Upstairs I have been working my way round the exterior walls, fixing battens, lining the walls with insulation and then a layer of plasterboard.

Sue has been tidying up the front garden. A good place to catch the late afternoon sun and the opportunity to chat to neighbours. It gives a sign to those passing that things are going to change to this house that has stood unloved for so long. Meanwhile, in the back I have been digging a test hole to see how deep the foundations for the extension should go - Building Control are coming tomorrow to look at it.

Inside upstairs: finished putting plasterboard on the ceiling, a new loft hatch/ladder fitted and have started battening the walls and fitting insulation ready for more plasterboard.

Outside: Chas and crew almost finished clearing the back

The good news is we had our letter today saying we have been granted our Planning Permission!!!!

Chas and Dave are working at our house! No honestly - that's what they are called - I've seen Chas's business card and Dave has his name tattooed on the back of his neck! They have come to do a site clearance - dig up some concrete, take down the lean-to summerhouse and the brick shed, level the site and take out the laurel  hedge that will be in front of the house extension, (bit of a gamble as we are still waiting for the planning permission - it's in the post!)