Managed to paint the steel and then its time to upload the concrete beams to the first floor. Not as easy as at this level, there is a big drop below. Nevertheless, we go slowly, add a beam, infill it with blocks and move on.
Within the day, we manage to crack on and its not long before we manage to finish all the beams and blocks. Only the perimeter blocks to cut and fit, but the views are superb. It all seems worth it.
We had been waiting for the company to open up the road to allow the connection of the services. It had been postponed for two weeks, but eventually it was opened up. Took far longer than expected as the boys gingerly removed the earth from around the services using an air poker.
The following day Scottish power turned up , but the wire was too short. Off they went with the promise of returning that afternoon.
Goes without saying that it took another two days before they returned. It was throwing it down. So they complained that the trench was not deep enough, so off they went.
In the mean time the water company arrived to inspect. They were happy with the opening. and agreed to get the team from Glasgow to come and connect.
The story continues......... a week later!
The weather deteriorates whenever we have workers due to arrive on site.Especially the fabricators. We even set up a cover to try and keep them dry, but it was too dangerous.
So it was left up to me to continue single handed. Gets quite lonely at times.
The trench for the electric had been re-dug, but still no sign of the them.
13th August
Slip bricks and cut blocks have to be mortared in around the perimeter before we can start with the perimeter formers and reinforced concrete.
Its warm , but there is always the possibility of rain.
15th August
Half a day of sun and the beams go onto the last section of the first floor which ultimately enables us to lift more concrete beams into position.
Billy was using chains and cloth straps, but this had to change as one load tore through the strap and crashed to the floor.
16th August
Great to see the sun, and so much more can be achieved. Virtually finish the beams and blocks.
18th August
We have the electrical boys turn up and complete the temporary connection. They shot off and within a few minutes the waterboard turned up to make their connection. Sods law. We had been contacting the waterboard each day and every day for two weeks without success. Then after talking to a senior manager we managed to get them over. But they arrived early. No problem!
The lads took their time, but that proved an asset as they burst the main. Water filled the hole and cascaded down the hill and along the freshly dug electrical supply. The new connection was totally submersed. Fortunately it had been an hour before it happened, and this had given the mousse enough time to seal the join. Could have been fun as the whole of Innellan lost their electricity.
It took a further three hours before the waterboard had turned out and agreed to switch off the water. Then the Glasgow boys had to get the connections and do the job. They had started at 12noon and they finished the connection by 8.30pm.
Set out the uprights and the fabricator gets them up, only to find an error in the measurements, so he has to add another 150mm to each pillar. Good job they are all hidden.
The following day the hole was filled in. We had been pressed by the council to get the hole closed for the past week, they only give you ten days at a time. At long last it was possible. Yet it will need to be opened up again for the gas, but this will be at least another six weeks before this is possible, and it costs a fortune. £1500 every time it gets opened.
Well earned Apple martini, although rather full
After fitting the timber and bolting into the steel l was able to fit the heavy duty straps on the first floor. Billy had moved onto a new job due to the delays on ours, so it was pleasing to knock off some of the items on our to do list.
Seemed to be going backwards again. Managed to get the sharp sand and cement delivered in one ton bags from the local merchant. Was more expensive but felt it was worth it, just to get going with the perimeter walling. Phone Billy and he was calling round at 4pm to lift onto the slab...... At six he was still not here and not answering his phone.
Dint show until the following morning. From all accounts he forgot! was not best pleased. Had put us a day behind.
Continued through the rain with the concreting. Judith came to do the shovelling making masses of reinforced concrete.
Thursday and its sunny, and the fabricator gets cracking with the top beams. We had to make a crane arm for the digger to enable Billy to lift them up to this height. He had gone on line and was quoted £1500 for the 3.5m extension. Used two of my off cut sections and Neil welded it up and fitted the lifting eye. Hey presto!
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