A new life - irving reborn after near fatal accident

[EddyCurrent]

Hope it's not like this

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[longy]

Eddy, Health and Safety gone mad again by the looks of it. Still the Parkour and Skateboarders might just make good use of it even if the disabled person living there doesn't.

Hi Irving, I was sorry to read of your accident and hope your getting better each day. I had to go right to the start and read every post, so please keep us updated with your building / adaption work progress and most importantly your own wellbeing. I have a disability myself and know just how some days can get you down, but keep your pecker up and I just remember there's some great members on here willing to help.

Wishing all the best. Mike

[kingcreaky]

any update irving?

[irving2008]

I've been remiss about posting news...

Well the house adaptations are ongoing - will be completed in October, so far so good. pretty much on time, but burnt most of the contingency already but still got some to play with. House is being pretty much gutted and rebuilt on 1st floor, and has no roof at all but the steelwork for that goes in next week.
.
Won another small battle with Harrow highway's dept, who initially refused our second drop kerb on the grounds it took away too much grass verge and 'policy' is to retain grass verges. But they would allow us a new central drop kerb, which is of course wider. So we pointed out that the new central drop kerb actually reduced the amount of grass more than a second drop kerb adjoining the neighbours one. Eventually common sense dawned and they agreed it. I despair sometimes; just so much petty bureaucracy due to 'policy' that they never question the 'rote' answer.
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In the meantime we are renting a house in Mill Hill big enough so nothing had to go into storage.

[longy]

Irving, good to hear things are going ok with the conversion. Having spent many years in the building trade I always advise people to at least double any contingency budget they have as you never know what hiding behind the plaster. Hopefully the weather will be good and the builders can get on with the works. Good to hear your LA has seen sense and done the right thing in the end.
All the best. Mike

[irving2008]

Thought it about time I updated this thread...

We we've moved back in, though the builders are still here finishing off. About another month, and a huge snagging list - nothing major so far though. Gone way over budget, about 30%, so new workshop on back burner for now.

Trying to source automatic door openers for double front doors... stupidly expensive even on Aliexpress! After all, its just a motor/gearbox and an arm and some crude position/current sensing for end points and obstacle detection... can't be that hard to make one

[GEOFFREY]

Hi Irving, glad to here that you are getting there now with your house mods, and that you have moved back in. Are you at home full time now? I know what you mean about cost overun and snagging lists - I bet you are well on top of the latter, and that the builder will love you for it!!! You are dead right about the cost of door openers, we are looking into something similar for driveway gates, but it will probably be a non starter because of the costs. As you say, not rocket science, but astronomical prices. Anyway good luck with your new life at home - the new workshop will come I am sure. G.

[irving2008]

Designing one as we speak, but trying to get head round force diagrams to figure arm sizes and shaft torques...

[GEOFFREY]

Designing one as we speak, but trying to get head round force diagrams to figure arm sizes and shaft torques...

Much too technical for me, but I know you will make it seem easy!!!G.

[longy]

Designing one as we speak, but trying to get head round force diagrams to figure arm sizes and shaft torques...

Good to hear you've moved back, I know the feeling living out of cardboard boxes after I had to move out because of Death Watch Beetle...
As for the automatic door opener just get yourself a PA (blonde 20's) that will open more doors for you.
Mike :)