World Image Issue 43 April 2017

So where was I … Having installed the DPC and
insulation in the snug, the insulation was
removed. The reason being simple, although the
insulation was supposed to be under the concrete
floor, I had put in to much sub base, so by
removing the 75mm insulation it gave me room
to manoeuvre.
With the insulation removed we put in the floor,
a 75mm concrete screed, which gave me just
enough clear space to use 25mm insulation under
the floor boards. I am not concerned about the
thinner insulation as the floor is sitting on fen
peat which is thermally efficient in itself.
With the floor partially installed I could finish the concrete base of the fireplace. Now I am waiting for the
arrival of the slate to create the hearth.
Meanwhile I have a builder working on levelling
the upstairs floor and converting the cottage into
a one bedroom. We do not need more as there
will only be the two of us living here on a
permanent basis.
The across are taking the place of a brick wall
that was separating the two bedrooms, this is now
an opening and the door is being moved to the space seen on the right of the
picture. The picture on the right shows part of the bathroom which will
incorporate the original landing making it a large room with lots of space.
Work on the kitchen is stopped but reroofing the
utility room commenced. Once the section of
roof seen in the picture was removed we discovered that the walls were not
actually attached to the house.
The small double window was lifted out as it had not been attached to the
walls in any way, shape or form. Investigation showed that the same applied to
the larger window at the opposite end,
The double doors and attached windows faired a little better, the windows
were attached to t he door frame and that was held to the timber over joist by
two small screws.
The most secure part of the utility room was the roof to house junction, five
lengths of timber side by side, each nailed to the other to provide a support for
the roof, sealed to the house with concrete and two layers of tiles, the weight
of this should have been enough to bring the whole lot down. One tap with a hammer and down it came.
Needless to say the utility room is now going to be rebuilt.
Gordon
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