I'm so sorry to hear that Dan! Are they YOUR martin housing? My neighbor is just too arrogant and now he has Starlings in his trio! They're using an extended compartment and I suggested to him buy the trap for both HOSP AND Starlings, but he hesitated and said maybe try plugging the holes. I have removed their eggs and nest MULTIPLE times. I'm going to approach him again about it but be truthful and say he likely won't get martins this year. He's the same guy who came from the city, is crazy about his lawn, and sprays within 30 ft of my boxes! Luckily haven't lost any and last year contemplated relocating to another neighbor's...but the walk is too long ( A decent walk to a HUGE field) and I want the bluebirds near me. The boxes are currently in a large field right next door on my landlord's property (who are VERY friendly people!) I had to relocate 2 years or so ago due to problems with House Wrens. Moving them into the field eliminated the problem. Anyway, when I saw something dead whilst peaking through, I opened it up with shock and just shook my head in disbelief! Just my luck! I get bed-ridden ill and my neighbor sets a trap in his PUMA house and kills an non-target bluebird. PLEASE remember to check your traps every 1 - 2 hours AT LEAST! I can't stress it enough. Every last bluebird is precious, but amazingly I still have 2 female BBs after losing 3 this year. Bad luck in my neighborhood...even though I've put a HUGE dent in the HOSP population now!

I second the suggestion for the waterhog mats. I'll post where we purchase them if I can find the link - you can get custom sizes, colors, styles, etc. LL BEAN sells them too but they are very pricey IMO. We use them around our dogs water bowls too since they are sloppy drinkers. In addition to our entry way, we also use them in the back of our SUV's in the cargo area since we travel with our Boxers. Keeps the truck nice and clean and absorbs liquids. After my dog had surgery he peed in the truck on the drive home from the vets office (post-anesthesia, if I remember correctly) and I was thankful for that waterhog mat. Not a drop of urine on my upholstery; the waterhog captured all of it, and it was easy enough to clean -- I sprayed it down with a hose and some cleaning solution, left it out to dry and no residual smell whatsoever. They're awesome mats.

Ok...so engineered hardwood is an option because this is "ground level" and not below grade. If you do not want to heavily invest in the home's flooring (and after a big renovation you feel the pinch at every turn...I get that), then an excellent water resistant laminate (I hardly need to add "out of Europe"...) will give you an amazing floor for 15-20 years without much effort. Work with something out of Switzerland or Germany and you will be ASTOUNDED by the toughness and the handsomeness of the product. Quick....do it be Brexit! While all the tariffs are still "Zero"! I like water proof/water resistant laminates because you are in IRELAND...it rains there from time to time. Sometimes water comes in on your Wellies...and that just isn't good for regular laminate or wood. As water resistant as you can please. It will pay itself back 10 fold by the time you finish your second winter with your flooring.

Christy Lea Gorgeous Kitchen. I am so glad this all worked out. Your situation actually helped me. I am in the process of planning out my slab backsplash. At first I wanted a Bookmatch seam above my range. As you know with the right pattern it can be beautiful or turn out hilarious. I now realize how lovely it can look without the bookmatch. I think your kitchen is stunning. Enjoy it. ~boxer