Weekend Off

Well things seem to have been moving slowly with the build, even though I haven't been finishing till 7 & 8pm most days.

So this last weekend had some time off, so built a fence between the current house and new section, only took a day.

Stairs Tiles & Gib

Have been to busy with the build to keep you updated but the time has arrived.

I have laid the tiles in the en suite made the stairs and fitted them, they (the stairs) came together quite well, the turn was a little tricky but we arrived at the top exactly to the mark.

I was pleased with my quantity surveying, I had only 500mm of timber left and at $20 per meter...

The Gib Board (Drywall) was delivered through the bedroom french doors on a pallet by crane, no lifting up the stairs.

I am now in the process of fitting the wall insulation plus fixing the drywall.

The plumber should arrive tomorrow to fit the pipes for the en suite and little kitchen downstairs.

This kitchen will be our temporary cooking area together with the gas barbecue ,while I get on and build the 2nd stage.

The plan is to start this as soon as our existing house sells, all going well so far had about 4 people through in the first few days and we have one coming back on Monday for a second look with another a bit latter in the day.

So if you have a spare $NZ600K it could be yours!

Xmas Family Fun

The team fixing the ceiling in the upstairs bedroom, plywood is very hard to get straight!
The seccret is to shout and stamp your feet!

Lost Pictures

I thought you might like to see these pictures that I just found of the big truss and posts being put in place, it was mind focusing, hanging from a strap putting in bolts about 7 metres from the ground, it doesn't sound high when you write about it but...

More Computer Probs

The new computer has packed a sad, so took it back and the nice man said sorry, here's another, it works! brilliant. Dick Smith is a great place to buy anything from even if you do not have a receipt to prove purchase.

We have (family) been working over Xmas on the barn and now we have the upstairs ceiling fixed, 100mm grooved plywood panelling, very hard to install, a lot of drama and loud words (me) but with paint and sanding looks great. (thanks team)

Electronic Disaster

I do not know what wrong with me, all my electronic equipment has taken a dive, camera, computer and CD player.

So you will have to put up with no visuals...

Great news, my wonderful DIY wife has bought me a new laptop. (Totally blown away) now I can see WERT keys, they were worn out (I'm not a touch typist)

Passed!

The building inspector passed me on my Pre-line Interior ( sounds like a digital Dr examination) this means I can now line the build.

Getting There

They say it's not the destination but the journey...

In this case it's definitely the destination.

Closed In

At last we are all closed in and the build is now lockable.

putting the windows in was a bit of a mission as the double glazing made them extremely heavy, plus they were a very tight fit. The window manufacturers did say they should have allowed an extra tolerance of 5mm but we got them in. (nice to tell me after they deliverd them)

The bathroom is all ordered including the floor tiles and underfloor heating.

Carpet has been ordered for the bedroom, and they will lay it early February, after the summer break.

It's only stage 1 but I think it's starting to look quite good. (this is looking out of the 'gallery') the seat is so I can sit and imagine...dream??

Progress

To bring you up to-date the "Barn" is finally coming together. the windows and doors are all installed, the wiring is complete and the security system is in place.

We should have electricity connected within the next few days.

This means we are able to lockup and I don't have to disconnect and role up the power cable, pack my tools into my trusty 4 wheeler and trundle them to the garage.

This little chore was a little annoying as I haven't been finishing until about 7pm most days.

The weather has been perfect for building over the last 2 weeks clear, sunny and warm.

If the wind stays away I should have the Soffits fixed ( that's the lining that goes under the eaves).