I-55 Investment Project: “A Avenue”: March 2025 Construction Update

Structure Complete, Interiors Underway

March marked a turning point for the build, as the focus shifted from structural works to intensive interior development and utility installations. With plastering nearly complete and painting begun, the house is rapidly transitioning from a shell to a livable home. Here's a detailed look at what the team accomplished throughout the month.

Interior Works: From Structure to Style

The month kicked off with substantial progress on bathroom fittings and interior framing. Pocket doors were installed and walls built around them. The stairs were repaired, and stud walls were completed for the downstairs bathroom. Cement boards were added in the ensuites to prepare for tiling.

By mid-month, plastering and boarding were in full swing—ceilings were dropped and boarded under the stairs and in the bathrooms, while walls were tanked and prepared for waterproofing. This set the stage for tiling, which began across multiple bathrooms, including the master ensuite and small ensuite.

Plumbers and joiners worked in tandem throughout the month. Radiator pipes were tracked and installed, second fix joinery began in the upstairs bedrooms, and bathroom plumbing was connected in preparation for vanity units and showers.

Painting and Finishing Touches Begin

By late March, painting had started in earnest. Mist coats were applied across much of the house, and top coats followed in bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms. Woodwork was gunned, filled, and undercoated, and staircases were washed and sanded for painting.

Adrian continued fine-tuning the stairs and worked on sliding door installations, although some delays occurred due to previous joinery issues and missing parts. The team stayed adaptable and kept momentum with cleanup, repairs, and prep for the next trades.

Utilities and External Prep

Utility planning gained pace in March. The kitchen layout was finalized with the supplier, and worktops were installed by Maghera Granite. Electrical preparation for the NIE meter box and consumer unit was completed, followed by NIE’s connection work near the end of the month.

Outside, the crew worked to grade the site, clear construction waste, and prepare for topsoil and seeding. Pillars were removed and rebuilt to align with road access, and manholes were raised to match final ground levels.

Teamwork and Site Management

March was a team-heavy month. Regular contributors included Aaron, Patrick, Ryan S and T, Gareth, Dermot, Ross, Paddy, and Adrian, with Paul assisting across various cleanup and prep duties. Gareth and Dermot led plastering in the extension, while the Ryans handled key plumbing and groundwork.

Dan handled site clearance and trailer management near the end of the month, keeping the work area organised and safe.

Looking Ahead

March closed with completed plastering, early painting progress, and a strong push in bathroom and utility fittings. The final screeds were laid, and pillar and manhole work was completed—preparing the site for major exterior landscaping in April.

With NIE connected, the house is on the verge of full service activation, and April is set to focus on finishing touches inside and out.