Before and after

Hallway doors leading to the entrance. The 'before' photo is after a thorough clean too. Note that the hallway has no building/renovating equipment in it! We are gradually getting our house back.

The last of the tiling

Spent the weekend putting in skirting tiles along the 10.5m hallway. And then grouting them. Hopefully this is the last time I shall ever have to do this again! 

An aside from renovations ...

Our latest garden acquisition is a lovely pergola. For the past few years we've had a cheap 'tent' construction which has worked excellently but it really is past it's usage. So, we now have a more permanent construction which will provide a wonderful shady spot in summer, shelter when it's windy and a place for the wisteria and jasmine to continue growing. While we wait for the plants to provide shade (and perfume), we'll put on a cover which lets in air but also keeps the sun out. Shadow has already, wisely, decided this is her spot for a summer evening snooze.

More lights

We have lights!

We getting to the smaller jobs now

Onto cleaning the door handles. Goodness knows how long it's been since these were cleaned, but another labour of love. But at least I can sit comfortably and do these, unlike other jobs eg. grouting skirting tiles, which require stretching, bending and squats! Before and after the clean (the before is on the right).

Which shower to use today?

We now have all the bathrooms working. Showers work, toilets flush and taps run. Yippee. The shower walls are also up and extractor fans operating. A few final finishing things, then we move onto putting the light fittings in. 

The last major paint job - the hallway is almost finished. The ceiling (the worst job to do) is done and first coat of walls completed. Skirting tiles need to be done too - grouting them is one job I'll be pleased to never have to do again! We are very near the end.

Now for the doors

The doors have now been sanded and undercoated. Now ready to be put back for final coat. It takes a bit of manoeuvring to get them out or back in  - they're slot into hinges and are held in by pins. Plus they are quite heavy to hold while trying to get them into place. Yet another thing done and back in working order.