I’ve had an idea

Well, I’ve actually had quite a few.

As per usual.

I am an ideas person. They bubble away in me during the day and infiltrate my dreams when I try to rest at night.

I always have a few in the air that my brain is simultaneous juggling.

I’ve been like this my whole life, a human Catherine Wheel, constantly fizzing and sparking with plans and projects. Most of the them are impractical and the majority are never acted upon.

Anyways, the previous unofficial regent of my apartment block is moving out today. I will miss Wendy and not just because she put the green bins out every fortnight.

We got to know each other over the past few years and enjoyed each other’s company. We had a great time splitting a pizza last week at our local Italian and we’ve promised to catch up in her new neighbourhood.

Now that I’m the new unofficial regent of my apartment block I am looking for ways to boost the sinking fund.

The apartment block across the road is in the middle of a $6 million renovation due to concrete cancer, which has required a $200,000 special levy on every apartment.

Gulp.

Our block doesn’t have concrete cancer, but it was built in the 70s and is beginning to show its age, a little like me (I even shock myself with the knowledge that I was born in the 60s) …

I do not fancy paying special levies so I am seeking other forms of strata income.

The apartment block sits on a hefty plot of land, including a rather large expanse out the back that costs a fortune to keep mown and trimmed.

I am preparing to head down there and measure it up for a duplex.

If it’s possible to squeeze a duplex onto it and I can get it through both the body corporate and council, the apartment block’s coffers will be overflowing!

There are a few big, lovely, pesky trees to accommodate, plus an exhaust tower for the garage to relocate … but I reckon there’s potential for development.

Oh, the hours I’ve spent gazing at both the vacant land and at duplex plans on the computer!

I wonder what my chances are of pulling this one off?

I’m also contemplating ways to pay for the construction of the duplex. I’ve discovered there’s a tradesman’s toilet – such a quaint concept – on the ground floor that shares a wall with the master bedroom of an apartment that doesn’t have an ensuite … can you see where my imagination is heading?

I also have a few ideas for other bits of the block that I could sell off for exclusive use …

The executive committee isn’t going to know what’s hit it.

Song of the day: John Mellencamp “Pink Houses”