JANUARY 2006
This month we have been to visit three properties under construction by our chosen company. Each house was at a different stage of developement. The first needed the internal work to be finished - bathrooms, floors, tiling etc. The second had the blockwork finished and the roof timbers being fitted and the last had only the block work completed. Each stage of work however, seemed to be finished to a high standard. We know very little about the building trade and our opinion is really based on the overall finish of the work we have seen in these three properties and houses being built on English housing estates. There were no rough edges, if you know what I mean. It looked as though a great deal of pride had gone into the work rather than just being thrown up. The large roof beams were finished with wooden pegs and were hand cut by the carpenter assembling them rather than using pre-fabricated frames. The block work was very tidy, inside and out and finished off very neatly. The slate roof of the first house was extremely well done and if our tile roof goes on as well, then I for one, will be very pleased.
The first real negative has been the start date. We were first told that they would begin on the 2nd January. It didn't happen! We were then told it would be within 15 days. It didn't happen! We were then told that they would be marking out the land today (Monday 23rd) so that the company who are carrying out the groundworks would be able to begin. The ground has been duly marked out today, so, I hope this is a good sign. We have signed and returned the site insurance paperwork complete with the cheque. Just need to confirm that they have arranged for SAUR to connect water to the site so they can mix cement etc. We are now awaiting the arrival of the diggers................
At the moment I feel quite determined not to get too stressed over this build. We had a truly horrible experience selling our little home here and want to stay as chilled as possible. We are not expecting this to be an easy ride but my only gripe so far is being told something is going to happen on a certain date and then.......it doesn't. I feel that this is going to be a problem throughout this build and to a large degree we are already resigned to it. We do know, from friends and posts on this Forum, that when people arrange for building work, plumbing, electrics etc, to be carried out, that it is quite normal for the workmen to fix dates and then not turn up for days, weeks and even months.
SUMMER 2005.
We didn't want to move away from the town we are currently living near because the children have settled so well at school and we love the area and the people. But could we find a house within our budget that wouldn't then need an enormous amount spending on it? Not a chance I'm afraid! Bought some land instead.
We looked at three building companies and settled on the last one we visited. They were as friendly as the previous two but overall they seemed more professional and better organised (we shall see). We had a look at the standard house plans until we found one that covered all that we required and they gave us the standard price for this property. Before they would give us any additional costs they wanted to have someone look at the land and ascertain where the services were in relation to the property and how much would need to be dug out for the foundations. A week later they came back to us having drawn up the initial plans and gave us a price. We then made some changes to the original plan (no fuss here, very helpful) and were given a revised price. Once we had agreed the plans - they dealt with all the planning application paperwork (thank goodness) only problem here was a document missing from the application which was quickly sent off and consent came through two weeks later.
Having received our planning permission we had another meeting to discuss the internal details. We changed the plans again (no fuss). Also added another Velux window (they will deal with additional planning consent). Meanwhile, work due to start (groundworks) within the next fifteen days.
We will keep you posted, warts and all...........................................
NB Our French is improving and we can understand a great deal of what is going on but, even so, we have employed the services of a translator (very reasonable) and well worth it for the peace of mind.