Concrete poured.

The pouring of the concrete only took 15 - 20mins, however the preparation involved before the concrete arrived was quite a task. The holes had to be 1 metre down (which is a long way down). Sure, the excavator did a lot of that work, however due to our sandy soil the sides kept caving back in creating wider and not deeper holes. In the end Con, George and Evan had to get in and do the last 30cm by hand.

The surveyor arrived checked the depth was correct and all was in order. Evan worked out how much concrete would be required and an hour later it was here ready to go. Evan was spot on with his estimation, just enough concrete arrived no extra. Con was delighted!

The actual pouring doesn't take long.

Awaiting steel reinforcement

Charlie all dressed up in builder attire today. Can you get a child sized toolbelt?

Final Plans (minus changes)

Here are the real final plans (the ones we have a permit for). Somehow I have managed to make even more changes to this. The more I look at the plans (and trust me I have looked and looked and looked) little things start to jump out as needing to be changed.

Note, the dimensions look a bit out with the front of the house. While our current bathroom is quite small it's not postage stamp small (as shown below)! More the same size as the laundry.

Plus the following changes:

* Bifold doors will be replaced with sliding doors (possibly stacker doors)

* Still rethinking the windows in the kitchen. Windows are being ordered this afternoon so I need to make the final decision today.

* Kitchen layout has been reworked with fridge on same wall as pantry and oven to go under the stove to economise space.

* Kitchen island dimensions are not finalised. Not sure whether to go 1.2m(depth) x 2.3m(width) or 1.5m(depth) x 2.1m(width). Fortunately have a bit of time before that decision needs to be made.

Excavation

"To make an omelette you need to crack a few eggs" were David's parting words to me this morning. Well, one hell of alot of eggs have been cracked since he left.

Con sawing through the concrete

Digging..(note I still had a garden at this point.)

Boo Hoo - my garden is buried alive.

Done....

Con explained that this part (along with the concrete) is the worst part. Much can go wrong, holes can cave in, pipes can be broken, one false move with the machinery and existing buildings, fences, you name it can be damaged. "If we can get out of the ground with no major problems, the rest is easy." he explained.

We will all be holding our breath.

Demolition - The carnage has began

Goodbye garden - Hello mess!

Around 6.30am they arrived, by 8.30 this was the scene...

Note the hornets nest above the window. Fortunately it was empty.

Now, where the hell is that skip!

Open plan on a budget!

By 9.30am

By 1.30am

A few before photos

Beautiful bathrooms using grey sandstone.

I came across these photos while looking for bathroom inspiration. They are the work of Breathe Architecture, and while I think they are amazing, I doubt I will have the design expertise to pull something this great off.

That's ok. If my bathroom ends up 10% as good as these I will be a happy gal.

D - Day!

The builder just called to say we got the permit and that they will be around on Thursday to start demolition. So much to do, so little time!

Cool kitchen

I came across these photos on the website of Clare Cousins architecture. I immediately recognised it as being a renovated edwardian a few streets away. I often walk past renovated houses in our area and think "would love a sticky beak inside" fortunately with this one I was able to do so via the architects website.

Although not a large kitchen by any means, I do like the combination of surfaces used to great affect. This kitchen appears to have it all, stone, stainless steel, wood, coloured joinery and white cabinetry. The end result is relaxed, functional and just a bit cool.