My Dream Almost Complete At Last!!

[Stu Twin]

Don't forget to change out of your stilletos before going into the garage...

[ScottyDave]

Looks great Steve

[Steve]

Not quite yet Ali, Ive got to get the electrics and the rendering finished and it all signed off before I can use it properly but getting closer by the day

Stu, I will lean on your experience there, noted I was going to throw caution to the wind as Im competant now on carpet, pavements and lino but youve got me thinking

Thanks Dave

[Steve]

I have power and lights!

Got it all in and working on the old SWA cable but with a join. I am now in the process of fitting a new cable without a join and deeper than the original. I bought the wrong ends but a new set arrived today so thats my next job on Monday

[cadboy]

Looking very bright Steve
you have done a grand job, let's see the car in next

[Steve]

[cadboy]

[ScottyDave]

Thats looking good Steve

[Steve]

Thanks Dave.....bit of an update.....

Ive been full on at the project since I got home from seeing the kids in Oz.

Electrics all signed off now by a local electrician

Ive rendered the walls with a scratch coat and top coat and have now started to apply the tyrolean style top coat. Tyrolean is very expensive now but Ive found an alternative called K Rend K2. Mix it to a porridge consistency, mask everything for miles and apply with a tyrolean hand operated flicking machine. A real workout but looks good. Its also coloured so doesnt need to be painted....

Cheers Steve

[cadboy]

That is a real good job Steve, well done.

and you could always be the local DIY man

[Steve]

Thanks for the compliment Ali and no, definately not! Im a total amateur Youtube warrior but am happy Ive done everything correctly. I have the luxury of time so nothing was rushed and no corners cut. I could do lots of DIY work here as there is so much work and nobody prepared to do it (especially small jobs like fencing, decorating etc) but Im just not interested as I really dont struggle to fill my time with my own projects

Im really pleased with the Tyrolean finish. It has paid to get the base render as flat as I could (not absolutely necessary as the finish covers a lot of imperfections) but 'if its worth doing' as they say.

Im most pleased with the electrics to be honest. I found a great Youtube video of a guy wiring a garage from start to finish. It was very detailed and a great help. I was very determined to do every aspect of the build myself and the sparkies that examined and certified it all for me were very complimentary on the standard and neatness of my work. My point isnt to wave my own flag, just to reiterate that Im really an amateur, but as long as you have time, do thorough research and have a few ounces of healthy OCD, anything can be done. If I can do it, anyone can!!!

The only thing they picked me up on was the fact I had used a 32 amp RCD circuit breaker in the garage consumer unit for the sockets but they preffered 16 amp so that was changed. They said that I could go back to 32 amp if I found the system tripping really easily but its unlikely unless Im using lots of heavy duty kit. Also, some of my terminals were a tiny bit loose and they just nipped them up a bit. Im always wary of damaging wires etc by overtightening and was surprised to see just how tight they did them. One thing that messed with my OCD was when they put the sockets back on they didnt 'clock' the screws. I really notice things like that and am still on the fence as to whether its an affliction or healthy, to a point

Im hoping to get the whole thing finished and ready for final inspection over the next week or so....wish me luck please folks

[cadboy]

you will be fine

Yes I also believe in not rushing anything, and that may be why I don't do a lot
after work it is time to relax and unwind but plenty on the retirement list (so Mrs keeps telling me )

Enjoy it

[Steve]

You will wonder how you ever had time to work when yiu finish Ali

Very long day from 5am on the tyrolean and have done the front and the short side. I only have the long side to do on Friday and Im done!!!!

[Steve]

Finished today....pass me a beer!!!

[Robert Nauer]

Well done Steve--it really looks great! I can only imagine how chuffed you feel, achieving your long-term goal. Your Dodge will certainly be happy especially come Fall/Winter