Homeless

After an awesome three weeks away in the USA for Ben's sister's wedding, we were expecting to return on Wednesday and receive the keys to our brand new home during our final walk-through that afternoon. Unfortunately though, things don't always go to plan.

Turns out the builder hasn't yet received our Certificate of Occupancy, the final piece of paper stating the house was up to standard and okay to be lived in. Without this, the bank won't release the final progress payment and subsequently, without payment - the builders don't give us the keys.... So basically, no house for us!

We found out that about six months ago, the requirements for the gas safety standards had changed. Any kitchen splash-back incorporating glass, has to be heat treated if it is within a certain distance of the gas stove top. Since my mosaic splash-back has glass tiles in it, it falls into this category. Six months ago, it wouldn't have been an issue. They would have signed off on the kitchen as is. But with the new standards, that's no longer the case.

The builders are now attempting to jump through several hoops to get this signed off, tossing up options of changing the stove-top or ripping the mosaic out, so we can get the Certificate of Occupancy. The government however are taking their time and being incredibly difficult. It's just bad luck that we're the guinea pigs for all of these new requirements. With several long weekends thrown in the mix, its taking a lot longer than expected and we're essentially homeless in the meantime.

The updated expected sign-off is now mid to late next week. Luckily we have so many great friends and family who have offered to take us in until its all sorted out. We also managed to extend the cats' stay in the cattery until Monday, so they'll only be carted from house to house for (hopefully) only a week at the most.