go the whole hog and apply for planning consent to build a further 10-12 bedrooms with a function room , larger kitchen , lift and new reception area to turn us into a proper hotel . This was granted in 2014 .
I then had to make the decision as to whether or not I should actually start this project , I knew how hard it would be with proper finance and a team of builders , let alone doing it with 2 labourers and myself and no money .
The thing is , deep down I always knew that I had no choice , I had to start building .
The 14 bedrooms we had could not generate enough to cover the overheads unless Gill and I continued to do literally everything ourselves .
I also knew that once I started I had to complete it and it was going to take me at least 3 years of non-stop hard work , once again using only the money that Gill could generate from the hotel and functions , the last of our savings and our credit cards .
It was at this point people started to tell me that it would be impossible to build this extension by myself with just the help of 2 labourers , Paul and Matt .
As you can see from the photos , I proved them all wrong .
I know you may find this hard to believe but I have done at least 90 % of the skilled work , including designing the building , laying every brick and block , constructing the roof , fitting all the windows and final decorating . I mean everything ! Paul and Matt did 100 % of the tough job of labouring for me , I ’ d like to say thanks to both of them .
We passed all the building inspector checks with flying colours .
I would like to take this opportunity to thank firstly Gill for all her hard work running the hotel and secondly all those people who have helped me achieve the impossible , Mark Waldron , friend and structural engineer , Raj , the world ’ s
nuttiest plumber , Terry , the world ’ s fastest plasterer , Colin Hatton , the world ’ s best tiler , Phil Baker for his help with the floor screeds and Nigel for getting the windows at the right price .
But most of all to those who said I couldn ’ t do it , thank you .
Thank you for reading this , it just leaves me to say a very big thank you to Chris
Keightley for allowing me to tell my story and best of luck with the magazine .
One more thing , yes , I am nuts !! Steve Cuddy .
Grimscote Manor Hotel , Lichfield Road , Coleshill , B46 1LH . TEL : 01675 464 222 EMAIL : info @ grimscotemanor . co . uk WEBSITE : www . grimscotemanor . co . uk
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