Laundry Configuration

Yesterday Peter from Parkview Cabinetry came out to measure up our laundry.

It's such a small space (approx. 2.2m) which means we really need to make every centimetre count.

Below is our current laundry configuration, along with a 'before shot'. As you can see it is in extreme need of an overhaul.

Here are our two possible options for the new laundry, at present I'm thinking Option B might be the go - but honestly I don't really know. Yes they are pretty much mirror images of each other, I guess it comes down to which one would feel visually bigger?

What are your thoughts on Dryers? We bought it when Charlie was a baby during winter when I desperately needed to get things dry quickly. Since then we now have hydronic heating which has greatly eliminated the need for the dryer as you just sling whatever over one of the radiators. However there still is the occasional time when you want to wash and dry something in a hurry (Like when I forget to have David's work shirts washed and dryed for Monday). But the laundry would be soooo much more spacious and attractive without it, wouldn't it? Decisions...

Build Update

Technically there hasn't been much/anything happening since Christmas Eve when the deck was finished.

Con has been out early January to assess where we are at and what to proceed with next. While all the major things have been completed there is still quite a bit left to finish off however much now depends on the kitchen installation. It has been really nice to have a break from building over the Xmas and New year break I must say.

Peter from Parkview Cabinets is busy building our kitchen as we speak and so far I have found him to be terrific. He called me yesterday to discuss shelving in our pantry (as apparently the shelves will need to be fixed due to reasons he did explain but escape me now). So he wanted my approval on the shelf dimensions before he proceeded.

They were originally to be 5 x shelves (including the bottom) spaced 436mm apart. I don't know about you, but I think thats alot of space wasted above things like cans, sauces etc. So this is what I have come up with instead. I'm not sure it's better, but it does make more sense to me.

Welcome 2013!

I'm back!

A new year has ticked over yet again and so far '13' has been a lucky number for us. While things have been very quiet on the build front, it hasn't been the case in other areas of our life. In fact all going well 2013 just may go down as a 'Great' rather than good year.

However,

Sadly our old car (the Cressida) has officially been retired and awaiting a new life as parts. We attempted to get her serviced (in the hope of getting another 6 -12 months out of her) only to learn she is very sick and not easily mended.

As silly as this may sound, we will miss the old gal. David bought her new in 1989 when she was a 'Luxury' vehicle (can you imagine!) and she has been an absolute star! When it comes to the actual disposal I will have to arrange it on a day David isn't around as I know it won't be easy for him to say 'Goodbye' due to all the good memories she holds.

What has been easy is driving our spanking new Golf Wagon home from the Volkswagen showroom! The jump from a 1989 vehicle to a 2013 has been dramatic to say the least. I also think she looks great parked outside our new (old) house.

I hope 2013 has began well for you too :)

The Deck - Part 4 (Completed)

On Christmas Eve day the deck was finished just in time for the celebrations the following day. Merry Christmas!

The build will pause now until the new year.

The Deck - Part 3 (Stairs)

The builders returned today to begin work on our steps. Fortunately, they also completed under the eaves as well.

The steps are coming along nicely, they will take another day to complete fully, however they are very functional until Monday when Tony and the guys will return to finish.

What a nice Christmas gift they are.

The Deck - Part 2

I returned home today after a lovely day at the park with Tracey and Samuel to an almost finished deck. The stairs are to be completed on Friday.

I promptly grabbed the deck chairs in the garage and positioned them in the shade of our juvenile gum tree, poured myself a glass of wine and enjoyed.

I am so thrilled with the end result, it has honestly exceeded my expectations. This build is going to change our life!

Below is our first evening on our deck.

The Deck - Part 1

Another exciting milestone of our build is the commencement of the deck. I have spent many hours studying our plans in relation to the deck, looking at our property from above (with nearmap), and in general reassessing the deck over and over. Why you might ask?

Well mostly because I do not want to get the backyard/deck proportions wrong. So while a deck is without doubt a wonderful, useful addition to the outdoors, a green space (as in garden) is ultimately where the magic happens outside. I just hope we have got it right.

Decking is a funny subject, people seem to be adamantly 'pro' or 'against' them. David for example was definitely in the 'against' camp - he felt a bigger backyard was the way to go. It took a lot of convincing that a deck is a must have addition to the modern house.

In the end I could not make up my mind, do we build the 4.2m deck as per the plans or do we pull it back to 3.5m and allow for that extra bit of backyard? I couldn't decide, David had to make the call.

It surprised me to learn David decided we needed a 4.2m wide deck - so that is what we are getting. I think it's going to be wonderful!

Holes being dug.

Stumps, bearers and joists.

First board being laid.

45 mins later!