Cox update. 2 months in, boxes mostly still resolutely packed. Removed old cooker, found damp everywhere. Kitchen now hacked back to the bare bricks inside and out. New window just gone in to replace old (rotten) one. Ceiling comes down next week. Bathroom floor rotten, water disconnected. On the plus side, a robin flew into my study today, had a nice long chat, then popped out again. Restored my sanity.
