This photo shows where our old boiler used to live. It lives here no longer. There wasn’t anything wrong with it, as such, but it was elderly, creaking, probably not very green and, with a new kitchen on its way in a few weeks time, it was time to say goodbye.
It used to live in the utility room but our new-fangled, huge beast of a German boiler, shiny and bursting with youth, has taken up residence in the airing cupboard in the bathroom. Don’t ask why it’s there. It’s some new type of boiler that “works from a direct water feed and pressure”. I’ve put that in quotation marks as I have no idea what it means. All I know is that the water tanks have been removed from the loft and the tank in the airing cupboard has also gone awol.
They started work yesterday. It took four chaps to hoist the new boiler up the stairs. It only dawned on me at this late stage that it might be an idea to remove pictures in the stairwell. I have a collection of James Dowd prints of children, all carefully arranged in what I believe to be an artful manner. So what did I do? Took them all off their hooks, all 15 of them, without first taking a photograph of where they were positioned. Just great. I have taken a photograph of them now, on the floor, so you can see what a fun job I will have later today.
We had to suffer the frustration of no heat or hot water last night and this morning, which necessitated the boiled kettle, basin and trusty flannel routine. I usually wash my hair every day so am sitting here feeling decidedly scummy and waiting for the men to bugger off later so I can have a decent shower.
Thank God it’s sunny today so I can sit in the window and get some heat on my back. Yesterday we were lucky with the weather too but I decided to escape to Tesco for a while, wheeling my trolley up and down the aisles until I’d warmed my bones up a tad. In the evening we put some logs on the fire and it was all very dib-dib-dib cosy, singing Kum-ba-Yah and toasting marshmallows. I lie. We had a bottle of Pinot Noir, Kettle Chips and watched another episode of our box set of Six Feet Under.
But just think how great it will be when it's all done! Here's hoping the workmen complete the job as and when promised…!
Steve – this is like a little trial run of what it will be like. The kitchen itself is due to start in May so some respite in April, and some sorting of cupboards to be done first.
Are you leaving home while you have NO KITCHEN? Or will you be setting up a camp stove in the garden?
Fingers crossed they just get on with it and finish it quickly once they start. And that the weather will be lovely and warm necessitating no cooking but only salads for sustenance…
Sarah – Quite frankly I'm dreading it as it will take 4-5 weeks in all. Having both the kitchen and utility room done but a lot of work involved – ceilings skimmed, new floor, new lights blah blah.
I'm hoping I can just use the microwave and the barbecue and, as you say, plenty of salads….and maybe takeaways…and meals out!
Better get stocked up on the Pinot Grigio… it's going to rain tomorrow!
Love this post, you make me laugh! We used to have a beasty old boiler that took up a whole footy field but it went like the billio (never broke down) and the builder said it might have been original to the fourties. Took it out in the remodel and we saw the light – literally- it was blocking out the total sun, so big. Kevin and I always do the boxed sets too, at 2am we're like: "Just another one?" and then we'll go to bed…ever the teenagers…
However inconvenient or messy it is and will be for a few weeks…how lovely to be having a new kitchen! sad aren't I?……by the way did you watch The Killing?
I've just had a new combi boiler put in too. Tanks out. Airing cupboard halved. Gas pipe across house changed. New bathroom fitted. It's not quite finished yet 6 weeks into work and I an going insane! Carpets come tomorrow. I shall be glad to see it done. It's a pain whilst it all happens but very worth it afterwards. The pressure in the shower is great with the new boiler too.
Probably too late now (says she, looking on the bright side) but did you check that the floorboards upstairs would take the weight of the new monster boiler?
Oh well…..
(Just kidding.)
It's going to be wonderful and hot water and heating and fab new kitchen and no dust….ever again. I always say this every year but I think I am addicted to builders….that or I ahve to save up each year to get things done….got a new downstair loo no excuses for watering the roses au naturelle!
@the dotterel – we have heat and hot water! As of 5pm this afternoon we are back on. I am clean! I may well get the wine out though.
@about last weekend – The position of the new beast will give us more space downstairs and, as everyone always seems to come into our house via the utilty room, it will look much smarter. It's all very hi-tech this evening – trying to work out how to work it – it has a display like an iPod.
2am….! Shame on you haha.
@Libby – only just heard about The Killing. can't believe we've missed it, especially with us going to Denmark in a few weeks!
@Kelloggsville – I don't know how you've put up with it. I've only had two days of it and it drove me nuts.
@Expat Mum – now you tell me! It did occur to me as they strained themselves going up the stairs.
@Tattie – Haha! Any particular builder you're addicted to???
A German boiler!! Excellent choice (have to support my adoptive country, don't I?).
PS: did you get these prints back on the wall?
@Funky Wellies – Indeed. It's a Viessmann boiler – my new favourite thing.
I put the pictures back on the hooks this afternoon, only differently! I can't get the pattern right at all but they look random arty.
Despite all the inconveniences, I'm very excited for you you're getting a new look in your kitchen. And any excuse to eat kettle chips and drink the vino on a cosy night indoors has my vote.
Being Me – I must keep telling myself in a few weeks time that it will all be worth it. Must stock up on wine and kettle chips to help me through it!
good luck with it, we are 3 weeks into a massive extension and not having much fun. we are still looking for someone to take on the bespoke kitchen ideas of my mrs and having no luck. it will be ok eventually, once it's finished.