Reconstructing the house decks

After years of neglect, the house needed a serious UPDATE. 

I had very limited financial resources (next to nil), so what I could not afford to have done, I did it myself. I figured that no one is born knowing how to build or rebuild a deck and since it is not rocket science either, with the help of a friend, as novice as me in the trade, we decided to raise to this challenge. 

Our spirit was good with the help of a neighbour bringing icy Kombucha drinks in the heat of the summer months :) while my friend and I were tearing apart the old deck structure with delight.

Before

Friend ripping out the old damaged structure with me

Almost dismantled, we redirected the pool fence for safety temporarily 
& we put a tarpaulin for pumps protection



New Structure

I painted the bearings to water protect them 

After

I bought the wood in Archefield industrial zone directly from two Indian traders

So beautiful, I wish I did not have to put the fences back

The texture of the wood was so pleasant and soft, that I got inspired to make a yoga platform out of it where I could practice with my friends while all sports facilities were still closed.

Computer stand for Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilate routines guidance

The other deck around the house was not looking good either.

Before

So bad, it was dangerous to even walk on it

After 

New bearers

Other side - Before

After

That was not all!

I removed old tree trunks and dead branches in the bush backyard to make the house safe against bush fires. Even the forest area had been neglected. I dragged it all up the hill and filled up a whole crate by myself. I just had the energy of someone programmed to reconstruct.

Full crate


The house was not in a good state, I tackled all repairs everywhere, one by one. 

Even the lawnmower had it, I had to find spare parts on Ebay

The sand filter cracked and urgently needed to be replaced, just as all the shops were closing down and supply chains became compromised. I bought it online, it came just in time for someone recommended by a neighbour to come and install it quickly, the day before the shutdown.
I had feared that spare parts of this kind could become an issue if supply chains collapsed.

In fact, I was left with NO instructions as how to maintain the pool - of course, and there was a lot to learn. It was a bit stressing at first with old gaskets to be replaced, but I am now proficient with water quality management and with basic maintenance like backwash etc.

The awning steel rod split in the middle


ONE by ONE

At the time of separation, it was total mayhem: the letter box rotten wooden post collapsed, the air-conditioning and the TV broke down, the kitchen tap pipe burst, and no money.
Then, the fridge leaked beyond repair and let's not mention the 159000 km car.

I don't know how, but all was fixed at the end, and the house is now safe and very comfortable as you can partly see. I made it a true home at the end, a place to rest and feel peaceful.





Freedom!