Renovation of Existing Property - Our Way to the House

The window in the laundry room caused more problems. Although we warned the window installer after removing the inner wooden window that the window he offered would not fit as is, he was not willing to come by before installation to find a solution together.
(16.05.2020)

After removing the steel window, the problem becomes visible:
(20.05.2020)
The outer window sill protrudes inward. The window installer simply wanted to place it on top (with minimal overlap and without a connection profile) or set it in front (with a corresponding gap to the side). In addition, it had a 5 cm frame extension upwards so that the windows could open inward and not get caught on the heating pipe. However, he was informed during measurement that this should be removed and the full possible height should be measured.

We agreed to remove the upper profile extensions and instead add a lower connection profile. Delivery time was 4 weeks, providing enough time to adjust the opening to the requirements.

Same opening without outer window sill.
(20.05.2020)

Size test with window frame and bricks:
(20.05.2020)

Built up inside and outside, sides plastered and secured inside.
(20.05.2020)
(05.06.2020)

Fully installed window:
(16.06.2020)

The window installer sealed the lateral and upper end faces with compressible tape to the outer wall. At the bottom, it only rests on construction foam, with which it was also foamed inside on the sides and top. Therefore, I will have to take care myself to ensure that I have an RAL-compliant, rainproof connection to the masonry on the outside.

In the garden, there was another attempt to further reduce the occasional moisture in the basement.

The house is built on a slight slope. Over the years, more and more earth was piled up and the terrain was somewhat leveled. Unfortunately, also too high, so that moisture can now penetrate the masonry more easily. You can see in the pictures that the earth was piled up well above the black coating:
(08.04.2020)
(16.04.2020)

Curbstones set
(23.04.2020)

The downpipe was once replaced by the first owner with a copper pipe. However, the roof plumbers left the last few decimeters of the old cast-iron standpipe in the ground...
(19.04.2020)

Then the black coating was partially renewed.
(23.04.2020)

Finally, 16-32mm gravel was added; the gravel level is about 20 cm lower than the lawn.
(21.05.2020)

The roof of the conservatory drained directly with a spout into the area in front of the large window. You can clearly see the effect on the earthen feet of these BEGA outdoor sockets. The left foot was installed there, the right one elsewhere in the lawn.


The spout was sawed off and a new copper pipe was connected to the existing downpipe from the roof:
(09.05.2020)

Then soldered again and the next interim solution was ready.


However, the heavy rains last weekend showed that the drainage urgently needs to be redone. It is better than before, but moisture is still visibly being pressed into the basement.

Currently, a tool shed is being built in order to be able to demolish the outdoor seating area & the shed at the garage:
(15.06.2020)

What kind of slab is that? Is it the base slab of the garden house?

Really awesome project, definitely. And a wonderful example of how much work needs to be put into an accurate renovation.

This is a ground screw foundation including a base plate from Biohort. A Highline H3 will be placed on top.

The tool shed is now in place for the weekend.

The carpenter is worrying me. On 31.03. he was commissioned to build the frame for the kitchen sliding door. He said the wood (white oak) had to be imported from the USA and due to Corona he expects a delivery time of 4-6 weeks. After that, he could start, but he would get in touch as soon as the goods arrived. After four weeks (29.04.) I inquired for the first time about the delivery status; he asked for another two weeks.
So on 11.05. I called again: there had been a major fire at the industrial port in Bremen, which also affected the imported wood warehouse. He is waiting for feedback from the supplier, who first has to sort out the still saleable goods and possibly re-import. He said he would inform me by Friday about the further process. There was no call on Friday and he was also unreachable. So on Monday I tried again: he will come to install in five weeks.

Now the 5 weeks are over, but no frame installed. Yesterday I could not reach him (only voicemail, once an employee said "boss will call back by noon") and today there was only voicemail again. But when my wife called from another number, he answered immediately: He is still waiting for information from the wood supplier. He said he will contact us again today.

Is it really that difficult to procure wood for a door frame in 12 weeks? Under what conditions can I otherwise cancel the order and find another carpenter? Do I possibly have an obligation to accept the wood if it ever turns up (advance performance)? After all, it is an order of about €1,800 (material/labor not shown separately in the offer).

We have his offer and our acceptance thereof in writing. The rest of the communication was by phone.