Now I know I haven’t written anything for a while and there is probably a better set of excuses but time, topics and inspiration have blocked my utterings.

However, I thought I would share my latest third world problems as they are causing many headaches and problems.

It’s all about space or a lack of it and it has been the problem for mankind since the first settlements were built. The only difference is there is less and less available today and the regulations and costs are so high and mind-bogglingly complicated.

Like most people I actually like the house I live in but would love to change a few things. I’m not talking about moving some sticks of furniture or slapping on a coat of paint but physically change some aspects of the home like add an extension, remodel the garage or create another room.

One could simply move to a bigger or more suitable property but finding that extra cash is often prohibitive or too far away from the areas of work and convenience.

Okay, why not remortgage or finance the alterations? That sounds great in practise but in reality it can be the difference between affordability and overspending and anyway is it really sensible to fork out more than the added value of the house’s equity?

Oh and there is that question of space. Not enough and the plans are futile.

When out and about take a look at some of the new homes that are springing up around the country. Not just from the outside but from within. They truely lack innovation of space management. I understand the need for a smaller footprint but then if that is the case then make allowances for it and create use out of all the area inside and don’t even thing about a garden space or parking as there is very little.

Everyone is crammed in together to live cheek by jowel and the developers and MPs think this is just and right when looking at the plans from within their rambling mansions and well appointed apartment blocks. Well let me say it is not. Not now and not ever.

Anyway, getting back to my original thoughts, it is so frustrating to live with a lack of space and privacy and trying to find solutions to these problems is a very taxing one and the balance of happy or unhappy lifestyles is pivotable.

I know having a home at all is a luxury some strive for as living on the streets or from a car is a life of utter endurance but surely every man, woman and child deserves their own space to think, rest and reflect on their days.

I don’t mean to sound jealous or bitter and I appreciate some have and some have less but when you look around and see one or two people in a five bedroom home of which most is unused and then you see five people shoehorned into a two bedroom house where every inch is stacked high with stuff it makes you wonder what we are at.

Its highly unfair and contentious to force the two groups to swap and I, for one, would rue the day it happened but taking the time to look at one’s own needs and circumstances could change the way we use space.

So much space is trapped in wasted hands due to costs, health, sentiment and lifestyle that finding suitable plots or solutions is impossible as a result of supply and demand.

So simply put it is very frustrating to find one’s self in a position where extensions are probably too costly to be viable, a move is beyond financial means and juggling what one has will not magic an extra room.

We all need our space!!! but too often we don’t get it and I’m buggered if I know the solutions.

Please don’t think I am grumbling or getting in a tiswas and I know these issues face many other people. These are just reflections and opinions I have allowed to grow in my mind and its better to write them down rather than keep hold of them.

Thanks….