With the fireplace work on hold for now, the builder has been able to crank up on the construction work. Thermal boarding in the living room has started, con-sawing the porch to install the damp proof course has started, and the electrician is getting all the old wiring pulled out and sockets set in to walls/plasterboard in the living room (which enables the builder to keep moving).
Cabling hydra for living room power 
The old breakers and cabling 
Old cabling going up to the bedroom for distribution. Note how easy it would be to put a nail through. 
New socket roughly mounted 
Wall chased out for sockets 
Making good to the kitchen subfloor 
Rebuilding the window frame area 
Sand and cement render 
Rebuilt under window 
Aggregates just chilling 
Con-saw channel for slate and DPC 
Inside view of the same con-saw channel 
Edging is gone from the slab 
New thermal board and plaster board 
Insulation and plaster board, mechanically fixed 
Sockets between living and kitchen 
Runs of cable for the immersion heater and bonding 
Made good and level 
What’s going on the walls 
Mechanical ventilation installation for main bedroom