What's happening at the big build?

You might have noticed our blog has gone very quiet of late. Especially on the subject of the building project.

This is largely a result of  my having to get involved directly in the process which is quite a challenge while working full time as well!

Partly this was planned - I was hoping to save money by fitting the kitchen myself. Unfortunately the builder has been a lot slower in this phase than expected, and has proved a rather poor project manager. He has also injured his back about a month ago so hasn't been on site at all in that period.

So although we were originally told it would take about 3 months, we are now entering month 8!!!

Still, I have pressed on and got lots of things achieved. Our kitchen has come on nicely, and now looks like this:

The flooring obviously needs attention and the side out of shot is still a builder's dumping ground, but this is an enormous improvement on living on ready meals and washing up in the bath!

I have also been busy in the bathrooms, here is our en-suite all finished up and functional:

There has been a lot of sweat and even blood in the makings of these 2 rooms, and a lot of learning too (including a lot more plumbing than I expected to need!). But it is very satisfying to have done pretty much all the work in these 2 rooms. We are now about to start on the family bathroom as well, but that is much less daunting after having done one bathroom already!

Progress has also occurred outside, with a huge heap of rubbish gone from the front and back of the house, and a brand new driveway! This is what caused the poor builder's back problem...

We ended up getting a group of travellers in to finish it instead... Probably not a brilliant idea but it seems ok so far!

Springtime

It's Spring at last in Britain, on fast-forward.  It seemed like it was just a few weeks ago there were daffodils, and now it's bluebell season in the woods.  We ventured down to Cowleaze Wood not far away from the village where I work, for brisk walk in the blue carpeted woods and got caught in some dramatic weather.

The good news is that we're heading back to New Zealand in late August, early September. I'll be in for another dose of Spring, my favourite season.  Very exciting to think of seeing my family again!  The house is coming on well, and I'm enjoying the delights of our new kitchen.  We're not quite finished yet, but the sink, oven, hob, and dishwasher are all useable now.  Dave is working on our ensuite bathroom, which is a dream.  Hopefully pictures soon as we finish up.  I have to say I have an amazing husband who has learnt some impressive DIY skills.