Croatian Holiday Interrupted by UK Roof Crisis
A British homeowner’s idyllic Croatian vacation is being overshadowed by mounting complications with a roof repair back in the UK, as detailed in a recent column by Guardian writer Tim Dowling. The situation highlights the anxieties of remote homeownership and the challenges of managing property maintenance from abroad.
Dowling’s account, published today, reveals a frustrating back-and-forth with a roofer regarding ventilation issues in a loft extension.Despite being on holiday, dowling found himself navigating a lack of architectural plans, delayed dialog, and a growing sense of helplessness as the roofer struggled to identify a crucial exit point for airflow in the roof. The saga underscores the frequently enough-unexpected disruptions that can intrude on personal time, even when attempting to disconnect.
The trouble began with a simple question – or rather, Dowling’s inability to ask it directly. He avoided inquiring about “what soffits are,” relying instead on indirect questioning of the roofer. This lead to a revelation that plans did exist,located in a red folder and retrieved by his son,but ultimately proved unhelpful to the roofer.
Further complicating matters, a restaurant reservation cancellation forced a scramble for an option, delaying a scheduled video call with the roofer until Dowling could secure a less-distracting backdrop – a blank concrete wall replacing a scenic island view. During the call, the roofer explained the issue: vents along the gutter line are present, but the necessary exit point for air circulation remains elusive, potentially leading to continued condensation problems.
“Honestly, this has been the worst job ever,” the roofer reportedly told Dowling. The situation remains unresolved as Dowling attempts to manage the repair from afar, highlighting the modern reality of managing domestic issues while geographically distant.
