And they sparkled like little crystals

While the inside of the house is again covered in fine concrete dust - akin to a couple of bags of cement having been detonated on each floor - the external walls of the extension are finally taking place.

The long-awaited specialist renderers appeared yesterday and two walls have already been covered in the high-tech render. Like sparkling snow crystals, the powder is mixed with water and applied like ordinary plaster. The real difference only becomes clear the next day, when the new surface is "scratched" and sanded with a custom-tool, to bring out the super-smooth finish. Unless we decide to repaint the walls in glorious day-glo orange after a few weeks, the only maintenance required may be the odd pressure wash, to remove any airborn dirt.