
We planned to do the concrete pour on Saturday, but discovered we could save money by ordering the load on a weekday. Paul arrived early with the underfloor insulation panels and DPM (Damp Proof Membrane).

We laid the damp proof sheeting, scored the surface of each insulation panel to make them flexible, then added more sheeting on top.

I finally get to do some OIL PAINTING! This is old engine oil, painted onto the shuttering to prevent the concrete from sticking.
It’s full steam ahead when the concrete arrives at 10.30. I never skip lunch but today it was only when Lindsey called at 3.20 that I took a breath.


A huge beam and vibrating machine was dragged across the surface to level it out. I’m not used to this physical work!

We soon discovered we had too much concrete. What to do with the excess?

We decided to add a ramp. Nicely signed by all the family, including Mowgli the dog. At the end of a long day we were just packing up when we realised the concrete had already set. So off came the shuttering to save a return journey.

When I got back from the Affordable Art Fair, I got myself a long enough tape measure and a string line to see how things were.

Paul lent me his beast of a cut-off saw to tidy up the edges where the shuttering had moved slightly. Loud, dusty work but a nice finish. We’re ready to order the building!