know it you won't even see the Kia garage

jamtart6

terrible news about the trees -and very brutal of the council!

How is TD these days TM?

Concrete went it and is looking beautiful, unfortunately no bricklaying until NEXT weekend as we have a big weekend of celebrations ahead.

Ignoring the extension we aim to get:
* living room plastered
* outside electricity to shed in back and in front for xmas lights
* bathroom fitted and tiled (ye gods)
* upstairs glossed and finished
* another coat of paint on the hall, stairs, landing
* skirting boards fitted
* doors hung

finished before Christmas not much then!!!

jimbugalee

wow JT I thought we had a lot of Xmas!!!! Definitely good luck to you!! You'll both do it

TomsMom

jimbugalee - freebie kitchen units - how good is that :T. Can't wait to see your fireplace.

latecomer - Looking forward to your pics too, seems like great progress is being made.

jamtart6 - Wow, that's a big list to do before Xmas, fingers crossed for you.

Looks like we've all been having bad weather. On Monday we had just about everything, thunder, lightning, hail storm, 50mph winds. Then I discovered the leaks in the loft bedroom :eek:. Why do these things have to happen while I'm on my own?? I've checked the rads, everything fine. There's water coming through at floor level, soaked the chipboard floor, was told it was green chipboard so supposedly waterproof, but wondering just how waterproof it is?? Obviously the stud walls were built over the floor so if there's damage and it's swollen not sure what will happen. Rang the builders and they were supposed to be coming out today.

Yesterday afternoon there was another horrendous weather forecast so builders rang to say they wouldn't come. They have to take out the large pane in the window, tie a rope round someone's waist to enable them to get to where the water is coming in. Too dangerous with the weather like it is so they'll wait for better weather.

In the meantime, I went upstairs this morning following another night of continuous heavy rain and winds to find a second big patch on the floor where water has leaked in, plus a further small patch. Then to top it all rain coming in under both sides of the window, damp patches on the wall.

Well, at least we have a 5 year guarantee on their work and they aren't shirking their responsibility. The freakish weather, plus our position facing the sea does make for unusual circumstances. Good job we hadn't carpetted the loft.

TD is still very weak. He was having meds to lower his BP at Bristol as it was 150 over something high. Today it was 107 over something low and he almost fell when he went lightheaded whilst he was up out of bed. They're going to halve his BP meds so that should help. He weighs just 9st 5lb at the moment, more than 2 stone under his normal weight, so he's looking pretty gaunt at the moment, and today he's not feeling so good. And today was the switch off of analogue in the area where the hospital is so he's now lost the four channels he had so no TV unless he can manage to get down to the day room. Plus the ipod my daughter lent him and recorded all his fave artists on has given up the ghost. And the menu is so carpy today he had a sandwich for lunch and will have another sandwich for his evening meal. So all in all, not a good day for him really.

andrew-b

TomsMom wrote: »

Then I discovered the leaks in the loft bedroom :eek:. Why do these things have to happen while I'm on my own?? I've checked the rads, everything fine. There's water coming through at floor level, soaked the chipboard floor, was told it was green chipboard so supposedly waterproof, but wondering just how waterproof it is?? Obviously the stud walls were built over the floor so if there's damage and it's swollen not sure what will happen. Rang the builders and they were supposed to be coming out today.

is that above the wall that was damp on the floor below originally..vaguely recall it being boarded and vent fitted? You are pretty exposed to the elements there and with the design of the building looks like it relies alot on lead flashing to remain watertight. I remember what it's like living on the seafront 5 floors up when it's blowing a gale off the north sea with torrential rain! Hopefully your builders will sort out before too much damage is done. You really don't want to have redecorate from top to bottom again. Would take some photos just in case by the time they come it's stopped raining and it's dried out!
Isn't something as simple as gutters or downpipes blocked and water overflowing back into the property? I'd have my head out the window next time it's raining to investigate. At worst you should be covered by your buildings insurance for any damages.

TD bound to have some off days but at least it sounds like his on the mend. Maybe buy him a cheapy freeview box if they don't sort the telly out soon. Though TBH there's only so much daytime TV can be endured - suppose at least it's a link to the outside world though!

TomsMom

andrew-b wrote: »

is that above the wall that was damp on the floor below originally..vaguely recall it being boarded and vent fitted?

No Andy, the wall you are thinking of is Bedroom 2 side wall (I think, but there was mould in the bathroom and that was boarded and vented too).

I've put a temporary photo on my blog (hope that works). Imagine you are standing inside the room, the pink is where the rain has come through. That photo wasn't taken today by the way, so the darker slates aren't the ones affected by the latest rain.

OH and DS have come up with possible reasons, i.e. (1) the rain has come in under the flashing around the window, has travelled down the wall inside and come out at floor level. If that's the case then I don't know why there isn't a damp patch travelling down the length of the wall below the window, there are only patches roughly size and shape of the pink bits under the window, and the leak on right hand (as you look at photo) isn't directly underneath but to the right; (2) the slates hung on the dormer, where they meet the main roof, could have allowed rain to blow underneath causing the wet patches on the floor.

Builders tell me that the wall has a layer of ply, then Tyvec, then slate hung which you can see here . Also inside there are those thick insulating blocks (yellow inside and silver covered outer layer), plasterboard and plaster skim.

If those links don't work the photos are on the latest page of my blog and you can click to enlarge them.

When I spoke to the builder last night he said they are thinking of lifting the lead flashing and applying sealer underneath but of course they will need to have a good look before they decide. They've already been back once a couple of months ago as there was a bit of a damp patch under the big window (RH side as you look at the photo) and they found a pin hole which was letting the rain in and they dealt with that. Obviously there is a bigger problem which has only now come to light with this unusual weather.

I will go up and take some photos but there are some very obvious "tide marks" on the floor and I have also drawn around to mark the place where the water has come in, also drawn around the patches on the wall.

Isn't something as simple as gutters or downpipes blocked and water overflowing back into the property? I'd have my head out the window next time it's raining to investigate. At worst you should be covered by your buildings insurance for any damages.

It could only be sand blocking gutters and downpipes, there are no trees around here but I will take a look tomorrow - we have more rain forecast.

Maybe buy him a cheapy freeview box if they don't sort the telly out soon. Though TBH there's only so much daytime TV can be endured - suppose at least it's a link to the outside world though!

We have a freeview box at home that isn't being used, I can get DS to take it to the hospital at the weekend if OH wants it and it will work with the TV in his room (one of those small TV/VCR combis, looks rather old). He likes to watch Deal or No Deal, I'm a Celeb and X Factor. I offered to take him our small portable CD player and a selection of his CDs but he said not to bother. I just think he was having a pretty off day, he's usually more cheerful than he was today.

helping_hubby

Thanks for your responses, nice to know I'm not completely over reacting on this and that you would feel the same

Here is a before and after (the after is in dark - I'll try and take one in daylight tomorrow), and the bottom picture is from the upstairs bedroom window. Before from upstairs all you could see was trees.

http://thehouserenovationinsurrey.blogspot.com/2009/11/blog-post.html

@TomsMom sorry to hear about your leak. These things do always happen wehn we're on our own. Most of the emergencies I've had have been when OH is at work! Hope you get it sorted.

@jamtart - good luck with all that I'm still trying to get my doors hung! The bloomin carpenter I got the £280 quote from is now unreachable and my other quote was £400!! I'm really running out of time now. Must ring round more people tomorrow.

Hope you are all well...