1952 Vincent Black Lightning

Tuesday 23 March 2010

Been busy

I have been a bit neglectful of this blog but there is a reason. This year is being handed over to building a kitchen extension on my house. There has been lots of 'behind the scenes' stuff to deal with but at last, construction has begun. Well, when I say construction I mean destruction! First job was to remove the original out house.

I cannot begin to describe how badly it was built. Whoever is responsible needs his trowel stuffed up his arse! As an example of the poor construction, the wall plate which supported the roof trusses was attached to the house by 6 x 4" wood screws! Looking for a positive in all this, at least it came down easily.

Next job was to dig the footings. Who is that handsome chap?


And this is what is left of my back garden.

As with all building projects, I had my share of problems, namely a main sewer pipe running right through the site! The building inspector insists it is exposed and bridged. Problem is it was 5' underground! Let me tell you, digging it out made one hell of a hole.

I have to form a shutter either side of the drain and concrete underneath it. Then I need to place lintels over it when building the blockwork up to DPC level.
Well the shutter is in and I've back filled to the level of the bottom of my excavation, next is to pour the rest of the footings before the inspector comes again. Only one other grief to contend with, and that's the mains power cable that supplies electricity to the house. (Oh and a gas main, but I might be able to doge that).

More to follow!