Writers read and writers write – and in the gap between books they renovate. Or, at any rate, this one does. Which, by the way, has produced another couple of short stories.
Having just completed my last manuscript – the Alhambra story that’s been five years in the writing – I thought I’d post a few pictures of the home Richard and I have been working on whenever time’s permitted – and sometimes when it hasn’t.
This house is somewhat of a perpetual reno project, but November was a huge month when the computer was shrouded to protect it from dust and the dogs put their paws over their ears as four or five different trades put their individual skills to work. Tense though it could sometimes be, the results in all cases were outstanding. All the teams were great to work with, all came in at the quoted price and went out of their way to oblige.
If you live in Perth and are on the look-out for some great teams, I have no hesitation recommending the following:
WA Wall Removal – Dale and his team have done a number of jobs for us. This was taking down a dodgy balcony brick wall and replacing the shade-cloth pergola underneath with a smarter polycarbonate roofed structure which creates a waterproof entertaining area. www.wawallremoval.com.au
Aussie Balustrading – Sukhy and his team did a fabulous job of installing wire balustrading along our 8-metre balcony. Clean, neat, on time and within budget – and we’re delighted with the result. www.aussiebalustrading.com.au
Outdoor Walls and Floors – A Mandurah firm who came up to Perth to install an aluminium powder-coated gate with a laser-cut wildflower and dragonfly design. Lovely job. www.outdoorwallsnfloors.com.au
Brays Painting Service – We’ve painted most of the house ourselves so far, but this time given the height and general difficulties of the stairwell, reason prevailed. Sean did the job for a competitive price and no fuss within a few hours. You can find him on hipages.
Lifewood Floors – Our sagging, uneven concrete stairs turned into a very smart staircase. The wood is spotted gum with a non-slip coating added to the edges of the treads. The installer was a subcontractor called Brent of Perth Carpentry Solutions who travelled to and from Yanchep to do our job – never seen anyone work quite so flat-out over two days. I think you’ll agree: the stairs look amazing. www.lifewood.com.au
Pietra Tiling – In two or three goes over the past 12 months, Shane Rizzo and his team have tiled most of the top floor and balcony with travertine and the bathrooms with matt white tiles. Again, they are lovely people to work with and do a superb job. Shane doesn’t appear to have a website, but you can contact him on 0421 670 085.
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