A very quick update with the good news.
Following the meeting with architect, QS and Builder last Monday, we have agreed a build design and build cost that meets our needs and, most importantly, our budget.
Mobilising work begins on Monday 20 May - that's next week!
We will travel back to Skye on 10 June when they should have levelled the site and made some connections for utilities etc. Then there will be a 36 week build time plus 2 weeks for Christmas. At least they will be carrying out the exterior build work during the (Scottish) summer.
Reason for visit - to check the house will be sited where we want it! Could have some fun with that one.
Anyway, we have an agreed contract end date of 22 March 2014 so let the new countdown begin. (Have worked out that gives me 204 days to work, excluding bank holidays)
Photos of the levelled site and beginning of the build to follow after 10 June. We are hoping to spend the weekend in the Skye / Lochalsh area so could be some good walking and perhaps some midnight sun for interesting photos.
Keep watching this space.
Saturday 18 May 2013
Saturday 11 May 2013
Patience rewarded - times two
After a significant period of silence, we are finally able to report that we are so close to the finish line that we can't believe it ourselves.
Since the last post, more than a month ago, we have experienced disappointment - from a tender price way above our expectations and wallets; irritation - no news on the croft; much activity - a number of phone calls to and from architects, solicitors etc with what felt like no progress.
Now finally we are due to head back to Skye later this weekend with the aim of meeting with the builder, the QS and the architect to agree what our house will look like and cost.
The bad news - no garage / workshop - this had to be removed to save on costs; A reduced spec on kitchen and bathrooms, not a major disaster; a change to the super-smooth exterior cladding, we can live with that as it's the inside that counts; I will have to work for longer and change the countdown clock from 6 months to 11 months.
The good news - we can still build the house; no change to the footprint so we can still have the living space we want and need; air source heating still within our budget; My contract will be extended but I will reduce to four days a week from January. (My suggestion) There are worse places to live than Clacks and we can get out in the hills, explore more of Scotland and buy and try some snowshoes.
The still to be agreed bits - think we can afford the mezzanine level as long as I keep working, however this will be a more basic room with none of the fittings we had designed in. This is OK as we can do this later if we still want it. The builder needs six weeks to mobilise and the build will be 36 weeks, could extend this if it reduces the build cost (to be discussed)
So that is the first part and means that the house is now in sight.
Then this morning, out of the blue a letter from our solicitors confirming that the division of the croft has been agreed so we can purchase the tenancy of the six acres of croft as long as we can convince the Crofters Commission that we (Gary) are suitable crofting material. We think we can, so more forms to fill in along with a quick call to Jeremy for his advice.
Feels like it is finally coming together.
We have filled our time with a few weekend activities including a swift visit to Plymouth to see family but not friends on this occasion. We will return in the summer and drive back down to pick up a few remaining bits and pieces. Nice to see the family and catch up with what is happening. The following weekend, Gary went on his baking course in Blair Atholl and I climbed Ben Vrackie on the Saturday and we attempted Schiehallion on the Sunday. Saturday was glorious,
Sunday was ended by a horizontal blizzard that chased us off the mountain. Just a we rounded a corner onto the ridge, blizzard conditions plus 40-50 mph winds came from nowhere. Ice blasted faces and slippy old snow made for an easy decision and back we went to the car. Well exercised and a good path. We will return and climb this one later in the year.
The bread was wonderful and the guy running the course provided many new recipes, tips and methods. The B&B we stayed in was one of the best we have stayed at and highly recommended. http://www.pitlochrybedandbreakfast.co.uk/benvrackie-b-b.htm
Very welcoming hosts (Brenda and Colin) comfortable beds and huge and varied selection of goodies for breakfast.We left them some bread and they filled a couple of rolls with ham for us. Liking this exchange / barter thing.
Last weekend, Ian and Jacqueline arrived for a quick visit to escape the gales and rain on the west coast so a nice catch up and good meals and wine. They returned to the boat on Tuesday, the only good day this week weather wise. Forecast for Sunday this weekend includes snow showers and overnight frost. After all it is May.
Then back to work for four days.
Anticipation building as we plan what to say and where we might have to compromise. For the last time, fingers crossed that we can progress and who knows there might be some activity ON SITE in the next few weeks.
Since the last post, more than a month ago, we have experienced disappointment - from a tender price way above our expectations and wallets; irritation - no news on the croft; much activity - a number of phone calls to and from architects, solicitors etc with what felt like no progress.
Now finally we are due to head back to Skye later this weekend with the aim of meeting with the builder, the QS and the architect to agree what our house will look like and cost.
The bad news - no garage / workshop - this had to be removed to save on costs; A reduced spec on kitchen and bathrooms, not a major disaster; a change to the super-smooth exterior cladding, we can live with that as it's the inside that counts; I will have to work for longer and change the countdown clock from 6 months to 11 months.
The good news - we can still build the house; no change to the footprint so we can still have the living space we want and need; air source heating still within our budget; My contract will be extended but I will reduce to four days a week from January. (My suggestion) There are worse places to live than Clacks and we can get out in the hills, explore more of Scotland and buy and try some snowshoes.
The still to be agreed bits - think we can afford the mezzanine level as long as I keep working, however this will be a more basic room with none of the fittings we had designed in. This is OK as we can do this later if we still want it. The builder needs six weeks to mobilise and the build will be 36 weeks, could extend this if it reduces the build cost (to be discussed)
So that is the first part and means that the house is now in sight.
Then this morning, out of the blue a letter from our solicitors confirming that the division of the croft has been agreed so we can purchase the tenancy of the six acres of croft as long as we can convince the Crofters Commission that we (Gary) are suitable crofting material. We think we can, so more forms to fill in along with a quick call to Jeremy for his advice.
Feels like it is finally coming together.
We have filled our time with a few weekend activities including a swift visit to Plymouth to see family but not friends on this occasion. We will return in the summer and drive back down to pick up a few remaining bits and pieces. Nice to see the family and catch up with what is happening. The following weekend, Gary went on his baking course in Blair Atholl and I climbed Ben Vrackie on the Saturday and we attempted Schiehallion on the Sunday. Saturday was glorious,
 |
| The perfect lunch spot en route to Ben Vrackie. Last of the snow at 700m |
 |
| Ben Vrackie - steeper than it looks from here! |
Sunday was ended by a horizontal blizzard that chased us off the mountain. Just a we rounded a corner onto the ridge, blizzard conditions plus 40-50 mph winds came from nowhere. Ice blasted faces and slippy old snow made for an easy decision and back we went to the car. Well exercised and a good path. We will return and climb this one later in the year.
 |
| Here comes the weather |
 |
| Face recently blasted by ice, snow and wind. Blue skies after the storm. |
Very welcoming hosts (Brenda and Colin) comfortable beds and huge and varied selection of goodies for breakfast.We left them some bread and they filled a couple of rolls with ham for us. Liking this exchange / barter thing.
Last weekend, Ian and Jacqueline arrived for a quick visit to escape the gales and rain on the west coast so a nice catch up and good meals and wine. They returned to the boat on Tuesday, the only good day this week weather wise. Forecast for Sunday this weekend includes snow showers and overnight frost. After all it is May.
Then back to work for four days.
Anticipation building as we plan what to say and where we might have to compromise. For the last time, fingers crossed that we can progress and who knows there might be some activity ON SITE in the next few weeks.
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