Wonderful! today the scaffolding was finally removed from around this property. The scaffolders arrived early morning - in panic mode thought they had forgotten about fitting the special external hooks so the extension cable from my flat can be lowered to ground level and hooked away from the flat below. A special size drill bit was needed for the job. A race against time but like a knight in shining amour the snagging supervisor and another worker arrived with the bit and fixed the hooks. Was chuffed to bits - Now officially approved there should be no more aggro over my using the extension cable to cut the grass or the pressure hose to clean up the place.
With no scaffolding what a difference it has made to the whole place. Sparkling windows the light coming in through is a welcome relief. Least now I can see clearly to continue painting the sitting room.
Can't even think of the stress I've been though the past few weeks. Couldn't even get to my computer - stuck under white protection sheeting while the painting has been going on it was impossible to do anything. So many people phoning from all over asking what happened to me - no blog posts, face book posts or emails. Well I'm back now.
Have to give the contractors credit for the personal consideration - Tuesday by special arrangement my flat and the external building finally was signed off by officialdom at the same time. After explaining a sudden personal emergency situation the contractors bent over backwards to coordinated it all the same day. Had to smile when the external inspector said the blown front wall had to come down and be rebuilt. The site supervisor said they would try and do it the next day. Thought he was being a bit optimistic - Didn't think it was possible to be organised so quickly, there are costing consideration with extra works but yours truly in the evening rushed to cut the over grown hedge in preparation and phoned early Wednesday to let them know it had been done.
Tuesday also a rep from Renubath Services turned up. During all the moving about of my 'white goods' and work on the bathroom window the enamel on my bath and washing machine got chipped. Was so put out thinking the bath would have to be replaced again. Was reassured after the touch up I wouldn't noticed a thing - before then, hadn't know such specialist companies existed. Definitely a skill for somebody with an artistic background - so interesting watching him match up the white from the white pots range and mix the special enamel paint. Using the finest of brushes you now can't see a mark even at close up.
BT also came to sort out the telephone and Internet connection. The installation must have been over 20 years ago and most of the wiring hidden under the floor boards was shot, taped together in damaged places.
What remains to be done now is the just the ground level work - obviously the wall and some of the damaged paving stones are on the list. Then there's the external security lighting, including touching up the hallway - so many bods coming and going they are are some marks on the wall. Looks lovely with the dark grey heavy duty carpet and brush matting by the door - cost a bomb but well worth it.
Finally will be the drain. The down flow from the flats above ground level especially from the bath takes forever. Sometimes the washing machine doesn't empty properly either. Hope one of the other residents will book the appointment.
My job now is to finish painting the sitting room so the new carpet can be laid and the sofa can be delivered next week. Another race against time because my sister is coming to stay for a week. My granddaughter bless her asked me yesterday if the new sofa will be big enough for her to sleep on. Both grandchildren are keen to see what has been done to nana's flat as well.
Need to get some photos taken - just found my camera under the white protection sheets.
to be continued.... Labels: Partners, PFI 2009
