Little Millie

Renovation - photo essay

A few photos of the renovation as it stands.

Stairs removed

Walls being demolished

One new window installed

Both new windows installed

R.I.P Marco

Horrible to hear of the death of Moto GP rider Marco Simoncelli. Thoughts go out to the whole MotoGP community.

Diver Dan

This photo was taken while Imogen and I were travelling through Mexico many years ago.  Each evening in Acapulco divers gather on the cliffs to gracefully leap into the swirling pools below.  I managed to get this guy at just the right time.  I work on the idea that if I take enough photos I'll eventually get the one I want.  I got lucky this time.

More of the same

With this outstanding weather it seems quite difficult to lock myself away in the house renovating today, so I've given myself a Sunday of leisure, the house can wait!  Imogen, Millie and I (we left Asha with Nan), headed down to The Heads to meet a few friends for breakfast.  Whilst there, I also wanted to remind Imogen that the renovation was progressing and we should have a home again in the not to distant future (Christmas is still the deadline) .

As we sat enjoying breakfast, the renovation came up in conversation as it always does and as I've found now days, this seems to be a natural segue to Grand Designs and the adventures of Kevin McCloud and his would-be builders and renovators.  "Who's project managing?" always seems to be the first question, closely followed by, "I don't know how those guys on Grand Designs manage to still work whilst concentrating on everything else that a major build involves, let alone keeping the budget in check.  They are always 30% over their initial cost estimations".  A nervous smile to Imogen, "I think we'll be OK", the look on her face tells me that she's not as sure as I am.

After breakfast we took our friends over to the house and gave them the grand tour of the reno and the reactions always let me know how I' progressing.  The first reaction today "Gee, you really did gut the place" (Translation : Shit you have lots of work left to do).  It'll be fantastic when it's all finished, can't wait to see when it's all done" (Translation : Get me out of here before the roof comes down on my head).

It seems from the above reactions I have lots left to do.  Better stop blogging about it and get my hands dirty.

  

Introduction

The short version:

Twelve months ago our family of three relocated from sunny Brisbane to the little seaside village of Barwon Heads.  It was one of the best moves we have made, we love the little village and feel that we have found the perfect place to bring up our family.  Which, since moving to Barwon Heads has become four.

The Barwon Head's Bridge

So two months ago with a three year old, four month old and wife in tow I moved us out of our house to do some "minor renovations".   We removed most of the walls on the ground floor, most of which were load bearing, all of the walls on the 1st floor and anything else that happened to be in the way.   The stairs went, the front door was boarded up and a new door was cut into the front wall.  Windows were replaced and the electrical and plumbing were redone and like most renovations the deadline is Christmas.  Do you think we'll make it?  I'll keep you posted on our progress.

My little girl and I before I dragged her away from Barwon Heads and her trampoline.

"Trampoline cuddles"