The Issues…

...are surprisingly few…apart from the wonky downlights, the cracks that have suddenly appeared, an isolator switch floating mid-wall and an in-wall fireplace that was placed too near the ground to qualify as such...it’s not looking too bad.

Besides...some may say that I'm nitpicking...Moi...oh contraire ...I did warn said builder that I was of an anally retentive disposition...people just don't listen when I speak!!!

Wonky lights: I am told by the builder that these were fitted askew due to the many horizontal joist, that it was the only way to get the spacing even…WHAT ABOUT THE OBLIQUITY...do they have no respect for linear dimensions??? Although I am told a ‘laser’ was utilised…with one eye closed?

I have suggested that by adding one more fixture the problem of spacing can he resolved…although I must question…how do horizon joist affect vertical alignment?

Cracks: Slightly alarmed when I popped in to check on progress and noticed several cracks in the walls and ceiling in the master bedroom. Naturally I contacted the builder to question why and how this happened and was told that the old paint was hiding a multitude of sins...doubtful...these cracks look far too deep for that, but I'm no builder...could be though...I am interested to see how these will be disappeared.


Isolator switch: in my humble opinion the placement was ridiculous but apparently it HAD to be there…a myriad of reasons were given...the electrician's insistence, the health and safety issue and the fact that it was the best locale for such a switch…in mid air???

I begged to differ...as tall as I am I cannot reach to damn thing to shut off in an emergency…where pray tell is the sense in that…after much haranguing (my insisting to speak with the electrician personally) it has been relocated to the cupboard under the stairs.

Fireplace: When one purchases such an item it is more for the aesthetics than the actual practicality of the device! To that end I was more than a little agitated to discovered the builder had taken it upon himself to decide the height at which it was placed. When questioned he insisted the flue size prevented him from placing it any higher…taking full advantage of the ongoing feud, I asked the plumber to confirm...he advised there was enough space above to allow for a hike of a further 3 feet...at least. More haranguing led to a near parting of ways...the utter refusal of further payment to relocate as apparently...I TOLD HIM TO PUT IT THERE...Is it me or do we see a pattern forming here?

…not REALLY!?!

…what is left to be done...can’t wait to ‘do’ before and after finale…I digress…everything is semi- finished…I am told that it all hinges on the heating!

…and the windows…STILL WITH PLANNING…apparently “there was a delay in producing the level of detailed drawings required by the conservation officer” and so they are behind schedule!!!

My ‘peeps’…the one in charge of scheduling…the one I took the time to developed the rapport with…IS GONE!!! Whether from the company or the project was not disclosed…she was slightly rubbish but alas we make use of the tools given!

Dealing now with a combination of her replacement and the folk at L&Q…as you can see from the above statement (italics), not much of an improvement…I was asked “In regard to condition of your windows, what are the issues with your existing casements that would prevent your moving back into the property?”

Having never lived at the property my response was rather polite me thinks “The issues with both windows and doors are twofold. Firstly the majority are rotten. As I will be living at the property on my own, I do not feel they provide sufficient security in their current state.Secondly, the casings have been removed in some cases which will nullify any heating system in situ.

I await a response…

The Builder and the Plumber...

It has to be said...folk NEVER cease to amaze me!

The builder was introduced to me by the plumber who happens to be an old family friend.

These two men (not boys) have worked together...on many a project...WHY fall out NOW???

The root cause...MONEY. Apparently the delay caused by the plumber's domestic dramas has put the builder behind schedule and as a result the loss of potentially lucrative future contracts.

And so we now have the builder desperately trying to unseat the plumber by bringing in others to quote for the job that was formerly promised him...OUT OF ORDER I hear you say...you don't know the half of it...a hammer has been swung...the wall being the only casualty!!!

Neither can 'bear' to be onsite with the other...the threats continue to fly!!!