The Bricks

Our budget didn't allow for the brick we wanted. I drove to various parts of the country, looking at houses built in different bricks. In the end, I kept coming back to the one we'd liked all along. It's called Old Clamp Blend by the York Handmade Company and we'd driven past a house nearby early on and taken a great liking to it.

Not knowing what the brick was, I took a gamble and wrote a letter to the owner of the house, asking if they could tell me. It was the start of a friendship, borne out of mutual interests, which I hope will endure over time.

The owners couldn't have been more helpful. I was invited round, given a tour of their beautiful home, coffee and lots of information on the suppliers they used, as they had built the house themselves.

So, decision made. Over budget already, even before we start! However, Paul and I agreed that the exterior is as important as the interior - it's the first indication a person has, driving up to the house, of the quality of the build, so it has to be right. I can see I'm going to be my own worst client! Somewhere along the line, I will have to come in under budget on other choices, to get back on track.

Going, Going, Gone!

Gone Walkies!

It didn't take someone long to help themselves to a lovely old urn that the builders had put to one side and which was going to be a focal point in the new garden design! It was extremely heavy, so I can only hope that whoever took it has done their back in! At least there's nothing else left to take, as we're starting with a clean sheet.

That was Monday. Today is Tuesday. No sign of our demolition men. Another call from the builders. There's a bit of a delay and they won't be turning up for a couple of days. Seems we're at the mercy of British Gas, who have to ensure that our supply is safely turned off before the building is torn down.

The days slip by and then just as I'm beginning to wonder where I put my camera, some men appear with heavy duty trucks and equipment and we're off!

Interestingly, I expected the house to be demolished from top to bottom, but as you can see from the photograph, the front section was sliced away first, rather like looking into a doll's house.

D-Day (Demolition Day)

Okay, it's 9.00 am and there's no sign of them. I've arrived, camera in hand, to take photos of the house as it's demolished, but there are no demolition men on site. The place is deserted. What's going on?

We get a call from the builders. Sorry, but it will be tomorrow. The tension/excitement, call it what you will, mounts.