The deed is done the garden is gone.
Looking up to the back of the house where the extension will be.
But to backtrack a little.
In mid August the meetings began and all became clarified.
Robert Wharton, my extended family's wonderful builder and Desey Stewart, a Quantity Surveyor friend of his met with me and Desey produced a very useful drawing of the existing house and kitchen.
From there the waters became a little muddied. The planning office confirmed for me that it was going to be beyond my powers to go it alone. There were too many imponderables that needed real professional consideration; hedges, roofs, levels, building control considerations and new insulation regulations. Also I had begun to realise that as the design was so important to me with light and air and views of the garden of paramount importance, it needed that extra contribution.
Having admired the house that was transformed round the corner, between 4th and 2nd avenue, for the last few years, I finally managed to track down the architect. I had his name, Iain Stewart, and I knew he lived near Rick, but could not find a telephone number. Very elusive. He came to have an initial conversation on 27th August and stayed 4 hours. Wonderful, he liked what I was aiming at and I liked even more his instant understanding and enthusiasm for the concept. He was immediately able to enhance this, turn it round and reproduce it transformed. It was such a relief to have imaginative, professional support.
Several weeks and several emails later he returned with plans that needed no amendments and went straight ahead for full planning permission. The roof which I was holding my breath over, was perfect, not flat as envisaged at one time, but a hip the same as the rest of the house. The flower beds I wanted on the West facing side, below the terrace and at the base of the full length windows, will work well. The galley kitchen instead of a U shape is a much better use of space. There will be a view the length of the house into the garden through the kitchen. The sitting area looks over the rest of the garden above and below through two walls of glass. Perfect.
Rick and I spent a very good, productive day at the Improve Your Home Show at the King's Hall, Belfast in October. He was very patient and I was very glad to have his much more experienced opinions on all that was on offer. The most useful acquisition was a special offer of 8 of the all Ireland Self Build and Improve your Home magazines, which have been invaluable. they make me think I actually know a few things. I feel much better equipped as a result of the self builders advice and that of the professionals.
Much research continues for flooring, windows, sliding or bifolding doors, lighting, kitchen units and appliances, swift nesting boxes, gas boiler, reducing echoes.
Catherine during her visit, generously came with me to Newry to visit AXboard kitchen people, who came highly recommended by Terry and Marie. We spent over an hour and a half in the freezing cold discussing all the intricacies of kitchen units, appliances and worktops. They came back with a quote for ready assembled units that looks very competitive. It increasingly looks like the better way to go even compared to high street flat pack options.
December 31st still waiting for planning approval, there appear to be no problems in the wind. The garden is removed but more about that another time. 160 catalogued plants in the vegetable beds and much shifting of soil, rocks and debris.
Happy New Year for 2014
