The Renovations
A large project outside and in
The first work on the roof was completed in early 2021. We then moved on to the exterior render in September 2021.
This was last completed in around 1960 with the fathers of the current hit squad members Bobby and Ali.
In the first week of April 2022 we started the interior to bring it up to current standards in electrical work and modernisation of the bathroom in particular.
Completed View Above
The exterior render was finished by the second week of September 2021 before any frost could damage the new render.
We were very pleased with Franks work
How we did it: the exterior first
We started by removing the old tired render by hand and small mechanical means as this was a condition of the planning application. The emphasis was not to damage the cottages stone work. We had to apply lime mortar, so as to allow the walls to breath, allowing moisture to evaporate rather than be held behind a traditional cement finish.
We were also in a conservation area and our materials were acceptable in meeting their requirements.
​
Once the old render was removed and all metal nails were removed we set about recoating the entire stonework with two coats of lime mortar as you will see being applied in the photo below. A final coat was applied and added small granite chips to give us a textured finish similar to the surrounding properties.
The mortar came pre coloured to our requirements and can be overpainted in the future.
We used hessian hung over the new render and kept it moist throughout the day so as to prevent the mortar drying too quickly and minimise any cracking.
So far this has been a success at least on year later as I write this article.
​
In total with the hit squads support and the hard work of the plasterer we accomplished it in 10 days without compromising quality some 4 days ahead of schedule.
We then went on to paint the window ingoes and face with a complimentary exterior paint and replace the guttering with a deeper profile to mimic cast iron.
A new ariel was erected and a cap applied to the gable chimney to keep out the elements and wildlife.
By the end of November 2022 the house number in slate will be attached to and oak board at the front door, as will the street sign and new barometer box of the same material erected at the front as was its predecessor.
Thanks to Dave Mcdonald for the Scaffold
​
The steps to improve the interior
We looked at all the work that needed to be done it was originally planned to do the bathroom only at this time.
However when we looked at the wiring which we had planned to replace later we found the wiring in some areas to be potentially unsafe.
This superseded the bathroom requirement and a complete rewire of the house from top to bottom was instigated, and included electric oil filled radiators in every room, change all the lighting to LED's to reduce usage costs.
​
This was started in December 2021 with Barry, who over a period of weeks completely replaced the fuse board, all wiring, sockets, lights along with a new circuit for the heating including the new regulation smoke alarms. He also installed wiring for the new water heater and made ready for the bathroom renovations.
In late March early April I set about the demise of the old bathroom with help of family (Bobby, Ali, Kevin, Graeme Dear, Graeme and Esther Campbell ,Alison, Brenda and Linda) and non family members. As you will see the bathroom walls were removed including the floor down to the joists to expose the pipework. We removed the old coal and storage cupboards, and took out the kitchen wall.
This was to allow us to move a base unit and be able to put the fridge in the kitchen.
​
We also removed the cupboard in the living room housing the old hot water tank to open up the space and fortunately the lining board ceiling continued inside the cupboard.
We also removed the attic tank removing all pipe work from that end and installed a stop cock in the wee bedroom under the floor.
Now we had to begin the reconstruction from the pipework under the floor to the new water system in the attic to feed the shower, bathroom and kitchen
All pipework was roughed in with the help of Kevin and tested for leaks which we had a couple that were easily fixed.
​
New walls were constructed where needed and a completely new bathroom ceiling branderd in as the levels of the old were way out. Walls and ceilings were plaster boarded and taped and finally painted with nice new surface mounted downlights and extraction in bathroom and kitchen.
​
Shower walls were tanked and tray installed allowing our tiler Graeme Campbell to get to work on the floor and shower space.
The new wall between the kitchen and hallway installed and lined ready for Deide's rudder, propellor, pump, clinker board with Mary's ME4, anchor and naval rope (Lee Williams) and of course grannies old wash board all shown below and in the film.
The living room walls were relined over some of the old lathe and plaster to give us a nice surface to finish and new ceiling moulding, door architraves and skirtings were applied.
​
The bathroom had been transformed with fully opening door, window seat, angled toilet, recycled oak basin stand with modern sink and an open shower for ease of access with instant hot water.
​
The hall was also transformed with new lino and decorated with paper and paint. The lounge along with each room were totally redecorated with new lino in the kitchen and carpet in the lounge.
The kitchen was rejigged to accommodate the fridge and is a project for later, but it is functional at the moment.
All the rooms now have heaters to provide some comfort to you rather that the quick dash to the toilet during the night. They also have refurbished Queen Anne chairs that were in the garret gathering dust with now new strapping,foam and fabric as you will see pictures below and in the film
​
Overall the house is in a much better position to holiday in going forward and should provide an opportunity for more times occupied with heating installed. We have more to do yet but not as big as the journey just completed but also to maintain the property for the benefit of all that use it.
Bobby and I thank all who supported the project both in terms of man/lady power,material/s and the financial input from many family members.
Pictures Of Pre Renovation
Photo gallery of the work
The photos show some of the work from both exterior and interior to give you a flavour of the project
The Original Team
These were the (Circa)1960 renovators when Bob had just retired and the cottage was brought up to a liveable standard.
From Left to Right
Jock Waiter, David Waiter, David Logie McBay, Mary Mcbay
Bob Waiter, Andy Waiter, Bert Waiter
2020 Team.
This was your Team known as the hit squad consisting of Kevin, Martin, Ali, Bobby and Frank the plasterer.
It only took two days to remove the old render from the gable and up the close.
​
To view the videos click on it and click the little music icon on the bottom right for sound.
Anchorlane Garret.
The garret pictures show the harbour end with Bob's bench, and tools preserved for all to see.
The rafters have the names and dates of all visitors written in chalk which will be retained.
As a child it was an adventure to get up there to use the swings and retrieve the fishing wands made of a garden cane with twine, a treble hook and a washer for weight. (they worked to catch poddlies which were young Sathe}
We plan to block off the sides where the insulation is to seal it off with access doors and create a central core with whitewashed walls at each end and replace the old cast iron skylights with modern versions. The wind blas a hoolie through them.
