An empty block

We now have an empty block. Thankfully the heavens opened, meaning we didn't have to make use of our Water Permit for pre-wetting. After this photo was taken, so much rain occured that our block is now like one big swimming pool. We had a site re-survey on the the 15th of August, so any day now we should here of a site start date. Woohoo!

Timb...er

The Purple Palace is no more!

After phoning the gas ombudsman at 9am, they magically arrived at 9:30, therefore full demolition of the house could take place. I'll let the photos tell the story.

We will no lodge a claim for the day of lost work on behalf of GP and Sons Demolition, who have just been fantastic.

A Whisper in the past...

As the internal walls were getting stripped, a little suprise was found. A letter from an 11 year old girl. Here is a sample of it.

It was such a lovely gesture. We also found out why the purple palace was actually purple.

And not that I think it is linked to the letter in anyway, but this was also found - labelled Christopher 2 and 1/2 years. Looks like it would be from the 70's, going by the carpet colouring and clothes.

A few pics for starters...

P.S. The big machine is called an Excavator.

Today's the Day

The trucks have arrived on site - they are almost as big as the house itself.

ETSA provided a prompt, efficient service on Monday.

The Hot Water System has officially (with police and insurance) been reported as stolen. It was gone before the plumber got there to remove it for us.

The gas company are considered hopeless and may very well lose us as a future customer. After a lot of run around - having it booked at the same time as ETSA, follow up phone calls assuring us the meter would be removed yesterday at the latest, we are here now, with a statement saying it should be removed today, tomorrow at the latest.

Of course the demo team can't start until the gas is removed, so the gas company are holding everyone up now. I thought that's why booking a month is advance was meant to ensure work would be done. Seems not. Here's hoping it WILL get removed today after my angry outburst on the phone and that I can post pictures of progress soon...

10, 9, 8, 7...Demo about to begin, 3, 2, 1...

The Demolition of the Purple Palace is about to take place. The tenants moved out yesterday.

The hot water system is gone (hopefully the plumber did this as arranged 2 weeks ago, and it wasn't stolen - haven't heard from the plumber since 2 weeks ago)

The electricity meter has been removed by ETSA

The lovely looking gum tree to be removed because of borers :-(

View from the back of the house.

The significant tree has approval to be removed. Our new house will finish where that tree currently is.

The distance of our future back yard, from the significant tree to the fence. About 14m. Still a very nice size by todays standards.


Hopefully I can post updates of the demolition in the next day or two.

Our CSA today in an email said "It will all start happening for you now. It's an exciting time though it can be a bit stressful to some but just enjoy the ride as in the end you will have a beautiful new home to show for it."

It's getting exciting. We will soon see action!