I never expected the renovation of our bungalow to become a “Grand Design”. I know it sounds a bit naive, but I never thought of all the work we were have done to be grouped under this one heading.
But when I think of all the jobs, it can be nothing else.
THE ROOF
Ian wanted underfloor heating, which meant the floor would be raised by some 75mm's which mean nothing to me but about 3 inches. I do know, however, that I wouldn't be able to cope with less headroom, or less light – the bungalow always seemed dark to me, that why you'd always find me in the conservatory, even on cold days. So the ceiling level had to be raised.. A vaulted ceiling (called a “cathedral ceiling” by our American neighbours), was the answer. How was I to know that this would mean the roof had to be removed, steels inserted and all woodwork replaced by much stronger and thicker wood. When I think about the roof old structure was just thin pieces of wood nailed together, each flimsy piece supporting the next, like in a structure built of playing cards – and these held the tiles up.
Emptying the loft of the shredded insulation fibre must have been a nightmare. Glad I didn't have to do it.
Of course when the roof went back on, it became obvious that all the soffits and facias had to be replaced. But at least I had the horrible crematorium-like chimney demolished.
FLOOR
After the pre-Christmas freeze up, when the water tank in the roof space burst and damaged to ceilings and wall and floors, Ian had removed some carpeting to inspect the damage. The floor is made of parallel concrete beams, whilst the spaces between them were filled in by concrete blocks. As no gaps were sealed in anyway, the thin bit of polystyrene insulation, the thin bit of fibre board could not hold back any draughts, it was obvious that the floor would need to be insulated. The insulation used on top of the old floor, under the heating pipes is now more than 2 inches thick. It was fascinating to watch them install the heating pipes and cover them in concrete. By the way there are no joints in any of the pipe work, just continuous pipe from the inlet manifold back to the outlet manifold.
WINDOWS and DOORS
The bungalow came with Everest double glazing. Ted Moult may have thought this the best, but it certainly isn't. The windows, had window vents, allowing more draughts. The doors were too narrow, we had struggled to get some furniture through them in to the house, having had to remove legs from settees etc. They were also badly fitted allowing even more draughts. The letter box was another source of draughts.
We took some time choosing the window company, and although we didn't invite them all round, we did invite a few. We chose Stormclad from Nottingham, who seemed to offer best value for money and all their windows are Argon-filled A-rated. They will also provide the bi-fold doors in the kitchen as well as new front door, porch, conservatory and French windows in the main bedroom.
We also have had roof lights inserted to provide more light in the kitchen area and the hallway.
WALLS.
Why do we pay for wall insulation and then put vents in them? – I have never understood this fact. It's the same with gas fires – there is more cold air coming down the chimney (when the fire isn't lit) and through the legally necessary vents even when it is. It makes a mockery and I am sure it is warmer and cheaper to do away with both. So all vents have gone, none anywhere, and the walls will be insulated before being re-plastered. Of course all of the internal walls had to come down as we were remodelling the insides.
BATHROOMS
There were two bathrooms which both had baths – one an en-suite, and the other in the middle of the house with no windows.,. Both had to go. There will be a new wet-room with no bath. As most of the hot water will be used in the bathroom, it made sense to house the boiler here (in a cupboard) so the shortest and most economical run of water for the shower. I tried hard to get a higher loo than standard as it seems these days most loos are lower than the 80's models. We did mange to source one but is it only a couple of inches higher.
KITCHEN
I loved our kitchen in CUBLEY (the house before last). It was designed by us and was very practical. Not so our last kitchen, which had room enough for a dance floor, but was fitted with a range cooker, which took ages to heat up. I never liked the built-in freezer, or the small fridge (we had a second one fitted) . It was obviously designed for looks rather than usefulness.
We have taken a long time to look for a kitchen and been to all the places that anyone would go to, but luckily, our builder recommend TRADE KITCHENS (whose name implies that they only sell to the trade). It is quite funny that we had our ideas for a kitchen and their designer soon put us right about many things – he really does have a lot of experience.
We are yet to take delivery of this, but as they make kitchens for a lot of POSH KITCHEN SHOPS, we are fairly confident it should be good.
OTHER ROOMS.
We have a rule that bedrooms and bathrooms should only be as big as necessary and that living areas should be as big as possible. It is with this philosophy that we have designed the interior of our bungalow.
PATIOS/ OUTSIDE
With slopes everywhere around the outside there is a lot of levelling to be done, creating a patio for general use, a small patio for the French windows in the bedroom to open on and hopefully a parking space on the road side of the house.
VENTILATION.
You have probably gathered by now that the bungalow will be as air tight as possible, to prevent heat loss. To ensure we don’t die from lack of oxygen, Ian is installing a Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery system. (MVHR). It is a big box with a couple of electric motors and a heat exchanger. All stale air is drawn in and it's heat exchanged with the cold air that is being brought in from the outside. 91% efficient, so it is claimed.
CHOOSING THE BUILDERS.
This was difficult. We had had plans drawn by an Architect (waste of money – if you know what you want, there are plenty of people out there less qualified who'll do it cheaper). But the plans make it easier when talking to builders, at least they know what they are quoting for.
We chose MAS construction, because they brought all of there trades round, the plumbers, electricians, joiners etc. We discussed our requirements and felt confident.
The quality and speed of work is second to none, we think that they are doing a really good job.
