First delays... a new experience for our build

The build has been moving along so well, in terms of timing and things being done as expected, but this week we have seen our first real setback.

We were due to have our windows and doors fitted next week, but due to flooding in the factory there has been a delay that is likely to mean we will fall several weeks behind where we thought we would be on the external side of the build. I realise it isn't anyones fault, but that doesn't mask the disappointment Fliss and I felt on Monday when we found out. We'd been really looking forwards to getting the windows fitted! It's the first date on the build that hasn't been met, which is a new experience for us.

The consequence of the delay will impact on other work, we had scheduled the remaining brick work to be completed this week (which is still on track), following on with windows and doors next week and then first week in February the external weather boarding to be done - which would have meant by mid February the house would be completely water tight... hopefully the delay won't push us too far back into worse weather.

The scaffolding is now completely down internally and externally, which revealed the house more fully on the outside and gave a sense of the space inside. We are both delighted with how it is taking shape and pleased with the colour we've been painting on the exposed softwood timbers. As well as Fliss and I painting weather board (52 down, just another 32 to go), I've been quietly carrying on with the insulation in the roof over the last week or so. It's coming along but is a slow process when your are doing it around a normal working day. I had Dad helping again last Saturday, which has made a big difference.

I've got a day off on Friday to help start to do the downstairs stud walling and a bit more on Saturday so we are ready for first fix plumbing  last week in January and then moving on to electrics.

So, by the end of this month we should have all the house external brick work completed, all the internal stud walling in place and the first fix plumbing done. We will also have done a bit more filming for our mentor visit to another house!

Finally I just wanted to thank you for reading, since the blog started we've now had over 4000 views!

The roof is coming...

After week 2 of the frame work, we were up to the wall plates, with scaffolding erected around the house and the internal bird cage - now the roof carpentry has started!

Scaffolding up, ready for the roof works to start.

There have been a few small complications with the frame, but this has been resolved and it was all fixed together ready for the roof. One the benefits of using a local company is that we didn't have to wait very long for it to be resolved and it didn't cause a delay to the project..

Last week felt quite a stressful week with lots to organise and arrange, but piece by piece it is getting closer to our finished home. I've learnt a lot this last week while discussing various facets of the building works, materials and more. Fortunately I have a lot of people to talk through most areas of the build and finishing. Utilising expertise from trades qualified and skilled in what they do is a key part of the building process, but I feel you shouldn't lose sight of the fact that at the end of it, it is our project and it will culminate in our dream home being developed.

After a bit of a mix up with the arrangement of the scaffolding supplier, I chose to arrange my own supplier. There were a few factors that influenced this, firstly they came highly recommended by several people I know and trust. Secondly they were competitively priced and finally I have had a relationship with them as a customer and have always found them straightforward to deal with. After being put back by a day, Boyd Scaffolding arrived on Thursday as agreed. They talked me through what they were going to do on site; and the scaffolding was up in 2 days. I wasn't on site while it went up, but they kept me up to date with information on progress and any queries they had.

Raised scaffolding at the gable ends

At the end of last week it was great to get up on the scaffolding to have a look at what the upstairs space might be like and of course the views we will get once the caravan moves! The kids were up this weekend and they hadn't seen it since it was just a base. A lot has happened in two weeks and they were quite excited by it all. 

Internal bird cage scaffolding inside the house.

Attic trusses being unloaded #ruraltrafficjamcaused

The roof carpentry has started this week, along with a spot of filming tomorrow.

Thanks for reading, Tim

Frame part erected, stroking the oak and a parrot named Dave...

I delayed writing this blog by a couple of days because this week promised to be really exciting for us, and we haven't been disappointed!

On Monday the main structure of our house arrived! I stayed on site for the morning to see what was going to happen, meet the Border Oak site team who will be putting our frame up and project manager. The Oak Frame arrived first followed by 2 packs of our softwood panels that will make up the ground floor all ready to be erected!

Border Oak Frame being delivered

Oak frame ready to be unpacked and assembled

2nd delivery of Monday, 2 packs of softwood panels

It's surprising how small it looks on the back of a delivery lorry, but as it is unpacked and starts to go up you really get a sense of how it will come together. Bit by bit, piece by piece. Like a big jigsaw, with very heavy pieces! 

Miserable weather, but the first part of the frame is assembled prior to being put together. This is the glazed section above the french doors on the front of the house

Shortly after this I left site for the rest of the day, but we returned at the end of the day to a pleasant surprise - the first part of the oak frame was up and in position. The only problem was it was dark so we couldn't have a proper look. Needless to say I woke VERY early and took the following snap just before 7am... I had waited until there was enough light to get a reasonable pic.

Main section of the Oak Frame in position at the end of Day 1 for Border Oak on Site

We knew today was going to be full on! Not only were we filming for Building the Dream with Lee from True North, but also we were hoping that a large part of the frame would be put up and we would be around to see it happen. We also had a meeting to finalise some choices on the colour of the windows and doors, door furniture and roof tiles. To start the day off the weather was fantastic, sunshine and blue sky - in November! 

The rear porch being hoisted into position and yes that is blue sky in November!

Lee photo bombing, albeit he probably didn't know!

When Lee arrived we presented him with his chamois (left from last visit) and a Parrot. Not a live one of course, but we felt it a vital addition to help us with concentration...Today's filming was good fun and we both felt much more relaxed with the camera around. I'm sure Dave helped with that. 

Everything seemed to be moving forwards quite swiftly, but while the Oak frame was being put into position we came across a slight problem with the positioning of one of the beams on the front bay window section. It was causing a slight problem with the rear of the frame being lined up, but after a bit of re-measuring and discussion it was easily resolved onsite without too much of an issue; so onwards we moved.  

The Oak Frame up in it's full form.

View from the front

We wrapped up the filming for the day after around 4 hours on site - it seemed to fly by. It's great to see the house taking shape, with a real feel for size and volume (thanks for that word Merry). The Oak looks very substantial and sturdy and is a very tactile product and I couldn't resist having a stroke. 

To finish our day off, I've confirmed details and booked Boyd Scaffolding for next week in preparation for the roof joinery the week after next. 

Thanks for reading! 

Tim