Scaffold Comes Down (Partially)

Scaffolder's turned up (eventually), on two occasions, and took down the scaffold at the front and side of the house. We can now see a little better what has been going on for the last year :


I am so pleased that we asked for the two windows to be put in the end wall. These weren't on the original plan, but it really needs them to break up the huge slab of the wall. Could almost do with some lower down too, though I am sure it will look better when there is some "landscape" around it.

Removal of the scaffold also reveals the new porch around the front door (note that the window above is boarded up) :

We can't actually use the front door at the moment because of the amount of rain that has got into it while open to the elements. If we ever get some warm dry summer weather, hopefully it will start to dry out !

We are still considering what to do about the doors. We visited the factory this week to see examples of the steel, and also the sub-contract supplier of the aluminium. We hoped that, having seen them, the decision would be easier. Unfortunately this is not the case. Steel still looks better, has the narrower section frames (hence maximises glass) but lacks the security features. The latter may turn out to be the deciding factor. I was renewing the household insurance today and at least one leading Insurance company refused my application because my house does not meet the minimum standard in terms of lockable windows and doors. Hand bolts on doors are not acceptable - they must have a key. The proposed steel doors do not have these.

We need to make up our minds on this over the weekend, not only because we need to move the order on, but also because the frame depth determines where the basement screed stops in the doorway - and this is being laid on Monday.