Kitchen, Guttering, Rendering, Groundworks

Back in January 2015, when we ordered the kitchen, we were extremely optimistic (bless us) about how the build would progress.  Searle and Taylor in Ropley have been extremely patient and have looked after it for many months but really do need the space for other deliveries in their warehouse - so here it is, in the corner of the lounge, where it will remain until the autumn!

Back in November, I waxed lyrical about the soffits, fascia and guttering from a company called Alutec.  Unfortunately, the guttering has not lived up to it's smart look and has never not leaked.  David contacted them in January but was brushed away with reassurances that everything was 'normal'.  After a not inconsiderable amount of wasted time from him, Phil. Marc and Alex, we finally contacted Alutec again, who have looked into our 'symptoms' and have discovered a manufacturing problem.  Needless to say, David is very unhappy that he wasn't listened to earlier; they offered to visit us tomorrow but he is popping back to Plymouth for the day and Phil can't be here either.  Apparently Alutec are too busy all of next week - needless to say we will say if the letter which was e mailed to the CEO earlier today frees up their diary.

Terry and Ashley - expert renderers!

Rendering has begun on the rear of the house (apart from the lounge area) and around the garage, workshop and Caselle garage.  We are using K Rend (K1) which is a cement based render system.  This silicone technology imparts a high degree of water repellency to the render surface, whilst allowing water vapour to pass through the render allowing the substrate to breath.  This water repellent surface should ensure a freshly rendered appearance for a prolonged period.  The finish is drier and this more resistant to algae growth.  In keeping with many of our other choices, this is supposed to be low maintenance; however, now this is on the walls it is even more vital that we sort out the guttering problems asap.

Pete and Andy have been working hard over the past three days sorting out the rear garden, preparing the ground for a path around our handkerchief lawn.  Here Mark is having fun with the digger creating a space for the hot tub adjacent to what will be the patio area.