What does the future hold for Chocolatetrudi Mansion?

Replace Carpets
They were visibly worn when Paul first moved in over ten years ago and now there are strips of missing pile and stains that won’t budge, as well as who-knows-what growing under the bits that were affected by various floods/leaks. I wonder if there’s anything cat proof out there…

Paint Exterior
Well, maybe not all of it. The rust on the old part of the verandah needs dealing with, and all the paler areas changed to the one colour.

Driveway
We’re still considering getting it concreted as the lilydale topping creates a lot of dust. It would be easier for Paul to move his cars about and onto the trailer with a smooth surface, and it would reduce the weeds considerably. But if we do it, I want to use an eco product.

Doors & Locks
A nicer security door would be great, with a lock we don’t struggle with. And a new lock system on the kitchen door that doesn’t occasionally lock you out would be nice, too.

Guest Room Bed
I want the coasters on our current bed replaced with taller legs so I can put under-bed storage beneath it. Either that or buy a base with storage.

So lots of major work to the house in there. I’m analysing what can be put off and for how long. The driveway is the most put-off-able as nothing is deteriorating because of it. The paint could wait as the rust is only surface rust at the moment, but it and the mismatched light paint colours do look ugly. The carpet isn’t going to affect the integrity of the house construction and replacing it will involve moving more stuff than I want to think about, but it’s getting to the point where rugs just aren’t hiding its condition any more.

I have a big deadline in September and there’s weather to consider with at least two of these house fixes. That means they’ll have to happen in the next few months or in the last quarter of the year.