An update on the hole in the wall solution. The structural engineer was fine with my proposal to change from concrete lintels to a timber structure as we had removed all masonry and the roof structure above was small. We cut the insulation upstand out on the floor and put in some concrete to provide a sound base for the Jack studs and floor plates. The framework was then made up and put in place and tied in with some mini joists and coach bolts. The bottom will have screed around it holding it in place along with the adjoining stud portion walls. It’ll all be hidden behind plasterboard eventually.
We also made some changes to the internal layout, blocking up one doorway and putting in a new one elsewhere. This means we now have two en-suites and one main bathroom. The third bedroom will now be more suited for more flexible use such as a snug and we don’t need to put a toilet in the boot room now. The main bathroom is adjacent to the third bedroom anyhow, so would be used predominantly by the third bedrooms occupants, along with any visitors.
As a side note, we do need to submit any changes to building control as amendments to the building warrant. This includes the new opening structure and changes to the layout. The structural engineer will need to provide amended calculations and the architect will need to provide amended drawings.
In other news we’ve cleared the site a bit as we are now using a new entry point and the rubble pile was in the way a bit. The screeders have decided to do their thing on the internal on Monday so it gives them space to work. After a phone discussion this afternoon with their tech guy we gotta do a little more prep over the weekend. Nothing like short notice and a tight deadline to keep you on your toes. We could have said no to Monday but then it could be weeks before they get the job done.
The slater also popped back to sort out a bit of storm damage to the temporary roof cover. He then called me Wednessday morning and said he could do a few days from Wednessday afternoon as the job he’s doing has gone a bit pear shaped. This meant removing security fencing and getting scaffolding up on the double, so he could get back on it.
Just got the weekend to get through then we’ll leave the screeders to it Monday and have a pig out in weatherspoons.
A nice moment today, which made my week, when the digger was collected. The guy collecting it was very interested in what we were doing and was very complimentary. I showed him round and he was quite taken aback when I showed him the open plan area, getting numerous spontaneous “wows”