Out With The Old

Not a personal opinion, I hasten to add.

This house was built around 1900 and has lots of little Jugendstil* details. Here you can see the top of the neighbour's door. With lots of tape and stickers which aren't at all Jugendstil.

It was renovated much, much later and turned into flats by a developer. He should really have worn a stetson and spurs and carried a Colt 45 revolver - he really was that big a cowboy. Many things that were on the original plans were never built. And very conveniently, after he managed to sell all the flats, he declared himself bankrupt which meant that he had no more responsibility for the building but that the owners now did.

A few years later a letter finally worked it's way out of one local government departments. Apparently, the building was never formally inspected to check it was compliant with the current Health & Safety regulations. A man was instructed to come and check things. Naturally the cost of his visit was to paid for by the owners.

It was a hideously expensive visit.

And not all that friendly.

Essentially the owners have to pay for all the modifications and have them carried out by a certain time. Otherwise, they will be fined, the house will be uninsured and no-one would be allowed to live here. And that fine will increase with any delays.

Among the changes specified was what you can see here. That lovely arch has to go. Not compliant with fire regulations, you see.

My German isn't good enough to explain exactly what I think of that set of decisions. My English is though. And for quite along time this really was the House At Tourette's Corner.

Shan't say much about work today except if the old adage about a shockingly bad dress rehearsal means an excellent performance, then tomorrow will be a breeze. It starts at 4:45 tomorrow morning. I hope I get to sleep in.

* or Art Deco if you prefer.