The Best Is Yet To Come

Moneywhizz

Is Wickes the only alternative to the builders you use? The larger chain stores don't always have the best reputation when it comes to installation. Maybe you could ask around for recommendations of other local independent workmen? It is a difficult choice but you don't want to feel that you have been pushed into replacing your car sooner than you intended. Hoping it all works out for the best whatever decision you make. 

slm6002

Thank you @Moneywhizz,   I have looked for builders before and all of the good ones have at least a 12 month waiting list.  If it isn't going to be Wickes I may as well wait for the original builders as I know that they are good, from when they did my downstairs toilet.  Like you though I am concerned over the quality from what I have read.  It seems that some have a great experience and others have an awful time.

I also think that now I have considered it, and if I do go for the bathroom, as soon as I do the car will break!

Jessy103

When I lived in South Yorkshire, Wickes installers did my bathroom and they were fantastic, but I'm sure it does vary from place to place and that was about 8 years ago. 

slm6002

OK so I have just had an email from the original builders and they can move me to 1st week of July.  So although not as quick as Wickes, it is still not too far away.  Unless anything happens with my current car that will come next.  I feel happier with this and thoughts in my head have stopped whirling around

Moneywhizz

That's good news for you. In the meantime you can be saving up for your next car. 

slm6002

We are home for the night now.  Pasta bake is in the oven and I am about to get in my comfy clothes.

As the savings can not increase by too much, but the car would take too much from my budget before the bathroom is sorted, I did wonder about the sofa - I have many big items that still need replacing as nothing was really done in the first 15 years of living here.  XH was very against maintaining items so a lot of things really need replacing or repairing now.  I am slowly working around the house but doing the main building work first.  I have done a few things in the lounge such as add a carpet to warm it up (still not great but better on the feet), and then I have purchase some new lights (yet to be fitter) and curtains.  I am going to have a look online and price a few things up just to get an idea.  I would be nice not to feel the wooden batten under the very thin cushion when relaxing watching tv.

I am thinking this weekend might be the weekend I tackle taking up the lounge curtains as they are too long and we always have to tuck them in so they don't block the heat to the room.  I need to take about 50cm off each one so they tuck behind the radiator enough but not too much. I may turn the extra fabric into some matching cushions for the sofa (new or old), not sure yet.

I also need to sort out DS's premium bonds now he is 16 so he can access them when needed.

Nothing spent today and don't think I will need anything tomorrow so hopefully a few no spend days to help things along.

slm6002

Yay work is done for the week.  No clubs tonight so once I have collected DD2 from school we can all relax.

Yesterday evening the builder came round to re quote for the bathroom, and to check that the bits I was about to order were correct.  They are and I have since ordered the shower tray and enclosure.  I will get on with ordering the toilet, basin and tiles this weekend.  I am still waiting on the email from the builder but he said it shouldn't be too different from the previous quote which is good.

I have also ordered myself a new bed and mattress.  I need more space in my room and this is a bed with storage, so all of the boxes around my bed can go under it.  That will be my room sorted then.  I need to arrange a charity picking up the old bed around the same time as I have no room for it to be stored.  I have ordered a double rather than a king size which I currently have as it will give me just that bit more space to move around it, plus there is only me and the cats so I would prefer a little more floor space.  Just need it all to arrive now and to make space for it

Going to be a busy and productive weekend hopefully

slm6002

Quick pop on here, what a lovely bright day.  Already on the 2nd load in the washing machine, dishwasher on and about to start on the next bit of my list.  So today I hope to:
*  Shorten curtains - need to find the right colour thread - sure I must have some in the mounds of thread I inherited from my nan many years ago
*  Meal plan and write shopping list / place online order maybe
*  More washing
*  Start in the garage organising and making space
*  Work out how many tiles I need to buy, add some extra for breakages and then place the order

I think this list will carry over until tomorrow, especially if I get too comfy on my sofa.  First job though is to encourage DS and DD2 out of their rooms and to be upright so they can help

slm6002

Needing a quick 5 min sit down as been on the go most of the day so far.  Not sure what load of washing is now in the machine, but it has been on constantly so far.

Curtains altered and are even when closed, so that is a long overdue job completed.

Tiles calculated and ordered before the January sale has finished.  Ordered for delivery over half term so that I can be at home.

Mattress has arrived and I plan on unrolling it so it has the full 24 hours to puff up before sleeping on it.  Will put it on the sofa bed overnight to stop people standing on it too.  The charity picking up my old bed can no longer take it so I have sent message to friend who knows groups that are often looking for furniture.  It would be really helpful if I can get it gone as the other is arriving.  

 I am about to reload the dishwasher now DD2 has unloaded it.  Then need to write the shopping list.  DD1 has requested curry tonight so I will need to pop out for a few bits shortly.

I am happy with todays work, although there is only so long that I can put off sorting out the garage for, as things are about to arrive for the bathroom, and it cant stay in the house.  

Oh and when I was waiting for the delivery man to unload the mattress, I noticed little shoots from the daffodils and tulips that I planted in the autumn.  I half expected them not to be able to make their way through.  Need to add weeding borders to the long list of things to do

slm6002

Good morning, younger 2 have gone off with XH and DD1 is about to go to a very grown up 18th birthday lunch.  It is a fancy dinner in a local restaurant, but they have booked a room attached.  She is currently making herself look super fancy.
I have moved the mattress from the sofa bed and to my room.  It is now on top of my other mattress until new bed arrives.  I am hoping I don't fall out of bed as its a long way down now lol.

Big / only job for today is the garage.  I have to do it and all of my putting it off yesterday hasn't helped.  Just waiting to turn washing machine on in the 1/2 price energy today, and then I will go out.  I have a radio out there so will hopefully get on with it and it wont be as bad as I think it will be.