I remember years ago being in a similar predicament and someone gave me some mirror tiles - I glued them on the the wall and thought I was very clever. They actually did look much better in my eyes. Try not to spend too much - I think everyone's idea of a shower curtain will all the bathroom colours in it would probably be the best option. You'll laugh about it in years to come and you will love the improvements you make over time. Enjoy the moment, unless you're selling soon your ideas will change after living there, so change when you can afford it - who cares it's YOURS. Good luck, it's so rewarding and so much fun. P.S. now we have a small bathroom, wall to wall tiles, dark grey on the floor and white on all the walls with a large grey tile up each opposing wall, tall mirror over the handbasin which reflects the opposite wall then a full length bath with shower over it. It works perfectly and looks great.

Today, I would like to share a quick explanation on what is Provisional Sum or commonly known as PS. You will probably notice this word PS in either your quote or contract. So what is PS? * A provisional sum is an amount of money included in the contract sum to cover work or materials, or both, the extent of which cannot be specifically detailed when entering a contract. Typically, builders will include a PS for site work costs. The builder is legally required to take reasonable steps to ensure an accurate site works cost estimate. However, in some circumstances, unforeseen events mean that the provisional sum is exceeded, sometimes by a significant amount. This can be added to the contract sum. * For example, a building site may seem sandy and clean with minimal site work required. However, there may be large limestone rocks or tree trunks concealed below the surface which only emerge once site works commence, causing a considerable cost overrun. * Buyers need to plan for these contingencies. Moreover having a “buffer” amount in your financial budget to cover any unexpected provisional sum overruns is desirable. Click the link for more information Follow us @nitly.modular

There are variety of plastic based puttys that set under water -- marine epoxys and the like . I'm in NZ , and just googled here -- Selleys Knead It Aqua sets in 20minutes underwater ; Superfast Aqua Epoxy Putty Stick ; All-Fix Epoxy are just 3 wellknown ones here . Not cheap -- around $30 a tube , whereas standard ones are nmore like $10 , but if it fixes it it would be good value !

In terms of payment schedule, it adds up to 100% so as long as all the build is completed at completion you are still paying the same amount. I would say it is good practice by the builder to make sure they have something in place to safe guard their business if you the owner, of the build, runs out of money. Remember you are doing the same with the HIA contract. The builder does not get the funds until they have completed the specified stage. We had to show that we had enough funds, either loan or cash to complete build, prior to HIA contract being signed. Our contract for a double storey home concrete slab and double brick ground and first floor, was: 6.5% contract signing 10.% Slab down - ground floor 15 % plate high - ground floor 10% slab - second floor 15% Plate high - second floor 13.5% Roof cover 15% Lock up 15% Practical completion. All the internal fixtures were installed after the lock up stage. ie: all cabinets, toilets, basins, baths, grano for garage and garage door, and tiling.