Watty's Awakening

Watty1

Another maintenance person been.  This one says can do all the big jobs and took a photo of the list of little ones.  I liked this one although WattyDog does not rate because the man was offered "THE BESTEST" ball ever and he declined to play.   

My fencer is supposed to return this week but he is the ultimate "no show" so I'm not sure if he will return, which is a shame because he is great at what he does and gets on with it but I really need the post and rail repaired before winter.  Currently relying on electric fencing and don't really want to continue with that.

The man last week sent me a quote for repairing the garden steps at £4000 and wants £25 an hour for the rest of the work.  I didn't like him and will not be going with him.  Just an instinctive I didn't like. I'm listening to that intuition. Partly because I have a sense the bigger jobs will take many days on an hourly rate and the smaller jobs will be whizzed through perhaps not so well, and I just didn't like him.   So he is  a no.

Lets see what the quote comes in at. I might also ask the builder who did the bathroom if he wants to quote on the outside work too as WattyDog and I really liked him and he was a lovely chap to have about.

Watty1

I've also realised just how much work there is outside to even begin to restore the place to where it was when I left originally.  

In other news I have bought curtains for two of the bedrooms, prompted by the arrival next month of a friend to stay and a bedframe.  Now just need a mattress.    Both spare rooms have not really been progressed since the decorator left so the arrival of the bed is a prompt to kick start that.

redofromstart

Our Doglet absolutely adores the roofer who has been working here.  She hears him talking outside and starts dancing.  I have no idea what kind of job he is doing up there, but she loves him so it will be ok.

Much sympathy on all the work that needs doing.  At least you are chipping away at it.

KajiKita

Your posts are reading like you have a really clear vision emerging of how you want your home to look and feel … 😊❤️

The more I read about the destructiveness of your ex, the more I am bewildered and angered … But let’s not dwell on that! 😉

Bet your friend loves the new spare room! 😊

KK

greenbee

My cats loved the roofers, weren't keen on scaffolders (too noisy). Also like to supervise the decorator (particularly hard work when he was painting the outside of the windows as they had to do it from inside and he kept moving), the window cleaner (again from inside - the come in when he arrives), and the plasterer). I'm not keen on them helping the decorator TBH... They also supervise the cleaner and handyman. And apparently were very helpful with the solar installation and pleased to see the electrician when he came back to quote for more work. 

Definitely trust WattyDog's instincts. 

Watty1

Love the various pets approval ratings      WattyDog referred to as "mad as a box of frogs" yesterday by a delivery driver who braved him to drop off horse bedding.  Sadly he delivered the wrong bedding which I only noticed this morning so had to call and arrange for it all to be collected and then swapped for my actual order.

Still the delivery man did better than the coal man who refused to deliver because WattyDog was in the garden.   The coal man was eventually prevailed upon to return on the understanding the dog would be nowhere to be seen.  The man then got his van stuck on the long back drive but fortunately the VNM was just back from work so the VNM was able to tow the coal truck out with the work van.   During the chat whilst sorting out van it turned out the coal man was at school with the ex (something I knew) and wanted the gossip.  He got the unfiltered version from the VNM and was horrified.

@KajiKita I too am bewildered, angered and sad in varying amounts but I am recovering and that is all that matters now and the house is becoming mine.

Watty1

The landscape/maintenance man quote arrived on Whatsapp yesterday.  The fixing of the garden lights is ridiculous (over £1000) but understandable as his electrician has no idea how the garden is wired up and I think they may have quoted over the odds for this reason.  I will NOT be having that done as the ex was an electrical engineer and qualified as an electrician just not certified for domestic so I'm happy enough with the work.   I just need the lights changed over and I'm sure I can find someone for that.

The post and rail fencing seemed high which prompted me to message the last two people who have done post and rail here - one who is supposed to turn up this week - no sign of - and the other who I still owe money to as he hasn't sent the bill.  I asked one if he could maybe do next week now ?? given he failed to turn up this week (I put it politely) And the other if I could please pay him as it was stressing me I had not and would he do some fencing?

If they fail to turn up then I decided I would pay this chap.   However that  led to a conversation with the VNM who added it all up and pointed out he would work for 3 months full time to cover the price  (Nearly four months if I included the lights which he can change in a day LOL)   He has been thinking of giving up work in a year or so and pointed out he can do all of the work on my list and that maybe if I waited I could have him do the work.    This has some advantages as he is very capable and very trustworthy and WattyDog adores him and he will be fine with WattyDog outside pointing out sticks and balls are better than repairs.  The VNM has painted the stables and re-roofed them so i know what he can do (he did those while off work as he could see it needed doing and at that point i had no money in savings so was struggling a bit).   He suggested he could  give up work 3 months earlier than planned and I could pay him.

This is filled with advantages and disadvantages.  I said I would think it over but also if I went with the idea we would need a clear written contract that the work was being paid for and he understood it gave him no claim on the property which he totally agreed and understood given the ex why I would want that.

I'm thinking it over and said we would talk after the weekend to give me 'thinking time' to weigh the many advantages and disadvantages of this idea.

My inclination this morning is to go with the quote because it gets it done and I can move on with my house.  It also avoids any "complications " with the VNM's family who will want his time as soon as he gives up work. 

i will think on.  

PennysIntoPounds

It's a nice idea and good that you're able to have these discussions, but I agree with your inclination.
No point potentially stressing the relationship when he might reasonably have to prioritise other things, and you won't want to be in a position of him depending on your finances if you have other priorities by then. Better to get it done then you can get on with enjoying it having been done and be excited/focused about what you next want to get on with 

Watty1

Whilst I mull that over, a pair of curtains have arrived.  I can't believe how quick given they had to be made to measure for the window and I only ordered them a few days ago (the other pair have not arrived yet).  They are fabulous! Thank you to whoever suggested Terrys a while ago.  They are really so well made and look gorgeous!  (Black Friday saving, discount and cash back as well!)  Really pleased.

beanielou

Happy new curtains. 🤗