The New Deck (Part 1)

Image from GoogleMaps

Today the local council inspector came to look at our property. But that's not the beginning of the story.

We started this process about 5 months ago. On April 21st, I met with our architect for the first time. Then I researched a few other firms and we selected the first one (figures). On May 25th I introduced architect Mat and his sidekick architect Alex (FYI - a chick) to Alan. That's really when the project started... May 25, 2010.

Our vision is to create a backyard and deck that expands our living space, makes us want to be out there all the time, and provides lots of room and comfort for the hordes of guests we love to entertain (that's you).

What's that mean?

• Knock down the garage (see my car in front of the existing garage)
• Knock down the shed (aka "the spider house" - see building in back right corner of the yard)
• Knock down the old outdoor dunny (a small room with a toilet in it) and laundry room (connected to the dunny) - see small building jutting off the back of the house
• Fill in the window in the living room (the window would open into the new garage, which would be unsightly, no?)
• Build a garage next to the house (on the driveway, between our front door and the back of the house)
• Build a deck (ooh la la)
• Build a new bathroom, laundry, and cooking space (with room for a beer fridge, of course)
• Open up the back of the house to the deck with big, beautiful bi-fold doors
• Landscape

So we had Mat and Alex draw up the plans and submit them to our council for approval. This IS rocket science. Don't think so? Well, just have a look at this approval process. We are on step 10 (or maybe 11) right now.

There is so much to do now. We had to wait for approval. Now that we've gotten an indication that it will be approved, we can get a structural engineer involved, design the deck in detail and get builders to bid on the job. We want to start construction next month.

So this is Part 1. I'll be taking heaps of before, during, and after photos. Stay tuned.

And make your reservations for Casa de Curley. 2011 is sure to be a sell out!