After a stint of some difficult time, I am glad to say we have made peace (well had no choice in the matter) as death never comes invited. However, it’s not all doom and gloom, we are back in action and things are looking rosey again. After several meetings, emails and messages sent back and forth we are finally on some kind of schedule. Starting with the furthest to the closest, you would have to work backwards with some of the tasks. Example, I thought painting would be one of the last things to do in the house but I have learnt otherwise. With renovations you have to work in sequence and unfortunately you can’t do certain tasks without prior ones completing first.

• Initially we wanted to screed the ground floor first as this was holding up a lot of the jobs. Screeding basically means to level out. Therefore, if the floors are uneven we really can't put anything on top as in laminates, doors & kitchen suits . So you get the idea? There is currently a three week wait for screed as supplies are low so we have now decided to start on the upstairs first. 

Tip: Be ready to chop & change plans at super-fast speeds. You will have to get accustomed to this style of working. It's just the way it is.

• In order to screed you will have to make sure all surfaces are clear of debris. Our pals ‘the plasterer’s’ have left an awful lot of plaster for us to dispose of and like everything else there is currently a 3 week wait for skip hire. Therefore we have arranged for a removal company to come out and take away the entire lot. But before they can do this they require a pre-visit to determine if they can collect as not all removers have the licence to remove build materials. So again lots of calling around to make sure someone is there this Wednesday to allow access.

• Windows: this has to be ordered asap as there is a ten week wait tipping us over the deadline unfortunately. Although, what we propose to do is get 2-3 quotes from various companies, settling on the one, then placing an order. Once an invoice is raised and deposit paid we can then use this as proof of purchase, which in turn can be shown to the valuer who will factor this in when valuing the property. Because our house is in a conservation area and located on the high street we have to get windows that look the same and are in line with the local heritage, which have only delayed things further. 

Tip: Make sure prior consent is approved by the council as they do have the power to ask you to put things back to the way they were. Even though you have spent money on the upgrade.

• Upstairs: Floor/wall tiles have been laid in the bathroom and ensuite. A 2nd fix of shower tray and bathtub have been fitted. 

• All skirting and door linings erected. Due to budget we will buy basic skirting for upstairs and go for the premium sort downstairs. 

• We wanted to leave the painting till the very end but then realised that it'll be sensible to prime the house right now the way it is. In essence this will make life easier for the decorator who does not have to go around all the light switches and fixtures. With a few swipes along large open surfaces the painting will get done in no time.

• 2nd electrics and plumbing will follow as soon as the house is primed. 

Seems upstairs will complete a lot sooner than downstairs as kitchen fit out, new staircase and internal doors can only commence once floor is ready.