Compared to a traditionally built houses we have made great progress over the last 4+ months but over the last couple of weeks we have experienced a few hic-cups. The most testing issue (in true Grand Designs style 🙂) is the installation of the windows. The bespoke, triple-glazed windows for our rear glazed gable end are lovely, and just what we wanted, but are very heavy. Even manually off-loading the glass takes a five man team. The next step is to find a way of lifting the glass into position 3+m above the ground (NB the frames are already). The most likely solution is to use a spider crane - unfortunately this wasn't budgeted for, nor were the costs of operators (apparently you need three people to guard against the risk of something going wrong).
Speaking of budget, we are currently within our contingency limit of 10% but although several things have come in under budget or on budget there are a few items going over. Probably not surprisingly when items do go over budget sometimes the discrepancy can be large. What we are tending to find is that whilst materials tend to be on budget, man power costs and specialists costs like crane hire (and their associated operators) are tending to be greater than forecast.
As progress slows and we encounter unexpected costs the level of jeopardy creeps up. Having said all that, we are still smiling and enjoying the process of building an eco-house!
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