11 January 2008 and in time terms we are about halfway through the project.

The loft conversion is beginning to look finished, most of the wiring first fix is in and likewise the plumbing. Lots of insulation now in place in the walls, underneath the floors and in the ceilings. Even though much of the house is still open we can get a feel now of the effect all this insulation will have. It will be like living in a large down duvet.

All the sanitary ware is chosen and ordered; much of it has been delivered and much of it will be fixed next week.

The kitchen extension is beginning to take shape. The new boundary wall is in and all the steelwork. The roof joists are in position and we expect to see the floor in soon.

We’ve chosen the kitchen units and the design is complete – we just need to choose the worktops and we’re done. Welsh slate would be good. Or concrete. Should we use wood or one of the modern plastics. When did Formica die?

We’ve been to see the manufacturers of our aluminium window units and selected what we need.

Tiles are next. To be followed by the completion of the choice of light fittings. Then fitted furniture. Floor coverings. Cork for the kitchen. Some sanded floors with rugs. Stair carpets and carpets for the bedrooms. The list is endless.

Colours, colours, materials and more colours. . The list is endless. Oh come back Henry Ford “You can have it any color you like, as long as it’s black.” Now its “You can have it any colour you like, as long as you are prepared to wait and pay the surcharge.”   Or maybe its best to adopt the Little Britain selection method, “I’ll have that one.”

I just wonder which store has the highest rate of male suicides, Magnet, MFI IKEA, Moben or Harvey Nics?