Bumps in the Road

Where are we, in the potted history of this venture? Oh yes, the idea had taken root, it’s around mid September and things are proceeding nicely. Well, you knew it couldn’t last.

Problems arise, one after the other. First of all, the quotes come in. It’s going to cost money. A lot of money. More than I had thought, that’s for sure. So, a call to the bank is in order, only there is this thing called a credit crunch, and all of a sudden, they are ominously silent.

Then the plumber calls.

“It’s going to cost how much? Just to extend a water pipe and run a new waste? Frankly my friend, if you didn’t want to do it you should have just said so. I could buy a small car for what you’re quoting me.”

Well at least that problem was easily solved. Another plumber, another quote. Much more reasonable.

The electrician rings.

“You don’t have enough power.”

What do you mean? “You don’t have enough power to run all those cookers. You need the total supply to the building just for you. If you turn all your cookers on the rest of the building will switch off. You’d be real popular with all your neighbours when they found out it was you causing them all that trouble.” Sigh. What’s the answer? “Spend money. Probably a lot of money.” Oh bugger.

I have a hunt around the area for other premises, but they are a lot more expensive. Worst way, it is still less expensive in the long run to put in a new electricity supply than it is to rent somewhere with enough power for my needs. Looks like I just have to accept that I need yet more money.

I look into the regulations. Fire safety requirements aren’t too bad, considering. The builder pops over for a site visit. What about extraction? Building regs? Anything else I haven’t thought of? “No probs. Fitted out a few restaurants in my time. I’ve already costed all that in. Don’t worry.” At last, someone with solutions not problems. And he’s a builder! Faith restored. “What about planning though? Have you got permission? You’re bound to need a change of use.” Aargh!!

I still haven’t resolved exactly what is needed to solve the power issue. Kitchen units, considering I don’t need any fancy gizmos, are pretty pricey. I’ve got a verbal deal on the hobs and ovens and I don’t want to lose it because I delay placing the order. I haven’t got enough money. And now I need to make a planning application. I make a quick call to sparky. He thinks he’s got an idea, but will need to come and have another look. Result. When can you come? When I get back from Florida, I’m off for a month. Damn.

I decide to put in the planning application without knowing if I can definitely solve the power issue. When will I know? 8 weeks. 8 weeks? That’s Christmas! Still at least I’ve done something to move things forwards.