After much procrastination and trepidation I finally bit the bullet and turned Domestic Executive to Domestic Executive DIYer on some of my household building jobs. I’ve spent hours chatting up those lovely folks that work in the DIY stores and finaly bought my wood and my new toy, a circular saw. Just like the one in the picture.

First job off the blocks was to lie the basset barn pen to protect the building paper that lines the walls and helps keep damp and condensation out. A perfect thing for bassets to chew. It took me three goes to buy the plywood needed for the lining since different suppliers had different sizes , none of which would fit in the car. Finally I persuade Mike at Placemakers to cut the large sheets in half so I could get them home. Mental note, must add installing tow bar to my list of things to master.

So armed with my wood, my new saw, my cordless drill driver I was set to go. The bassets were interested only as long as it took for the sawing to start. Much too noisy for their long ears (and mine too but I was wearing ear muffs – or safety ear protectors is the builders term I think).

It’s fair to say it wasn’t a completely perfect job but pretty good for my first effort. I think the bassets were impressed with their new look pen but you never can tell.

AFTER!

I know she said we could put up our posters to brighten it up but I was rather hoping for something like they do on Changing Rooms , that programme we like on the Lifestyle Channel”

Bloggers with a keen eye will notice the pile of wood behind the basset pen gate. My next project, my compost bin for the garden. I downloaded the recipe (I mean construction plan) from the internet. It’s going to be a New Zealand Box – I thought it only right and proper since we’re in kiwi land. Look out for more Domestic Executive DIY adventures!