PFI in my flat has arrived

The scaffolding has been up for 3 weeks now and nothing has happened. Residents in both adjacent properties have asked how long it will remain up. Had to bluff my way out of that one, knowing that some of the time depends on completing some of the mandatory internal works in my flat which needs scaffolding access to dress the external walls - works I'm not looking forward to.

By appointment the contractors works team turned up earlier today to run thorough the programme. Quite prepared for a verbal fight after having to help some residents sort out problems in their flats whilst their work was being done - determined I am not going to put up with the same mess. They took me completely by surprised - for once the team handling this property were not the expected patronising 'I'm telling you what we are doing and you have no choice' attitude.

The site manager listened to everything while taking down extensive notes. A simple thing like my bathroom. At first the bath replaced a few years ago because it dropped 6 inches due to problems with the listing of the building external walls and weak floor boards, wasn't going to be changed. Now it has to be done again because the problem seems to have reoccurred. I know logically it will also be easier for them to access the old water pipes if everything is cleared but.... There are many fixtures and fittings which I bought and fixed myself- not the bog standard cheapos they put in the flats - the bath itself is deeper than the ones they are now fitting. The existing bath was ordered specially so I don't have to bend over so far- don't want the situation of back-lock again. My grandson when he was younger thought it ever so funny trying to help grandma up when she got stuck. Now it has been agreed they will take it apart carefully and wrap everything until they have finished putting it all back at it was.

My allergic reaction to strong chemicals and some powerful odours might be a joke to some neighbours. However it's not funny when ones eyes burn, you can't breath properly and skin blisters red. The doctors say if need be they would write the company a letter. Easy solution, they are ordering odourless paint

The location of my flat and access to water for the back garden has even been considered. Just small things like that made all the difference. I've signed and the date has been fixed.

I know it won't be easy in this small flat but if they do everything as planned there will be no trouble from me. I am looking forward to have the kitchen sink repositioned by the window and to be able to replace some of the carpets and furniture which have been on hold pending the works.