Step 6: Forwards and backwards

We are still living in dust and grime but this was probably the moment when things started to go the right way. The big red thing is one of two 5 tonne steel beams being lifted into place by a crane that extended 25 metres over our garden. The beams will form the apex of the roof.

The edging that will support the concrete beams that form the ribs to this steel backbone are loosely in place. We are rebuilding rather than demolishing.

Yesterday, when the old beam had been removed, the builder said he was concerned that he had knocked a hole through into the neighbours bedroom! The neighbour came to complain about that today and we apologised and said we would repair the damage. But when the bloke said that the beam should not be supported by the adjoining wall ("What if I choose to take that wall out?" he asked) I pointed out that the old beam had been in the same position for some 100 years or more and that it was as much our wall as his. I foresee trouble though.