Volunteering in Duston

We are in full swing with the "Duston" project. When Jessica and Andrew bought this lovely 80 year semi-detached property in April they thought that a lick of paint here and there would all that would be needed. But as homeowners we often find that a small job can lead to something much bigger. Houses over here are mostly built with brick and then plastered and that includes the internal walls too. So there is not much sign of gib plaster board or stud walls. This house had had wallpaper over the plaster and then it had been painted, several times. On close inspection it was coming away from the wall in places and once the wallpaper was stripped away it was obvious that it was that paper that was holding the plaster in place. Now there was no choice but to remove all the plaster leaving the bricks bare! Two rooms were up for stage one, Jessica's office (as she couldn't bear to work in the shocking pink colour that it was) and their bedroom as they wanted to fit a wardrobe (houses don't seem to come with any fitted wardrobes) and there wasn't much point in putting it in before decorating. So two rooms on the go at once. Of course they knew we would be here to help, and we are only to pleased to be able to.

Removing the wallpaper on the ceiling.

 

Removing skirting boards and radiator.

Removing the plaster and exposing the bricks.

The new plaster board going up.

Of course it isn't usual over here to use plaster board, preferring to keep to the more traditional method of lime plastering and then skimming it. As Stephen is helping and this is what we are used to doing in NZ plaster board is what we are going with. It is now stopped up, and the first two coats of undercoat are on and at last it is beginning to take shape. The office should be finished by tomorrow, except for the floor (that is going to be sanded and stained) and the skirtings and picture rails( and they have been sent off to be stripped.)

 

Putting on the undercoat in the master bedroom.

However, Andrew has been very keen to use Stephen's expertise and the bathroom really was in desperate need of being done. So now the bathroom is also getting a full refit. The bath, with shower, toilet and vanity unit all arrived on Wednesday and the two boys have been busy, first with demolition and now pipe work. It is taking place but it is also a big job. Andrew will be going back to work next week for a rest! Something Stephen often used to say he was doing when he was building our house.

 

The bathroom in the beginning stages of demolition.

 

Working on the pipes

Working on the new copper pipes.

Next week Jessica and Andrew both have to go back to work. We will stay on Monday to finish painting (well that's the plan) before getting another rental car and going off for a few days again. Another push the following weekend should see the bedroom and office finished which would be great as they can then get some order into their lives and find homes for all their things.

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