Accessible Bungalow Renovation

Valo · 19 Mar 2015 at 14:37

Day One

The old kitchen was completely stripped out and tiling removed.

Day Two

The areas required where boarded out and the first fix electrics and plumbing have been carried out. The plumbers found that the old sink in the utility had never been properly connected to the drains by the original builders and waste water had been left to drain freely :rolleyes:

It hasn't caused any damage but will require a few days to dry out.

Plasterer is in today and tomorrow so everything being well the room should be ready for the new kitchen to be installed next week.

Valo · 19 Mar 2015 at 14:38

Andr3w said:
That kitchen is amazing!

Thanks I'm really looking forward to having it done. The existing kitchen has been driving me crazy since I moved in!

Valo · 23 Mar 2015 at 15:22

Day Three & Four

Plastering was done over two days and the room was left to try out over the weekend. The ceiling looks great, it was in a real mess when the two stud walls where removed when the adaption work was carried out.
Once the room has been painted after the kitchen is finished it will finally look like the unified open plan space I planned right from the very start! :cool:

Valo · 24 Mar 2015 at 14:16

Day Five

New cupboard and wall unit carcasses have arrived and been installed in the main kitchen area. The utility and feature wall units will be done over the next few days.
I've also ordered this LG Direct Drive Tumble Dryer as well: http://www.lg.com/uk/tumble-dryers/lg-RC9055AP2Z to go along side my existing LG Direct Drive washing machine that I bought last year.

Valo · 24 Mar 2015 at 14:58

maccapacca said:
Being accessible is there no requirement for height adjustable worktops?

Building a couple of bungalows for a LA last year we had height adjustable worktops, side opening oven and hob controls on the front side.

I would imagine so for LA housing there are guidelines for accessibility, but as I'm a private owner I can do what I want

I did consider making it truly accessible with height adjustable cupboards, worktops etc but the cost was eye-watering high!
Unfortunately my cooking days are over now, it kills me to say that as I loved to cook prior to my accident. I'm now principally cooked for, so true accessibility isn't required in the long run. I would've given anything to have a kitchen like this back in the day. I will however have certain things within reach and the added pull out larder cupboard inserts will help me a lot.

Valo · 25 Mar 2015 at 16:57

Day Six

Valo · 25 Mar 2015 at 20:03

Day Seven

The display/storage unit along the main wall is practically complete minus the lighting. The main appliances have also arrived but are awaiting the final electric work. The chipboard floor covering will get lifted tomorrow (hopefully!) as the majority of the install is now done.

Valo · 25 Mar 2015 at 20:09

Adam said:
I like that! Coming along nicely.

I like that wide cupboard in what looks like your dining room, could this be used for an AV install rather than Ikea besta? If so where did you get it from?

Cheers thanks

All of the cupboards/drawer units are from the kitchen manufacturer (Pronorm) directly. I'm not sure if you can buy them directly as all of this has come from the local company I'm using to design and install this kitchen for me.

Valo · 26 Mar 2015 at 20:09

Day Eight

More appliances installed today - Integrated Fridge/Freezer, Dishwasher and Extractor Hood.

I think the plan tomorrow is to template the main section of worktop and get that away to be cut and continue with the electrics. The display/storage unit along the wall is also complete minus the lights.

Fingers crossed by Wednesday next week we should be done :cool:

Valo · 29 Mar 2015 at 20:41

Day Nine

Main worktop has been cut and fitted - It still needs sanded a few times at different grades of sand paper to blend the joins and bring out the pigment. Sink, Tap and Induction Hob still need to be fitted as well.

High Gloss Cupboard Doors and Handles have been fitted! I chose traditional style T-Bar handles which makes it easy for me to grip.

Valo · 30 Mar 2015 at 20:02

Day Ten

The main section of worktop has now been sanded and finished. It looks great! The sink has been fitted, drainage grooves cut and the induction hob fitted. The laminate boarding splash-back has also started to be fitted, with the glass splash-back by the hob.

The plumbing and electrics could be getting finished tomorrow, so my new appliances might actually get some power! :cool:

Valo · 31 Mar 2015 at 20:21

OpenToSuggestions said:
Forgive me as I have only skim read the text (I like pictures ).
Looks good - Hope it is as awesome as it looks in the pics!

Thanks! Yeah, it's been a work in progress for sometime but it really is turning into my home

Valo · 31 Mar 2015 at 20:27

Day Eleven

The sink has now been completely plumbed in, along with the tap.
The back boarding is now pretty much installed, just some PVC strapping around the windows to replace.
My washing machine and new tumble dryer has also been installed.

If everything goes to plan tomorrow should be the last day! :cool:

There are a few joinery jobs to take care of along with the electrics - Sockets, Lights and Appliances.

Valo · 23 Jun 2015 at 17:10

I never did finish this stage of the new Kitchen install. The Kitchen install took a total of 12 days and was finished the following day after those photos where taken. I then had to wait a few days before my own painter was free to paint the whole room which was done in day and only required the single coat.

A bit late but here is the finished article!

Valo · 23 Jun 2015 at 18:20

Back Garden

I've also started work on landscaping my back garden. The plan has always been to have a deck from the French Doors. The deck will also have a ramp with a gradual decline to ground level. The hard landscaping will be done first before the deck is built to allow access for materials and the mini digger.
The plan is to have a path at the end of the deck which will lead to a secondary seating area, maximising the amount of available sun during the day. The garden is facing South so gets sun all day.

Before Photos

Valo · 23 Jun 2015 at 18:21

Day One

New path and seating area from the end of the deck has been marked out and they've started lifting the old paving slabs.

Valo · 28 Jun 2015 at 16:47

Day Two

The new path has been dug out and I've got a skip full of soil sitting in the drive. I don't think they'll be much more to be taken out, I think it'll be more preparing the ground for the new slab/mono blocking which should be in-stock at the suppliers towards the end of next week. The measurements have also been taken for the deck, once the landscaping is complete the deck will be constructed to meet the path. I'm going to use anti-slip composite decking, so it will be a maintenance free which removes the headache of organising someone to maintain it.

Valo · 29 Jun 2015 at 20:02

Bigpig said:
Just found this thread. You really are making an amazing home!!

Cheers! Thanks very much :cool:

I've been in just over a year now and the finish line is almost insight!

Valo · 29 Jun 2015 at 20:19

Day Three

5 Tons of hardcore building materials been used so far and whacked down to form the base, with another 1 ton going in tomorrow to finish. The new bed for plants has been roughly formed and turned over to the left of the path. The paving stones should be in-stock anytime from Wednesday onwards.

The plan tomorrow is to continue with the paving prep and level everything up, ready for the paving to start ASAP.

Valo · 6 Jul 2015 at 20:50

Day Four

The ground has now all been levelled and a top layer of sand added. The paving has now also been started with the circular seating area at the end of the new path being laid, it just needs the edging stones now. I'm looking forward to seeing more progress over the next few days, but I'm already really happy with it :cool: