From here to Utility - The End!

Tom finished on Saturday afternoon and we now have moved most things in to the new utility/workshop that are going to live there. There's still a few bits left to do but only minor things like putting blinds up etc.

It's very exciting to have such an amazing space, where once there was only breeze blocks and old toilets, and I think that it's going to take some getting used to. Don't mind getting used to it, though!

The "after" pictures (for before you need to look back a few weeks!):

The extra window at the end makes all the difference.


The utility end

The workshop end. As you can see, this is already in use....

So I reckon we're all done in terms of renovations (well, for the moment, anyway). Thanks to Tom, it's all been a lot less hassle than we thought it might but I think we're good to go for a while now. Time to spend some thought and effort on the garden, as the weather gets better!

From here to Utility, Part 3

Things are hotting up on the Utility front! We now have walls ready for plaster and the outside is starting to be dealt with, ready for new windows and doors. All very exciting. There is even a hole for the famous extractor fan. Mike is very chuffed!

From here to utility, part 2

The utility/workshop is moving on apace. We have insulation (Tom even takes his coat off in there now from time to time!) and, as of yesterday, a sort of wooden cage which I believe will be a ceiling and the arch separating the two spaces in a couple of days! It's all very exciting to see what we imagined we might be able to do actually turn into reality.

Some pics below:

After the 3rd day....

After the 6th day....

From here to Utility

You'll be pleased to know that I'm done with the bathroom updates. Now what happens in there is purely between those 4 (rather lovely) walls.

However, nobody could accuse us of standing still! Phase 2 of renovations to Rhodes Towers has now commenced. Our very tatty outhouse/workshop/not-garage is being transformed into a utility and work area. Here's the before shots...

Having witnessed the conversation between Tom and Mike tonight, I have every suspicion that as much time will be spent on perfecting the model-restoration corner as the rest of the room. I forsee many more conversations like tonight's, where my eyes begin to glaze over and theirs gleam. Let's face it, it's a boys' paradise - where questions like where can he spray paint most effectively (better have an extractor fan near that area at just the right height) and should we have a window at the back of the room so that he can look up and stretch his eyeballs when he's doing the fiddly bits (the answer is yes) are considered absolutely valid and treated with utmost seriousness. I certainly got the impression that Tom is looking forward to dealing with this kind of detail and Mike is planning never to leave this haven, once finished. I've told him that I draw the line at a fridge in there, as then at least he'll have to come out to eat.

Tom, however, must be relieved to have a bit more space to inhabit for the next few weeks. Compared to our 6 ft square bathroom, the workshop must feel like a palace - albeit a very draughty one!

PS I like the idea of the new window but not for the same reasons. I'm less concerned about Mike's eyesight and more interested in natural light!

Bathroom - after 2 weeks!

My husband is currently despairing of the fact that I'm writing about the bathroom but hey. I've had demands for more photos so who am I to refuse?? Especially as we now have a new camera (our Christmas present to ourselves, bought for silly price in sales!). You need to use it!

So the bathroom looks a bit different now.....

The tiles are up, the ceiling is finished and painted. All the pipes and plumbing are in. Just need a floor, a door and minor things like a shower, loo and basin! Should all be done by the middle of next week and I can't wait....