Re-Construction Karma

The renovations in the Soho flat that I own are progressing expeditiously. However, as my construction crew drills and bangs the living daylights out of the sorry residents of that building, the very same thing is happening to me in the flat I’m renting. I call it ‘Re-Construction Karma’.

About a month ago, I started hearing random scraping noises at weird hours in the flat directly above me. Then, a few days later, the demolition/reconstruction started in earnest. I felt like someone had taken a massive drill and started drilling into my skull and brains straight through to my eardrums. There was banging, scraping and the sound of walls breaking. Glasses fell off my kitchen counter from the vibration of the drills and I could not hear anyone when they called me on the telephone. I couldn’t even hear myself think which is a huge detriment when you have a home office.

I’ve taken to working at night- usually till 2 or 3 in the morning but then the drilling starts all over again at 9. I literally had to buy concealer to hide the tired bags under my eyes. There will be no rest for the wicked!

On the upside, my flat renovations are coming along swimmingly. I’ve been to meet my interior designer and contractor a few times to discuss the virtues of concrete flooring as opposed to wood, grey glass sliding doors vs. groovy steel doors and wood decking for the rooftop as opposed to tiles. Monique even had this super cool computer program which shows you in 3-D what it feels like to walk around the flat!

At this stage, the walls have been knocked out, the old windows have been hauled off and the cool industrial steel beam to support the ceiling has been put into place. Here’s a photo of the workers installing the beam:

I also decided on a light colored neutral wood flooring as opposed to polished concrete as it was way too difficult to predict the outcome of the concrete floor. Apparently the color varies greatly depending on where you get the cement and how it’s all done. At some point, we considered a dark charcoal color wood. It would have looked rather chic, but probably wouldn’t have matched with all colors of furniture.

I’m not super indecisive so I usually just make up my mind and wham it’s done. I’ve been too busy trying to monetize hiphongkong these days to waste anyone’s time to-ing and fro-ing. It’s been pretty cool working with Monique and Simon as they are both really fun easy-going and give me very good advice. I just hope the final result is how we all envision it but I have a strong feeling it’s going to be amazing!

On a funny side note, Simon was recognized recently from the video that was on this blog. I really didn’t know if anyone actually watched the videos but lo and behold, Simon had his 15 minutes of infamy! He just wished that his fan club consisted of women instead of men. LOL! Now he refuses to let me film him. Hahahaa!

It really does seem like the entire city is awash with construction noise. Drilling in the distance, jackhammers, loud banging during a nice outdoor lunch… Is this the sign of a new property boom about to take place- or is it just that people are rushing to have their spaces reinvented before the New Year? I’m not sure but all I know is I will be breathing a massive sigh of relief when I can finally sit somewhere quietly and be able to think again.
 

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