fakOK, we go again on this wall repair job. This time targeting specialists in rendering and hoping there's no structural work required which would be outside their scope. First 3 companies contacted and this time I have an 'interested' initial response already instead of 2 'nope's and a non-response.
I'm now in conversation with two different firms offering two different solutions, and have yet to do my morning yoga.
One of them asked for exterior wall dimensions, which was considerably more complex than you might think. I had to make diagrams (and then airdrop them to my phone).
And a third bite. Keeping up with all the conversations is almost a full time job (which is why you need a project manager if you're going on Grand Designs).
First ballpark quote is in. Lots of research to do around the various options I'm being offered and the specific entities doing the offering. But it gives me some time to raise funds (first availability for the first quote is June).
Contacted a fourth that I know is accredited, because more options and information is always better.
(So far of the two that have got back to me, they don't seem keen on patching the existing render, so if the whole shebang's going to have to be done I may as well add insulation - of which there appear to be seventy billion types).
Three vastly different quotes for different options now received. None of which have actually visited, all done off photos and rough dimensions. I feel a spreadsheet/document coming on.
Hmm, so far one company can't be found on Companies House - by name, postcode, names of directors. Also not found on a website that they claim has accredited them. So, nope.
Right, due diligence done, followed up with preferred company for a site visit, and emailed my financial adviser for his thoughts about funding it all. Changed my default search engine on the laptop to No AI DuckDuckGo, let's run some backups for fun.
Site visit was Tuesday, revised quote received yesterday. Just given the OK and let the other two companies know I'm not going with them. I'm getting some external wall insulation.
Task number one will be emptying the water butt connected to the downpipe from the guttering. I'll have to see if I can attach a hose to it to speed things up.
Task number two will be finding and printing a suitable sign to put on the door to remind workers to mask up if they need to come in the house (assuming the door doesn't just get sealed off for the duration).
Tom Hayward@fak "all the information is on the task"