Laying turf was one of our major priorities after moving back into the house.  We had the odd patch of grass but mainly an awful combination of dirt and weeds.  So Hubby M decided that on his first day of holidays, 23 December, we would get some turf down.  Amongst all of the Christmas preparations and in 30 degree heat of course!

First task on the weekend prior though was to remove the old garden shed from the corner of the backyard.  It's amazing what people will buy from Gumtree!

Then, bright and early on Monday morning, the bobcat arrived to remove the garden shed slab and prepare the ground for the turf.  Master H was very excited to see the return of some machinery!

We discovered that the garden shed slab was a tad over-designed.  200mm thick, a brick base and sitting on 400mm deep piers on the corners.  The bobcat operator had a bit of difficulty breaking it up!

Gemma was less than impressed about losing her yard for the day.  

Once the yard was cleared it was a little daunting to see the large area to be covered!  

Hubby M had just finished marking out some garden beds around the perimeter of the house and yard when the turf was delivered.  All 250 square metres of Aussiblue turf from Clifton Park.

Fortunately my Dad and brother arrived to help lay the turf.

The three guys worked at quite a pace and before long we had a back yard that looked so much bigger- especially with the garden shed gone!

Even Gemma was impressed!

The fertiliser and rain has done a world of good!

The boys are mowing every 4 days at the moment!  And loving it!  

I've been absent from the blog but those of you following on Instagram will know that we have moved home!  As you can imagine, life has been quite hectic so it has been easier to post quick pics.  But my new toy is set up now and there's a lot to catch up on!

Our study nook.

Almost two weeks ago now we had our handover meeting and received the keys to our home!  A wave of satisfaction, relief and excitement washed over me as I walked through each room.  All of the trials were forgotten and I was thrilled with the finished result.  Well, almost finished.  We were still waiting on the bathroom bench tops and some lights and the painters needed to complete the exterior.  But nothing was going to stop us from moving in now!

Master H making himself at home during the handover meeting.

We got Mini Movers in to move the contents of the shipping container back into the house and did countless trips in the cars from the rental property.  We were very grateful that some lovely friends helped with the move and the grandparents took the children for a sleep over.

The first of many loads.

I had visions of Hubby and I enjoying our tradition of takeaway and champagne on our first night in the house but we spent the night cleaning the rental property and collapsed into bed at 1am!

I only took a few photos before we filled the house with boxes.  I'll share some pics of the completed rooms when they are not so messy!

Welcome home!

Home Sweet Home!

On Monday I should have posted an update on week 18 of the renovation but I was still recovering from the disappointment of not moving in on the weekend.  That's right, we didn't quite make it.  The interior would have been fine.  We were happy to live without doors on the wardrobes, a few missing lights and a benchtop in the ensuite and outdoor kitchen/laundry.  Anything to just be home!  But on Friday the floor polishers decided that our bedroom floors really did need polishing so moving in at 7am on Saturday was no longer an option and I was left staring longingly through the french doors!   

 

Master H's Bedroom Floor

It was such a shame after everyone worked so hard all week to finish off the house.  The floors came up really well and I'm pleased with how the markings of the 'standard' grade blackbutt flooring match in with our old pine boards.



New blackbutt flooring in the study, kitchen, living, dining area.



Big progress was made on the ground floor with the wall sheeting and garage door going in plus our driveway. 

The electrician relocated our meter box and installed our outdoor lights also.  The verandah lights look gorgeous!

'Hampton Wall Bracket' from Milton Lighting

The front and back stairs were added and just need the balustrades.  At least waiting another week to move in will mean the exterior will be more complete.

So close now...



It's time to sell off all of our old doors and windows.  We will be listing the items elsewhere but I thought I would give any renovators following the blog the first opportunity to grab one of our pieces.  Please share this post with anyone you think might be interested.  Of course all items are in Brisbane and sold as is.

760x1940mm



1 of 3 - 810x2010mm



815x2025mm

4 available 620x2340mm

1030x2050mm

740x2070mm

1005x2125mm



My favourite door!  Wish we could have used this somewhere.  :-(  930x2090mm



2 of 3 810x2010mm

3 of 3 810x2010mm



6 - 515x1040mm and 2 - 460x900mm



1200x600mm

5 sets - 900x1500mm overall

I think I have the renovation blues this week.  Combine a severe case of decision fatigue (Ref.-Bungalow Girl), returning to work, no daycare placement for Miss O, a heat wave with all of my summer clothes packed away in the shipping container, 3 out of 4 of us being sick plus a couple of disappointments on site and I'm left feeling very weary!  But seeing our front door handle installed was a reminder that it won't be much longer before we return to our home and our life returns to normal.

Much of this week involved the builders completing the sheeting, adding the mouldings and installing the wardrobes.



New VJs for the guest bedroom wall.

 

Miss O's Bedroom door frame.

Miss O's Wardrobe.

Master Bedroom Robes and Ensuite.

 

The ensuite was lined ready for waterproofing, the installation of the vanity and tiling.  I am really looking forward to seeing the hexagon marble mosiac tiles laid.  This week I decided on some wall sconces that will look great above the vanity.

 





The retreat area windows have also been trimmed nicely to frame some more wall sconces.

The final cabinets were added to the kitchen so it is now ready for the benchtops to be installed.

For now I will dream about the house being complete and enjoying this lovely family living area.

  

What a week!  Big progress with painting and the kitchen this week and a very busy time as I returned to work on Monday.  Now I am very much looking forward to moving back home and life returning to normal!  So I'll keep this post brief and let the pictures speak for themselves.

The painters starting adding colour to the front exterior.

The facade is looking better all the time!

The painters got busy on the interior walls of the kitchen, dining, lounge area.

Completing necessary painting before the installation of the kitchen and study nook.

The first rough sand was completed.

The new and old sanded floors in the hallway.

And wait for it...

 

The cabinet makers have started installing the study nook and kitchen.



Just a few more cabinets to add to the kitchen.

 

Study nook ready for benchtop installation.