I now organise nearly all my documents for the project using Google Documents. These are mainly letters and the spreadsheets I use to juggle finances and it works well for me. As I access the internet from at least two different places most days the ability to store documents on the web is perfect for me.

Functionally, the tools are light-weight equivalents of Microsoft Office applications with stripped back functionality. This doesn’t really cause a problem as those things you can’t do are often those things you really don’t need to be doing. For example, there is a limited set of six fonts in the spreadsheet application, but do I really need more? And there is a relatively simple set of formulas, but do I really want the complex stuff in a web application?

Another nice feature is the ability to publish documents to the web for sharing with others. This is basically a push button exercise - chose Publish and a long hard to guess URL is generated that will link to your document. You can distribute this URL as you see fit, making online collaboration easy. I’ve used this method for distributing user instructions for one of the websites I’ve developed and it is hard to beat for speed and efficiency of communication.

This is also a way to avoid worrying about backups. I trust Google to keep my documents accessible better than I trust myself to do so. Additionally, you can always export a copy of a document to your hard-disk.

If you always access the web from the same computer and are happy to handle your own backups then this may not be the option for you, but otherwise, highly recommended.

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For me, the cornerstone of project management isn’t a gantt chart or a risk register, but lists. In Basecamp, I find the ability to create and maintain all the lists that I need to keep track of my barn conversion. It also provides you with the ability to share files, text, and messages and track time & tasks with other members of a project team. The emphasis is on project collaboration and communication. I’ll not rattle on too much about the details, best for you to take a look yourselves as a limited, free version of the software is available that will be sufficient for most small projects.

I’ve long been a admirer of 37 Signals (the company behind Basecamp). Minimalist software providing stripped back functionality with a style of its own - pushes my buttons.

The great advantage of online applications such as this is their access-anywhere-ability. All that is needed is internet access - not as ubiquitous as a notebook (those moleskine notebooks are still a favourite of mine) but the next best thing AND completely water-proof.

Visit Basecamp!

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I’ve recently been undertaking some redecorating (not at the barn - we’re not that advanced yet) and as part of the healthy house ethos that I’m following, I thought I’d explore the possibility of using natural paints. I chose to use earthBorn clay paint as an alternative to a standard emulsion for painting internal walls. Not only can it offer the health benefits I seek, as in it:

# minimises condensation and deters fungal growth such as mildew
# [is] water-borne, VOC free, low odour
# [is] highly breathable, making for a more comfortable living environment and minimising the impact of damp
# [offers a] beneficial impact on health for many allergy and asthma sufferers
from earthbornpaints.co.uk

…but it gives a lovely tactile finish, to the touch - it has a warmth and the comfortable feel of an unglazed pot. In the room I’ve used it, the ivory finish is rich and smooth to the eye.

Whilst a little more expensive than a standard emulsions, it compares favourably with premium brands at £39 for 5 litres. A further benefit is that as it’s water-borne it washes easily off the brush or roller.

All-in-all thoroughly recommended.

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