23rd August 2011

Been a busy boy over the last month.  As I might have mentioned before all the external walls have been done bar one which needs a window.

I have also finished off installing all the ceiling joists and have now begun to get the chimneys up.

As soon as they are done pics will be going up!

29th July 2011

It was chucking it down when I woke up but I still thought I would try and light a small fire.  Someone must be smiling down on me because it actually lit.  So i started chopping up the stuff that was cut down yesterday and because it was wet it was smoking like mad.  My neighbour had her conservatory cleaner people turn up so I thought it would be a good idea to stop the fire (I don't want to be blamed for ash flying over it) so filled up my green recycle bin and now its raining - feet up for me now

28th July 2011

Can't believe I forgot my password to update this blog and it has just popped into my head now!

Here we go for a little update on how things are going.

The kitchen and lounge area are done and just waiting for the roof to go on.

The small bedroom by the lounge is very nearly done with windows in, completely framed.  All I need to do there is pop in the floor joists and put some exterior ply on one wall.


Next to the external doors I have added some small fixed windows (about 150mm wide) for some extra natural light.

The main window in the master bedroom is in and that wall has been framed and ready to for the ply.  I have the other window for that room but I haven't put it in just yet.

I still need to put in the ceiling joists for the master bedroom/bathroom areas and then all that is done (not to myself - I need to get more joist hangers!)

I have been trying to get the area cleared ready for the septic tank to be installed That might sound quite easy but this time a few days ago there was just a small path and I have had to clear it for a JCB to fit through.  Whilst clearing the brambles, cutting the hedges back, etc I discovered four trees I didn't even know were there (thats how bad it was).  Just need to build a massive bonfire now to get rid of it all.

I think that’s about it for now.

Did I mention the massive wasps nest....

8th June 2011

Well, the roof is on, all the walls are on.  All I need to do now is give it a couple of licks of paint and install a front door and its all done.

Sorry peeps - not the bungalow but my chicken coop!  Still digging at the bungalow and moving stuff to make way for the earth I am digging (nothing hugely exciting)

3rd June 2011

It has been a long, long time I have update this - sorry folks!!

Kitchen area :-

• All noggins around the side frame have been put in.
• The whole external walls have had waterproof structure ply board screwed to the area (with a small exception to a small bit between two windows - waiting for offcuts)

Lounge are :-

• Noggins again have been put in.
• Patio doors are now installed.
• Whole ground area here has been levelled out.
• Floor joists have been laid but ran out of cut offs for noggins.
• The whole arem also been ply boarded.
• Ceiling joists have been hung.

 Small Bedroom by Lounge :-

• Area has been levelled.
• Ceiling joists are in.
• Ply Boarded along one wall (need a window to finish this section)

Here is a pic so far of those three

Hallway :-

• As you can see from the above pic the front door is in.
• From the next picture down you will see the back door is in and ply boarded.

Master Bedroom :-

• Frame is up all the way around
• Got one window ready to go in (hopefully tomorrow) but need one more
• In the middle of levelling the ground there.

Bathroom/Small Bedroom :-

• All the frame is up.
• One window for the wall in the bedroom (same wall as backdoor) is now ply boarded

Main things I need to do next :-

• Put two footings and sleeper walls to support the joists in the centre section (Hallway/Bathroom)
• Lay joists in Master Bedroom
• Build 2 walls incorporating chimney breast tied into the frame to the left of the wheelbarrow in first pic and behind the mixer in second pic.
• Dig a trench for the soil pipe to the bathroom - just hope the hole I boxed up for it hasnt collapsed.
• Finish off levelling the ground inside the frame (running out of where to put the soil)
• Re-do the design (since it has changed slightly)

I will, fingers crossed, keep you updated more frequently.  Anyone who is good at digging and wants to do it for free let me know!

1st May 2011

Daft me, I havent updated this for a while because a new version of Linux came out and I upgraded the PC and forgot my password to get on here (DOH!!!)

Photos will be going up soon but just to give you a quick update - the whole main frame is up.

9th April 2011

Well, what can I say about today.  Due to unforeseen circumstances my young apprentice skived off today - so no BBQ (where did I put that P45?).

Despite that little setback I have been cracking along under my own steam and its been that hot I think I have produced loads of it too.

To start the day I finished off the noggings for the floor joists in the kitchen area of the plan so all that is now as solid as a rock.  As for the framework, I finished off the entire length going up the right hand site of the plan.  Once that was in position I was fiddling about with it for ages to make sure it was plumb and square.  As that was now plumb I made the frame for the wall that goes to the left in the bedroom above the lounge  which has helped hold everything solid as does the other frame I have made on the other side and put in which will hold the front door.

I was going to nip over and measure up for the windows I still need to get but now I have sat down I cant get up but I have to say, things are flying along now.