You may have been wondering why so quiet? No posts for some months. Well, you've all watched the show Grand Designs? Unlike the show, we managed to have our own Grand Design meltdown even before we started building. Without boring you too much, here's the snapshot.
Basically, before we began the process some two years ago, we consulted builders to get a 'ballpark' figure for the development, not wanting to proceed unless it made economic sense. Well let's just say after 2 years of consultants, council and the occasional tantrum, the 'ball' was well and truly out of the 'park' - the estimates we received from our 3 tenders were significantly above our previously set expectations. Hard to fathom in these times of massive downturns in new builds, little work for trades, a strong aussie dollar and the ability for immediate starts, but to proceed on this basis would have almost certainly seen the 'dream' become a 'nightmare'. To say ditching our plans was devastating was an understatement, given all the hard work Mark had put in with Gareth and I, but it had to be done.
After a mild implosion (putting behind us the 2 lost years and significant $$) we are moving to Escape Retreat Version 2. We're going back to council with a new design and a construction model that will make our development financially viable. Fortunately, as luck would have it, we have met someone who has provided us with a lifeline, working with us to realise our dream. More of that later.
I (Pete) have wrestled whether or not to write this post, as I really find the airing of most peoples problems rather boring. I'd always prefer to tell you all the good things that are happening on our journey. Those of you who know me well know that I will always look for the positive in things and rarely dwell on the negative, but I didn't know any other way to explain to you what has happened with our plans other than to tell it how it is.
Maybe this time, having someone to help us move forward land right on our doorstep has surprised even me on my usual scale of 'luckiness'. Who's fighting it? Not us!
Dream big for 2011. Extra love from P & G xx
