One of the things we knew we had to do with the house was redo the kitchen, and as a part of that, we were going to find room for a washing machine.

Circumstances change, and we’re not going to be able to redo the kitchen as soon as we had hoped. P can’t live without a washing machine (I quite like my weekly frequent trips to the laundrette – they give me a chance to read trashy fiction)

So, we’re trying to install a washing machine in a former downstairs loo cupboard. When the loo was removed, all the plumbing and electrics were too, so we’ve had to put in new sockets and new water pipes and new waste water pipes.

Today, the plumber who drilled holes through the brick warned us that the bricks are not in terribly good condition, and even suggested we get the surveyor back to advise. They shatter when drilled, which apparently bricks shouldn’t do, and the mortar is missing, and they don’t appear to be supporting any weight.

So, now, although we finally have pipes and power, we need get the structural issues looked at before we can actually put a washing machine in. Bah.