Regs. Because of the inclement cold weather, the tiles had to be softened with a hairdryer before laying. By the time the roof was completed and
watertight, the windows were ready to be deliv- ered and fitted. “We started out with £11,000 in savings and
our pension,” says Vic. “We didn’t work to a set budget. Instead, we researched and found the best prices for everything and then when the money ran out we waited until the next pension day for the next purchase. We bought a lot of things on eBay, like the kitchen units for £600, because we just couldn’t afford to buy new. The only things we really invested in were the doors and windows and the house has really benefit- ted from that.” The floors were then laid and the internal lay-
out defined to create an open plan living kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. The space is small – just 42 m2
– but to Lilian and Vic, after
17 months in a camper van, it felt like a palace. “It felt huge, even though we were downsiz- ing,” says Lilian. “We gave away most of our
“YouTube was a great help. You can learn how to do everything from cutting your toe nails to building a house” –Vic Davidson
furniture – we just couldn’t fit it all in. We have always tried to recycle and reuse things, rarely throwing anything away, which was useful dur- ing the build, but when you live in a smaller space you appreciate just how much we accu- mulate over the years that we don’t really use or need.”
Bargain hunting
When it came to creating the finishing touches, Vic and Lilian shopped around for units, bath- room fittings and carpet – finding some amazing bargains in the process. They budgeted £800
for floors and found a brand new tartan carpet online for £700, which has transformed the sit- ting area into a warm and cosy winter room. “We went all the way to Scotland in the snow to fetch it,” says Lilian. “It was worth the journey. Then we went to Wales for the kitchen. We must have saved thousands of pounds by researching and recycling.” The couple use LPG gas and the electrical appliances, although fitted by Vic, were connected by an electrician friend, who also helped with the plumbing. “We were constantly impressed by the
selfbuilder & homemaker
www.sbhonline.co.uk 27
HIGH POINT
“The day the floor went down I remember sitting on a chair in the middle of the bare sitting room, enjoying a cup of tea,
knowing that this was going to be our home from now on. It was a wonderful feeling.”
– Lilian Davidson
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