Owning your own home

Perhaps a stupid question, but is there anything involved in completion that actually needs to be done in person? Completion needs to be done on a weekday, but neither of us can take the day off to do it on the day we'd like to.

I will be able to get to the estate agents before they close to pick up keys, but I would only be available from about 4pm to actually do anything else in person. Is that likely to be a problem?

My solicitor is based in Preston so I fucking hope not!

Barring picking up the keys, I don't think so.

I'm in the same boat @tommmmmmm ! I was actually wondering if someone else would be able to go and get the keys on my behalf as I won't be able to be anywhere helpful before 5pm. I think the keys are released by the estate agent (or in my case housing association), no? As lots of people use solicitors who aren't local.

I only had to pick up the keys from my estate agent.. didn't have to sign anything/ be anywhere in person for completion.. all a bit surreal and anti-climactic

Yeah. Usually the agent will give you the keys, sometimes the owner, almost never the slissiter.

Ring the agent and tell them your mum / pal / drug dealer will be collecting them on your behalf.

The guy installing my bathroom has used OSB (oriented strand board) for the walls aroun the shower instead of ply or tile backer board. It has had a tanking kit applied.

His tiler is already tiling on it.

Should I tell him to remove the whole lot? If it leaks, then the OSB will possibly turn into Weetabix.

If he used ply then it would likely de-laminate if it got wet, it would certainly swell unless you've got proper marine ply. I assume the tanking kit creates a waterproof barrier that shouldn't leak. With tiles over the top you should be ok, but have a chat with the chap/chapess doing the work if you're concerned. Get them to explain how it all works.

I'm guessing he is guaranteeing the tanking? And if so is it a manufacturers guarantee or his own? You're right that the whole wall build up around the shower should really be moisture resistant. The materials he uses have to be fit for purpose.

I doubt he would guarantee anything. His "plasterer" wanted to speed up the bonding plaster he was using by adding concrete. He didn't have concrete, so first tried adding a pre-mixed mortar (mainly sand) which I told him wasn't a good idea, followed by adding some Mapei flexible tile adhesive. FFS. This is why my confidence is low. I've paid for all materials, and he wants £2.5k for all the work of fitting a bath with shower, toilet, and sink. Not sure what to do, really.

Marine-grade ply used to be pretty common for shower installations, but now people often use proper tile backer board. The tanking kit seals it in theory, but only on one surface, for example, the bottom edge is not sealed.

Ah I see your concern. You can get different grades of OSB but I'm not sure if they go to marine ply quality (probably not).

I don't know much about plaster but this guy sounds like a bit of a cowboy!

He's now fitting our expensive tiles... Before the bath has been fitted. Doesn't speak English.

Asbestos survey? Anyone know anyone?

Freeholders of ex LA buildings: I want to put an extractor fan in the bathroom. Should I just give up now? And leave the window open and buy a dehumidifier (for when the window is closed obvs)?

I can recommend these guys: http://www.reclaimbuildingsupply.com/hardhat_services.htm but it'll cost north of £400 to survey a whole flat I'd guess.

I think, in all likelihood, there is asbestos in my house. I'm going back to Lewisham to see if they can find anything from previous requests/history.
If not, it'll be using someone like that.

And then finding someone who is capable of working with and disposing of said asbestos.

I did my own DIY sample of the Artex in our bathroom by chipping off a sample and sending it to be tested.

And then finding someone who is capable of working with and disposing of said asbestos.

Sounds expensive

^ i didnt know that artex could have asbestos in it. My flat was built in the 1980's so pretty shodily built, any chance of asbestos being used?

^ Every chance.

But you'll be fine unless you grind it to powder and snort it.

How would I go about finding out if I have asbestos in my lungs?

Talk to your GP.

You could raise antibodies against it I suppose. Some sort of Elisa might work.

Or look for tumour markers for mesithlioma.

@rodabod Is the Mapei who make tile adhesive the same as the Mapei who sponsored the team with the Colnagos? Interesting with Quick-Step being in the flooring business. Which other pro cycling teams can help you fit out your house? Sharp I guess, with Europcar providing your transport.

In less overtired rambling news, we exchanged contracts yesterday and have set a completion date for Friday. I can't wait, though I'm a bit apprehensive about seeing the inside of the place again for the first time in two months. I can remember that it definitely needed work, that's about it...

Saunier Duval for your boiler clearly.