The kitchen has progressed well, but we reached a sticking point - Bob was experiencing quite a lot of back pain, and felt he really couldn't manage the complexities of tiling and grouting. He has done so many amazing things in the past few weeks - completely rebuilding the cooker hood 'chimney' so it would fit round the joists in the loft, fitting new lighting, doing all sorts of complicated things to accommodate the plumbing, fitting the worktops beautifully, despite the uneven walls...plus repurposing most of the cabinets from the old kitchen, and still carrying on his work at the Shed and the Hospice. He is not one to give up easily - but this decision was the only sensible one... get somebody else to fix the tiles! We have found a guy who can do the work starting on Monday week. I think this is good. Even with the cost of professional help, the final cost will still come in at around £10K - a third of what it would have cost if we had used fitters throughout. And it should be done by the time the family arrive for half term. Here's a teaser picture for you
I think we are both feeling more relaxed now we know this stressful task has been offloaded to somebody else. There are plenty of other fun things to be getting on with [and visits to the dentist, optician and doctor]
* the word grout was coined in 1683
Somewhat off topic, but references to Wat Tyler always reminds me of the book "1066 and all that" by Sellars and Yeatman, supposedly all the history that is memorable. They refer not to the Peasants Revolt, but to revolting peasants!
ReplyDeleteThe rest of the book is a very entertaining and amusing trip through English history.
Oh that is a very clever book, I enjoyed reading it years ago.
DeleteI loved that book and still have the copy inherited from my father. I re read it regularly and chuckle each and every time.🙂
DeleteMy dad introduced me to it t9o, nearly 60 years ago 🤣🤣
DeleteThat's a really good decision! I'm looking forward to the tour of the finished kitchen
ReplyDeleteMaybe I should be like the NT and sell tickets for guided tours and serve tea and scones...
DeleteGrouting - a job I've done in umpteen kitchens and hope never to do again!
ReplyDeleteThat helps to confirm the decision!
DeleteI'm glad you are getting help for this. Bob is amazing but his health needs to come first!
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right.
DeleteSounds like you made the right decision to hire someone to do the tiling. Sounds like your kitchen is almost completed! Love your pull out spice cabinet.
ReplyDeleteWe both feel better now it has been settled. I am childishly excited about my spices
DeleteSo sensible to have work done professionally....not that Bob's wouldnt have been as he is a consummate professional. But sometime you just have to take a step back, and then admire the tiles!
ReplyDeleteHe is indeed, and it would have taken him WEEKS to get things just right, as it is a new skill to learn! I really would like to have a new kitchen in time to cook my Christmas Dinner !
DeleteThis great and very sensible news. There can be a delightful feeling in sitting back while someone else does the work you simply cannot any more!
ReplyDeleteI feel relieved for you and that is one of my favorite feelings! JanF
Thank you Jan!!
ReplyDeleteAww, it's a shame we don't live closer, Alan is a brilliant tiler and grouter. He's done most of our properties and some for other people in the past. Still it will be nice for Bob to be able to have a break from all the kitchen fitting for this last job. The sneak peak looks good. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Sue, but I suspect you and Alan have had enough 'house stuff' lately with your Mum's property to sort out. And it will be good to let someone else do this task
DeleteWhat a sensible idea to get a tiler in to save Bob's back. Your kitchen will look fabulous when its done and looking forward to seeing the finished photos. I had a huge spice sort out when we moved and now store the few I use on a lazy susan bought from B&M. Xx
ReplyDeleteB&M have some useful little bits and pieces don't they?
DeleteI, too, think it has been a sensible decision. Bob has done so much regarding the kitchen refurbishment. He can now 'project manage' for a change😁.
ReplyDeleteHe has done the bulk of the work - I do the easier low level tasks, and make the frequent cups of tea
DeleteI hope Bob's back recovers soon. That was a wise decision to bring in a professional for a fiddly job like that. I'm sure your tiler is so used to the work that it will go smoothly and quickly. I wonder if he will come wearing a hat like Wat Tyler's? 😀
ReplyDeleteWe will wait and see what he looks like
DeleteIt sounds like a very sensible idea to get someone in to do this part of the kitchen. We all need a little help sometimes.
ReplyDeleteWe feel much happier now we know a professional will be doing it
ReplyDelete