Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Shoe-String Budget

One of the biggest challenges of this renovation for us will be trying to do it all on a shoe-string budget.




Unlike these places above (more of my collection of photos of derelict Queensland), most of the hard work needed in the main house is cosmetic and the structure is pretty solid.

The veranda roof needs urgent attention, and we plan to open the verandas up as soon as possible so we've got a safe, outdoor space for Lucinda to play.

The other major expenses initially will be fencing, insulation and a wood heater before winter.

That's pretty much all the major work we plan to do in stage one.

Beyond that, it'll be mostly band-aid solutions to make it livable for the next year or so while we assess what we really want to do with the spaces. If we can get things free or super cheap to get us through that phase, then that's what we'll do. There's no point spending money on fixes when there's a real chance we'll have a whole new idea of how to make the house work six months down the track.

On Saturday, we're heading back out to the post office to get down to some serious nitty gritty with the current owner.

Bores, fence lines, water access, this is where we're at now. The business end of things.

The only thing that could possibly bring this whole house of cards down now is the sale of our house in Brisbane. The buyer has asked for an extension on his finance. If the sale of our house falls through, so does our purchase of the Old Post Office. We'll know more next Monday and be keeping our fingers crossed in the meantime.

11 comments:

  1. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you Edwina because I so want to see you renovate that old post office.
    Thanks for more gorgeous pictures.

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  2. Hi, I just stumbled across your blog. Best of luck with the sale/purchase. Sounds like you have some work cut out - look forward to seeing it progress. xx

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  3. Fingers crossed! I'd love to see you renovate it. We are on a mini shoestring budget so I get what you mean, I think your ideas do far are great as you really need to live in a home for a bit so the best ideas come through :)

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  4. Love the pics edwina....the bathtubs??......all things crossed for Monday.....I so want to see this happen for you and your little family....exciting (stressful) times!.
    Allison x

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    1. Thank you! They're old feeding troughs for cattle. They were in a paddock somewhere on a backroad between Kilcoy and Dayboro...not that I expect you to know where these places are, of course!

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  5. Best of luck now as it comes down to the wire. I think you have a good strategy. I reckon it takes a good 6-12 months living in a house before you know the best way to utilise the space. Now over here at Betsy we are going on two years which is truly excessive and allows your kitchen and deck to collapse around you so truly not recommended! mel x

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  6. Best of luck. it's nerve-wracking when you have the success of one thing dependant on that of another. i hope it works.
    and i too love the bathtubs pic; makes me think cows shoudl be coming along soon for a drink out of these makeshift country troughs.

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  7. Great post.^^
    Maybe follow each other on BLOGLOVIN and GFC???
    My Blog

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  8. Hoping Monday brings good news. We had to apply for an extension on finance approval, when we bought our first home 11 years ago. Our broker did everything by the book, but apparently the bank picked up something we had to clarify. My husband was made a Director of one of his Uncle's companies when he was a budding young man. As he wasn't much involved in the company (in name only) it completely slipped his mind that he ever was a "Director" anywhere. He had to chase up his uncle which he hadn't seen in decades to write a letter stating he was no longer a director in the company.

    It was such a silly (but completely necessary for the bank) step we had to chase up. We were driven mad by the prospect of not getting finance, but in the end, it worked out as it should have. Sometimes the bank wants clarification on little details, and that's what holds up financial approval.

    I must say, I hate that nail biting last two weeks before the contract settles - whether you are buying or selling.

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  9. i love your photos of old buildings, i have taken some similar photos around our local area, i call them Tin Roof Rusted and have had them made into cards by redbubble to sell.
    I came over here from down to earth and am a new follower, would love it if you came to visit me at http://fivebrothersonesister.blogspot.com

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    1. Tin Roof Rusteds - or Love Shacks!! Great name!

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