by TimCrump
20. May 2010 10:32
The first job on site was to buy and install a large static caravan to live in while the build commenced. As the drive way onto the site was steep and quite narrow this proved to be an interesting operation. However with a skilful lorry driver and quite a bit of pushing and shoving the caravan was eventually maneuvered into position and set up as home for the next twelve months or so while the build was in progress to the point where the house would be habitable.
It was always Derek and Sue's intention to get the house into the dry and get the kitchen a bathroom and the master bedroom habitable and then move in. With no children at home and time definitely not being of the essence the only real goal was to spend no more than one winter in the mobile caravan. The caravan was made as comfortable as possible with a fully paved path leading from the drive to keep the mud at bay as much as possible.
Drainage from the caravan was connected directly into the mains drain that ran diagonally across the garden past the corner of the caravan. The original garage was commandeered as temporary workshop and dry storage area for the project.
As Derek had built his own house once before in Norway he had the experience and the desire to carry out as much of the build work as he possibly could himself or to work with the tradesmen on site at all times. This has a two fold advantage firstly it helps to save money and secondly it is a very satisfying experience to partake in the creation of your own home.
The next job was to demolish the original bungalow and clear the site ready for setting out. This is where digger Dave joined the team to help with the demolition and removal of debris from site along with the digging of the new basement and drainage system. It took about one week to demolish the old bungalow break up the slab and clear the site ready to start on the new build.
It was great to see the site clear like a blank canvas waiting for the artist to create his masterpiece. Now rather than destruction the project could move forwards to creation.