Update

Have you been wondering what is happening at our home?  Well, here we are in March 2011 already and the builder has not been back.  It is most unfortunate that by the end of the renovation we had both pretty much had enough of each other and communication and trust had broken down.  We retained a very small amount of money as there were still some issues with the front door as well as all the internal door handles. It is just as well that we did even though it is not nearly enough to have these jobs completed.  Ideally, we would like the builder to come back but since it would appear that he is not going to contact us we are moving forward.  Tomorrow I have an independant company coming in to repair our front door and correct all the internal door handles.  This is a minor job but it has been a major irritation as our brand new front door has taken a bit a damage due to the fact that we can barely get it open and closed.  Apparently the solution is simple - the frame needs to be properly secured as it is loose.  The problem is that this simple problem is going to turn out to be an expensive problem as there are now loads of repairs to be done on both the frame and the door due to the fact that we have been forcing it open and closed for the past 3 months.  It looks good though and once it is fixed we can close the door on that issue (at least I am getting my sense of humour back).

The other major problem is the leaking roof in the entertainment area.  Luckily the sun is still shining in Cape Town and we are not anticipating rain but this is going to have to be dealt with sooner rather than later.

We also having the kitchen company coming back tomorrow to do a few minor repairs and adjustments. As you can see, we still do not have any splash backs in the kitchen but have decided that we will be installing glass splash backs on the wall by the sink and on the wall by stove.  I still need to decide on the colour but I have some time since it is not in our immediate budget (knew that was coming).  Remember what it looked like before?  here is a before / after picture:

Here is a view from inside the kitchen looking out to the open plan lounge and dining area.  Due to the size of our space we have kept all the finishes the same.  I think it creates a great feeling of continuity.  We need to get some personal effects back into the space and we will consider adding some interest with wallpaper on a feauture wall later on but for now this works for us.  

We would love to replace the kitchen door now with a modern aluminium version and our old fridge and dishwasher really look out of place now.  The good news is that the fridge is on the blink so that sleek new stainless stell number might just be finding it's way into our home sooner than we have budgeted for.

We absolutely love the new tiles and I have to say that it really is worth it spending whatever your budget will stretch to on a decent tile / flooring.  They feel fantastic, cool and make the space look much larger.

I am looking forward to finishing the kitchen off with the glass splash backs and am looking for something interesting to put on the wall where the "broom" cupboard used to be.  We never planned to renovate the kitchen originally and I have to say that it was one of the biggest expenses.  I am glad that we have such a small kitchen because it allowed us to go with quality finishes at the end of the day.  Again, spend your money wisely!  New appliances can wait. put your money into the basics and add the final finishes as your budget allows.  It is a little disappointing when you get to the end and you can't add the little things but they will come and you won't be left feeling "I wish we had just spent the money on the wood instead of the veneer".

That is it from me today.  I will be back to show you the rest of it soon.