Cash flows

Finally we hear word that the bank has released the first stage payment.  After a very panicky 2 weeks where we managed to apply for, get approved and draw down a mortgage in record time (since 2008) the cash is en route to our solicitor and of right now has arrived!  That removes one cause of recent sleepless nights, perhaps cutting back on the coffee habit might get another hour or two.

Of course, as soon as we want to start groundworks and tanking, it starts to rain.  We have the first meter of bituthene sheeting up and its well stuck on - we can now add the drain around the back and fill with stone up to the level the water is weeping from the rock.  The rain is handy as it will help identify where that is, although we did mark it last time it rained... unusual to think that was some weeks ago in Ireland!! Hopefully the interior load-bearing block wall is completed today as well and we'll be ready for the for basement roof slabs.  The interior wall is block because unfortunately the architect forgot to account for the width on drawing the plans :/.  An ICF wall would be thicker at 200+mm, so we're using a 6" concrete block wall instead ~ 150mm.  This has an impact on the corridor, having that too narrow is pointless.

Also, we think we may have found the stone and window combination we like for the areas on the plans marked in as stone.  We have seen the stone on a hotel while on the prowl for suitable stone, so the next challenge is to try and ring them and identify where and what the stone is.  Window wise we're thinking about a two-tone window - cream/white  on the inside and black on the outside.  The stone is a yellow-y colour and will be warmer than a more traditional grey stone.

We've also put some thought into putting stone on the inside of the house - primarily on the wall of the living area that will be double height and contain the windows housing our main view.  I think it'll add a touch of rustic quality inside and having seen such in another house really liked the feel.  In doing so though, we had to preplan for the walls in the basement section to be reinforced to take the load of the extra weight - so not something we can just decide on the fly.  Mixing this with light woods and white interior might just do the job on that room and be light and airy.  Anyway - that's a good bit away at this stage so better keep focus on grubbing around in the dirt!