August 2024
Project #001 is finished!!
August brought forward many challenges of its own. Its amazing how just when you are at the end of a job and think the property is complete that so many snags and upsets can happen!
At the start of the month I believe we had agreed a tenancy agreement at the property for a young family of teachers. Unfortunately they found their dream house in a more ideal location for them and pulled out. Testament to the agent and the condition of the property, we had a new tenant agreed and signed within 24 hours of the first ones dropping out.
The never ending clean!
I think the property received around 6 deeps cleans from ourselves, every time we would find new issues and problems that trades were having to come back and resolve. It made us realise that we need to be more thorough on our snags at the point of completion from the trades. Items like marks on windows and walls, loose fixtures and fittings, all items that without touching them by trying to clean them we would have been unable to determine that it wasn’t as it should be!
Building control!
Due to this being our first ground up build in terms of a 2 storey side extension, its also our first time dealing with building control on a much more frequent basis. We used a private company called “Shore” and they have been excellent throughout the entire process from start to finish. Being clear on what they need to see, when they need to see it and what needs to be done if they are not happy with it.
Before the tenants moved in, we wanted to ensure that the building received full sign off. After the visit we had a list of 6 or so items that needed to be changed to ensure that sign off could be given. These were -
Extractor in the kitchen being externally vented - They don’t recognise carbon filters in a kitchen that has been moved to a new building
Suitable means of fire escape on 3 of the first floor windows - We were short on the opening by 15mm on 3 of the windows, therefore we ordered new hinges in and fitted them, which was certainly easier said than done!
Continuous handrail up the staircase - We were unsure as to the rules around this, but we have since added in a handrail for ease of use for the tenants
Restrictor on one of the 1st floor windows - Should a window ledge be below 800mm from the floor, it is required that a restrictor to be fitted to prevent people falling our of windows. This was a fairly easy install, no real hassle.
Gaps around windows on the external face of the building to be filled to prevent insects from getting in. Again a fairly small issue and one that a tube of silicone took care of in a few minutes.
Once we had all of this complete we sent it off to building control, and we are now waiting to hear back from them. However we should receive full sign off which will be amazing!
A few pictures
We are now actively looking for our next few projects! So if you want to get involved or know of a property that might be of interest to us please get in touch via our contact us information page!
We are aiming to get 2 -3 projects agreed STC this side of 2024 and hope to finish these in early Q2 in 2025!
We have learnt an incredible amount with the first 2 projects in the company, and want to increase both out portfolio and our power team in the coming year or two!
Hopefully next month you can read about all the amazing deals that we have on the table and where we are going to take our next steps this year!
Time for a beer we think!