Stress Free? - Not a Hope

26 April 2011

Well it has been a busy week but such a rewarding one. I can say without a doubt that I made the right decision to walk away from the work I was doing with Chris. I feel less stressed and happier than ever. I know they say that a change is as good as a rest and it must be true because I feel like I have had a holiday!

The little house (as it shall be referred to from now on) has been having a bit of a poke and probe from a number of experts. We got a damp proofing expert in and it does look as though it needs that particular work done. A nice little expense we didn't bargain for. Thankfully the guy who does it is one of my mates from down at the pub. He says that if I give him a days labour to help out with the work he will do it cheap for me. I am more than happy with that because next time I will be able to do it myself!

We have also had the chimney man in to have a look and give us a quote. To be honest that is another job I think I can handle. I have built a few walls in my time - how different can a chimney be? However Claire has forbidden me from climbing on the roof so we will have to see if that happens.

We have also had a quote for the roof. It looks as though a patch job will suffice and so it will be cheaper than I had thought. The conservatory will be off the peg from the DIY store and I will build it myself so it is relatively cheap. Thankfully that is within permitted development so we don't need planning permission.

And finally I have been scouting around for new windows. I am more than happy to install these but I have discovered that if they are installed by someone who isn't accredited you need to get building regs in to check they are done to a proper standard. Doesn't worry me as the inspector will be in and out a few times anyway – but that did surprise me.

So we have sat down and done our sums and worked out how much we can spend on the new kitchen and bathroom and the decorating. Next to nothing is the answer to that! After the new boiler is bought and the rewiring is done we will have reached our budget. So I will be calling in favours and getting mates in to help where I can. I have built up enough contacts in the last few years so I should be able to save myself a few quid.

Still, it has been exciting and fun to plan and hopefully it will remain stress free. Not a hope – but hey, we can try.

Did my first little job this week for an old client. Just a few minor repairs and plumbing work, but it was nice to get the cash in my hand and some nice cups of tea! I got the kitchen job I was hoping for, so that is the next three weeks taken care of. At the little house in the evenings though. We are making it a family job and the kids and Claire will be there to help as well. Should be fun!