Dreams and Hopes

This build was never planned, though we’d always dreamed of doing something like this. My earlier posts tell how it came about but this one is focussing on the near future and beyond.

It is now a little over seven months since we got the money for the self-build mortgage and we’ve achieved a lot in that time. Can we be in any time soon? We hope so. Our plan is to move into the upper ground floor asap. The lower ground floor can be competed in a more leisurely manner but being out of rented accommodation will save us approximately £1000 a month - money best used to complete our new home.

So what’s to do (in a rough order)?

1. Complete drive and pathways

2. Complete stud walls downstairs so that first fix plumbing and electrics can be done.

3. Air source heat pump installed.

4. Get broadband line installed

5. Staircase installed

6. Door casements fitted

7. Plasterboard to LGF ceilings and UGF ceilings and walls.

8. Kitchen installed

9. en-suite and cloakroom installed

10. Flooring laid

11. Staircase balustrade installed

12. Decoration

Is this possible in two to three months? Unlikely but what’s the point in not trying. Our aim is to be in by the end of the summer - technically the end of September. So a big push over the schools’ six week holiday (minus two for a camping trip) could see that being reasonable. If not, we can seriously expect to be in by…wait for it…in true Grand Designs tradition: Christmas! We were hoping we would be in last Christmas but that was not to be but this is on!

What will life be like once we are in?

For ages it will be finishing off and decorating. But also planting and developing the wildlife garden.

It has already been wonderful to sit on the balcony in the afternoon sun and let the warm breezes blow through the house. More of that after long work days will be most welcome.

The garden will take ages to develop. We are not gardeners but I am an avid supporter of developing the place to benefit not only us but wildlife, too. Eventually, we’ll also do work in the woodland, planting and strimming as well as erecting nest boxes to complement existing the bat boxes.

We will have space to entertain and enjoy the surroundings but will need to be mindful of money as we have lots to spend on the internal finishes.

Most of all, it will be exactly how we want it and with that comes a great sense of satisfaction.