Week 100: We have only just begun…

The title of this week's blog is in reference to a song sung by the much loved 70s band ‘The Carpenters’. Of which the soundtrack was used in popular culture for the movie ‘1408’ starring John Cusack; an author who investigates paranormal activities from the infamous room 1408 in a prestigious New York hotel. To his dismay he is repeatedly tormented by the past dwellers and the room is indeed haunted. 23 High Street (the project) feels exactly like that. The uncertainty, repairs, costs and chaos keep spiralling out of control. Each time we think we've made progress then boom!!..another problem and we've only just begun...If you've seen the movie then you will certainly feel my pain. For this reason I've made the decision to take a brief hiatus and come back with a concluding part as it is dragging way too much. Plus with Christmas in the horizon it’s inevitable that there will be some delays. I anticipate that it will go into the new year now and that we will complete this project around early February. Who knows it might just be a special Valentines and frankly 23 High Street is a love affair that I will no doubt be very happy to part with.

So where are we at present? The following is a brief list of what is left, basically miscellaneous bits of a variety of work:

Previous Work

  • Self-leveller in lounge

  • Fit extractor fan

  • Fit splashback behind cooker

  • Grout tiles in WC

  • Swap regular locks to key coded ones for internal doors

Carpentry

  • Cut out a loft hatch

  • Noggins for window reveals

  • Finish small bit of skirting

  • Close up tiny box window in lounge

Plumbing

  • Instal macerator pump along with hand basin

  • Connect to external drains

  • Fit shower screen & bath panel

  • Plum in washing machine & dishwasher 

Electrics

  • Final fix electrics

  • Alarms & Testing

  • Wall mount smart TV

Windows

  • Repair of front sash

  • Installation of patio doors and replacing some old windows

Other

  • Loft insulation

  • Repair soakaways to external downpipes 

  • Change of locks to front & back door

  • Plaster frames once windows are in

  • Fit bathroom vanity unit

Decorating

  • Fill holes and final coat paint entire house

  • Paint stairs and both front/internal doors

  • Carpet all upstairs 

Administrative

  • Appoint management agency and advertise property

  • Gas Safety certificates

  • Boiler registration 

  • Order LPG cylinder for gas

  • EPC

Snagging

  • Order ‘furniture packs’ and ‘soft furnishings’ i.e blinds etc

    Tip: Take advantage of any ‘Sale’ items and make whatever purchases you can.

Black Friday was around the corner so I brought all my electrical items:

  • Television 

  • Vacuum cleaner 

  • Microwave

  • Kettle & Toaster combo 

Whilst this list may seem a little daunting at first glance it is a combination of miscellaneous tasks that need doing. Plus due to the erratic nature of renovation and with Christmas around the corner it’s only fair to return in the new year with a ‘Grand Finale’ of how the project culminates. See you in six weeks amigos have a wonderful holiday, enjoy the good life and God willing I will see you on the other side in 2022.

Closing Tip for the year: 

Never give up on your dreams, if it’s worth having it’s worth fighting for...

(I can’t remember who quoted this).

 


The Opulent Team Opulent Property InvestorsComment