0700 – A slightly later start today; check emails, texts, and the paper diary.
0730 – Do some tasks at home and then set off for the first of four job enquiries today.
0900 – This first job involves the demolition of an old outhouse to be replaced with a larger single-storey extension. Meeting a lovely couple who are very easy to communicate with. My early thoughts are that the cost will outweigh their needs, and a week later I am proved right. I have been surprised before, but not this time.
1015 – Next up, meeting an accidental landlord. This client has inherited a house and is looking to modernise it ready for renting. We talk it through, and I take measurements and photos. I advise him not to install high-end fixtures and fittings as if it were his own home; unfortunately, a few renters have little respect for other people's property. We look at ways to keep costs down, but he is out of touch with current prices and I cannot see this job coming our way. It doesn't—it turns out the new property owner had hoped the work would cost about 30 percent of our quote figure.
1145 – I leave the new landlord and head back to my home office to catch up on some administration, enjoy a cup of tea, and have lunch.
1400 – On the road again for potential job number three. This couple has bought a house in Durham for their student son and his friends to share while at university. I price up the complex and wide-ranging job, which takes two full days plus additional time on the phone and emailing suppliers and subcontractors. I provide a ton of advice, make repeat visits, and adjust the quote at least three times before eventually declining the project as I feel the clients will be too difficult to work with.
1600 – last visit of the day. Meet the estate agent and prospective purchaser of a house outside Durham. Ten weeks later we started work on a full house refurbishment.
1745 – a well deserved pint with a mate and then home for tea.
