Renovations: Day Two

On day two, they managed to get this digger into our front yard. Laying down tarp, sand and makeshift wooden steps, they drove it down our narrow steps. When I commented at how amazed I was that they got it down, they laughed nervously - 'It's getting it back up that we're worried about!' I'll have to make sure I'm home that day. Preferably with a camera at the ready.

Abbey spent most of her day at the window telling me about the 'tractor' which was, apparently, 'blue' (it's orange but, hey, blue is easier to say), in our front yard. Very exciting for a toddler.

So we now have holes all through our front yard and, living in the hills which are renowned for rocky ground, we were all relieved that they didn't come across much rock. They were relieved for obvious reasons, and we were happy because more rocks equals more labour which, of course, equals more money. Phew.

The main thing I will remember from day two, though, is the realisation of our building designer's big mistake. Her measurements are 150mm out. This, apparently, could cause problems later on with the building surveyor's inspection, when he could deem that the entire house has to be demolished. Slight exaggeration. Nonetheless, apparently he won't look favourably upon such a thing. Sigh.

This was also the day that our builders informed us of the dodginess of the house's original builders. Tradesmen love to tell you that they're better at their job than the last person, but I fear they might actually be right this time.

You see, our front entrance way is 70mm narrower at one end than the other. This is in a space of about two metres. They thought it was terrible. I shrugged and said, well, that's what you get with an older house.

The next thing is to see if the wild weather and gusty winds forecast for tomorrow in Melbourne will eventuate and, if so, what sort of conditions it will take to halt the work.

Day three also marks the day we have to make a final decision as to whether we will be having a wet floor in the bathroom or a traditional shower base. So far, we have changed our minds every two hours. Whichever keeps our interest for more than that length of time will win, I guess.


Megan