Kaitoke Grand Design

It's time to live

2008-02-28T08:16:00.002+13:00

Visitors to this site will notice that it has not been updated for a time. I know that this is a bloggers worst crime!

It is however time to move on and live the life intended in the Kaitoke Grand Design so I'm officially closing entries.

It's been fun to share our building adventure. If you're interested to know what we're up to now you can check out this blog.

New arrivals

2007-12-04T09:47:00.000+13:00

A little earlier than expected we've got new arrivals to enjoy our Kaitoke Grand Design. Two Basset Hounds, named Fortnum and Mason. They are 10 weeks old bundles of joy. They've settled in less than24 hours after arriving and keeping a watchful eye as the landscapers, roofers and builders cruise past "their" veranda.

Mason
(8.6kg and very long ears)

Fortnum (10kg and very big paws)

It's mine, no it's mine......!

Dog tired puppies at the end of an extraordinary first day away from mum, brothers and sister

It's all in the preparation

2007-11-30T08:55:00.000+13:00

I know from bitter experience of what can happen with a clay garden if you don't prepare well. We're not making that mistake again here so Paul Cameron Landscapers are hard a work spreading our carefully kept topsoil into the new beds. That is of course after the gypsom on the base where the clay is too.

The scary thing about this project (other than the fact we're digging close to rainwater collection drains and the house foundations) is the sheer size of the beds! I'll be mulching that pretty well I can tell you, don't fancy all the weeding that will be involved.

Landscaping under way

2007-11-26T08:12:00.000+13:00

Landscapers start on site this week to get the basics in place and allow us to welcome visitors with something other than clay banks and metal drive!

For any avoidance of doubt, Jamie, our landscaper is labelling all the key bits to make sure that his vision for the garden becomes a reality!

Barn completion - well almost

2007-11-21T16:22:00.000+13:00

After a frustrating few days waiting for concrete the barn is up and closed in. Now we're just waiting for Greg and the crew to stretch the power cables far enough so that the fit out inside can be completed and hey presto the doors to open. It's also important for the water pump system which we are running by extension cable from the house at the moment. It will be a relief to get it all finished so we can rest easy that the extension lead won't get unplugged, drenched or otherwise damaged and cut off the water supply!

At home

2007-11-14T17:53:00.000+13:00

The Moss Brothers Team pulled out all the stops to get us ship shape for move on 2 November. 31 weeks into this project and it's hard to believe that that it's no longer a building site but our home. There's heaps still to do but the fun can really now start.

Here's the reveal............

The fledgling garden!

Room for guests - 30 days to tidy this up in readiness for our first UK visitors

Home office with Decade Furniture

The sunniest room in the house with a cool calm look

Kitchen still incomplete but hopefully finalised in the next week or so.

Family room for those laid back moments

The sitting room for those more formal moments - like tea with the in-laws!

My pride and joy wallpaper - aka Denver, the painter's nightmare!

Some rooms are more complete than other - ensuite reading room

Waiting for the floor - hurry up Versatile!

Week 30: periously close

2007-10-31T17:11:00.000+13:00

Every day the basics get more finished and the finishing touches are installed. We are hours away from handover and the build team are working flat out to get us ready for handover and move in. It's hard to believe we've gone from dirt to the detailed furnishings. Now only the packing to worry about!

New home for shoes

Entertainment HQ (almost complete)

Electrician hard at work - there were plenty of others making it a real team effort.

Our pedestal and basin arrived in the nick of time

The tiling too!

And the barn is not far behind

Week 29: landscaping

2007-10-27T19:49:00.001+13:00

It takes real vision to see through the piles of mud and imagine a garden. Given I am still failing on that front it's good to know that we have Jamie our landscape designer on hand to keep the vision alive. With at last some fine weather we've been able to get the man and digger back on site to move the top soil, create the base for the future lawn and sculpt the banks for future trees and planting.

All I can say is its amazing to see how big machinery can do such a fine job. Chris and Ben the ground works team have performed another fine job after they created our build platform in the first place!

Week 29: Barnbuilding

2007-10-27T19:36:00.000+13:00

The weather has finally been kind to the build team from Versatile. They have managed to go from muddy footings to frame in 4 days and not wasting a moment. After initial post construction the cementing was done the same day so the build team could be back the next day to complete the skeleton of the barn. If you use your imagination you can see a shiny new red heritage barn - hopefully we'll see the real thing next week.

Week 29: kitchen gallery

2007-10-27T19:30:00.001+13:00

After all the trials and tribulations of floods, dock strikes and Government incompetance, the kitchen has finally arrived.

The team from Kitchen Gallery pulled out all the stops over a holiday weekend to prepare for the final install. Not to mention being chased up from Christchurch by gale force winds and an interesting crossing over the Cook Straight. An effort which is certainly paid off.

Although there is still the granite worktop, taps, extractor unit and miscellaneous snagging to be done I'm delighted with my shaker style kitchen. It's exactly what I wanted.

Week 28: it's all happening

2007-10-24T21:18:00.000+13:00

With a week to go it's a hive of activity on site. Painters, carpenters laying floors, joiners fitting kitchens, digger drivers landscaping and builders putting up the barn. It's exhausting watching everyone....it's all happening.

Week 28: painfully close

2007-10-23T08:48:00.001+13:00

There has been a huge leap forward with the house in the last week - amazing how a touch of colour makes all the difference. We decided that we wouldn't go for the plain, neutral minimal look in the house we've got colour to brighten up the rooms. I know that this is extra work for the painters and requires constant checking that the right colour is in the right rooms but I think it will be worth the effort in the end.

The bathrooms are almost fitted and they look create. Just a last bit of tiling to tweak before the bath goes in. Also, we're waiting on the shippers in Auckland to give us a sink!

The team is going great guns to get the house ready in time. The kitchen should be on site this coming week and the barn construction started. Only a few working days left now - so no pressure Moss Bros.......!

It really isn't as bright as this picture would have you think - JT home office!

Colourful hallway

Light fitting in action!

The smallest room in the house!

Bath in waiting.

Shower fitted in guest bathroom

Sunny guest room

Sky blue inside and out!

Week 27: one more step forward

2007-10-13T13:18:00.000+13:00

Painting continues to dominate the work in the house this week. The tiler and heating people seem to be doing their stuff too though.

Fireplace tiled

Guest bathroom

Heat Exchange thingie for heating/cooling system

Week 30: at last the end looks like a possibility

2007-10-11T06:17:00.000+13:00

For all the frustrations of building a house, I think ours are small fry compared to some of the horror stories I've been hearing lately. House framing blown away in the wind, builder gone into receivership and build ground to a halt, windows too small and leaking...... the list could go on.

At week 30 it finally looks like the end is in sight. The drive has been cleaned up and our roundabout install in readiness for it's municipal planting. The painters have motored on - thanks Denver and his team, and the tiler has been hard at work.

With handover day planned for 1 November - the MB team are on the final push to completion. There's still loads to do but it looks and feels achievable now in a way that it might not previously have been.

Big week next week - electricians and plumbers back to start the final install. Also, hopefully the barn build will start too. I'm afraid the kitchen is delayed a bit but Paul is doing all he can to magic it to site as soon as he can. One of the risks of importing is that it can get snarled up in transit and as luck would not have it, we've been tangled up in strikes at Auckland port.

People ask if we're excited about the move. Not yet, but we will be when the removal van pulls in. Fingers crossed the drive doesn't get washed away in the rain which seems to be relentless in the at the moment.

Family room tiled

Family room being painted

Wardrobe in all it's glory - bit of a story to tell about this....!

Bathroom tiling

I know it doesn't look like a barn yet but it will!

New building coming soon

2007-09-23T19:33:00.000+12:00

We were told that our barn kit would arrive week commencing 24 September so fingers crossed that might be happening. If you want to see what it looks like, click on the link for our Builders of Our Heritage Barn.

Week 27: Starting to come together

2007-09-23T19:18:00.001+12:00

Progress last week focused on finishing the outside painting and completing the joinery details ready for painting. You'll see from the outside shots that the base boards are now painted making the house look much more finished.

A front door at last (although the lock didn't work and is being replaced) is a much better welcome than the scabby piece of wood. The coloured glass looks fabulous with the sun shining in. The finer details of picture rails, fireplace, wardrobe doors are all now installed ready for the inside painting which is next week's priority (in fact for the next three weeks). Tiler finally arrives too to start the bathrooms and floor tiling.

It's all systems go for the next three weeks to get the painting complete so that the plumbing and electricians can do the final fix. All being well kitchen should be installed in Week 29.

It is finally starting to feel like it's coming together - now just the angst of soft furnishings to contend with!

Week26: finer detail

2007-09-17T07:32:00.000+12:00

Progress seems to be picking up again with the finer points of detail going ahead now the gib-stopping and plastering is done. Outside there's the scrolls under the windows, indoors its the scotias and joinery that's being finished off. Painting to get underway this week - and the tiling too since the tiles are now on site and ready for installation.

Fancy scotias for the living and dining room

Less fancy scotias for the utility room (that's pantry to you kiwis)

Window in living room beautifully framed with the scotia

The bedroom window framing the view out the back - mist rolling down the hills. Hopefully the landscaper will change this view very soon as work gets under way quite soon.

Week 25: slow but steady progress

2007-09-07T18:45:00.001+12:00

I'm trying to find out what the kiwi equivalent of what "inshallah" or "manana manana" is because I think it will come in handy to reconcile where we are at with the build. Perhaps our expecations are just running too high since it feels like progress is so slow.

But, progress is progress and I like to thinking optimistically. I'm fixed on the vision of a completion before end of October otherwise we're in deep trouble as the landlord starts howling.

Gib-stopping is the critical issue which has only progressed two days this week but we're assured that it will be complete by the end of next week. Then it's scotias (coving to us brits), painting and then the finishing touches - like electrics, plumbing, heating and kitchens.

This week the joiner, Peter, has been hard at work, installing the window seat and bookshelves. Great to see them in situ.

A room with a great seat, not to mention the view!

Gib-stopping in action (well almost, they'd just finished for the day when we arrived!)

Yes, there are shelves to go in!

A peek at the fireplace

Week 24: can you tell the difference?

2007-08-31T18:17:00.000+12:00

Almost spring (tomorrow is the first official day) so it seem timely to be seeing the sun up in Kaitoke. Progress has been slower over the last two weeks - seems that my idea of plastering is very different from the kiwi way. However, Denver the painter has continued on with the outside and complete it all apart from the base boards and the under window decorative joinery yet to be put up. I'm assured we're still on track for handover by end of October. Hope so.

View down the back garden - image kitchen garden in the bottom corner

If you look close you'll see Denver's handiwork

At last the front door ready for installation - OK, yes its upside down!

Week 22: more colour

2007-08-19T19:27:00.001+12:00

OK, I know I'm a bit of a house bore but who could help themselves when you're looking forward to living here!

The house continues to grow graciously into the landscape with lovely striped veranda and heritage red accent colour (thanks Nadine) to add to the local beauty.

Inside there's loads of progress too. Gib board up and plasterers starting work this week. Doors, architraves, skirting boards complete so hopefully we're starting to be on the home run. Target date for handover is end October which is 10-12 weeks away.

View to the location of a matching heritage red barn (soon to be constructed)

Week 21: some colour

2007-08-07T07:29:00.000+12:00

At last some colour on the house. If you look closely you'll see the painters handiwork below the roof line. Progress continues at a pace that the weather allows on the outside but inside it's full steam ahead with the plasterboarding and internal fittings starting to be installed. Next week you should see the verandas installed and more colour.

Week 20: Still progressing nicely

2007-07-25T07:27:00.000+12:00

Sorry about the break in photoblogging on house progress this will be resumed again in a week or so. The Moss Bros team continue to beaver away and I understand progress is good.

Plasterboarding (Gib Board to kiwis) has followed the insulation and now it's all the fine detail to start. Painter has been up painting the outside of the house - I know 'cos he rang to check the colours. I'm working on the internal decoration scheme now which I am sure will be needed very soon.

Good progress on the garden too. Jamie Reid has put together a fantastic plan for us which is now subject to a reality check of pricing! And, building consent has been applied for a shining red heritage barn.

So, despite no photos this week the work continues at a pace and the house build team are working towards the handover at the end of October 2007. A spring move!

Week 19: Wrapped up and locked down

2007-07-14T07:11:00.000+12:00

Progress in the last two weeks has been great in spite of the awful weather we've been having. We've not got doors, insulation, electric wiring, skylight (on the back), more fancy joinery on the front. Oh yes, mustn't forget the solar panels and plumbing!

Hmm, me thinks this is not the front door I ordered!

Week 18: no report

2007-07-14T07:09:00.000+12:00

The house has been locked down and we've been locked out so no report this week. It was too cold and wet to just admire the view. Hopefully more news next week.

Week 17: still exposed

2007-07-01T06:00:00.000+12:00

It's been foul weather again in the last week which is still getting into the house through the door openings. Doors are arriving though (well two on the front) which make a big difference so pressure is on to get the house locked down and water tight.

At last the turrets have their roofs that brings another perspective to the symmetry of the house. Hopefully the bull nose veranda roofs will be on in the coming week which will also make a big difference.

Working on this site is not for the fainthearted!

Week 16: windows at last

2007-06-25T05:53:00.001+12:00

Most of the windows have been installed this week and hopefully the doors will come soon. It's really transformed the outside already. More importantly I think it's going to transform the temperature for Chris and the team to be working on site as they face the bitter winds of winter.

Same weekly view but with windows

First fix in action

Views to the back through the new windows

The back door, well not quite but some windows though!

Week 15: more verandas

2007-06-17T18:58:00.000+12:00

More fiddly bits this week. Verandas to the side and front with more base boards. Weather boards now almost complete and whispering that the windows are due imminently!

Check out the mud. Luckily the drains were back filled in the nick of time.

Week 14: working on more detail

2007-06-09T17:28:00.000+12:00

It's been a bit chillier and windier for the boys up on site this week but they continue to make good progress. Front veranda frame up, complete with bullnose roof profile. Base boards installed under decking, weatherboard and decorative soffits under the roof all represent steady progress on this four day week. Drainage has also been installed which has made a lovely mess of the site (please, please hope it doesn't rain before they fill the trenches back in!).

The benchmark view of the front of the house.

Close up on the front veranda - look for base boards, weatherboard and soffits on the roof line!

Close up on the front entrance, complete with weatherboard

Yes, the drains!

Week 13: boarding up against the weather

2007-06-04T18:51:00.001+12:00

Another good build week behind Chris and the team. The main roof is on, just the fiddly bits to do now. Every day feels like a race against the weather so good to see the weather board being put up!

Close up on construction!

A new view of the back garden (complete with gorse and native bush).

Week 12: wrapping up for winter

2007-05-28T07:39:00.000+12:00

Massive progress again this week - Chris and his team are working wonders. Part of the roof on and wrapping on the house ready for winter.
New view from the Tunnel Gulley pathway - side view of the house and the neighbours cows

Close up on the roof and wrapping

The kitchen barrel roof is shaping up nicely under the roof

The new roof shaping up in all it's glory!

Week 11: closing in

2007-05-20T21:08:00.001+12:00

Another excellent building week allowing Chris and the crew to get the roof framing finished and start on the detailed work - chimney, sofits and extra cladding.

It was a beautiful day with not a cloud in the sky - 19 degrees. Let's hope this good weather continues so that they can get the roof on and make the house watertight.

This view still fails to delight on arrival

Preparations for those southerly winds to blow

House with new chimney to join MT's library turret

View up from the future potager garden

Week 10: almost a hat on

2007-05-13T20:19:00.000+12:00

This was the view from the top of the drive -house in the big country. Progress this week has put the roof trusses and bracing on to give the house almost its total skeleton. With some fine weather and the speedy building team at their best I think that it won't be long before the house will finally get its hat on.

View down to house with big country in the background

Rear view to veranda, lounge/dining room and beginning of our own swimming pool.

Close up to one of the turrets

Week 9: a growth spurt

2007-05-06T12:29:00.000+12:00

It's amazing what a bit of rain on the floor can do to encourage growth! In only a week our building team have created the frame of the house. It was wondeful to at last walk through the front door. At first it seemed like the house had shrunk but after an hour of pacing around in each room it is clear that this is going to be a big house.

View from the front gate.

The skeleton of the house in all it's glory

Hope the builders move these bits of wood, they tend to get in the way walking around!

Views through the kitchen windows

Front to back, indoor outdoor flow

Just to prove I'm not making it up about the rain this week - 74.9mm in last 7 days!

Weeks 7&8: floors and essential services

2007-04-25T17:56:00.000+12:00

With the Anzac Day on a Wednesday we delayed our photoblogging trip so this shows progress during weeks 7 and 8.

The floor in all its glory

22,500 litres water tank - hope it will be big enough!

Our very own sewage treatment plant = already hooked up to the builders bathroom!

A European eccentricity - insulation to a kiwi house!

Week 6: the pink flush of growth

2007-04-16T21:29:00.000+12:00

Complete with generator (no power yet) the builders have made remarkable progress in three days this week. However, I think the house is blushing since the floor is left naked with only its joists showing. It was quite something to see the full extend of the floor plan, complete with bay windows and demarcation between the house and the veranda foundations.

View from the corner where our bedroom will be

The panorama looks even better now!

The veranda has arrived.

Week 5: growing foundations

2007-04-09T19:33:00.000+12:00

Following approval by the Upper Hutt City Council we now have a house sprouting from the ground - well the foundation piles have been cemented in and a dry spell to allow them to set. There is also a rather menacing saw on site, a charming site container and a builders bathroom. All mod cons really.

Close up on the foundations.

Ok, so it might be primative but at least it will keep the builders comfortable.

Week 4: Sprouting a house

2007-04-03T20:42:00.000+12:00

With a few stakes in the ground and a huge trench for the power lines it looks like our house is sprouting from the ground.

View across the building site

Look back up the drive

In-fill of the top paddock

Week 3: At least the rain has stopped

2007-03-25T21:11:00.000+12:00

Not much has been happening on site this week - it's a waiting game until the builders can get on site. At least that the rain has stopped - it's amazing how the sun can dry things up.

The views still look good though!

Week 2: what harm can a little rain do?

2007-03-18T21:02:00.000+12:00

After a week of changeable weather we approached the Kaitoke Grand Design site with some apprehension. Would there be anything done? Would it just be a quagmire. The answer to both those questions is yes!

A real drive!

A real flat building platform
Hmm, closer inspection sees the effects of two days of downpour

Still, plenty of progress and the views are still stunning

At least some of the garden has been kept intact

The Kilmister Bees at home in their new paddock

Week 1: the diggers move in

2007-03-08T20:11:00.000+13:00

It doesn't take long for a your front gate to become an advertising billboard!Former view to from the drive

New driveway forming for excavating vehicles parking

Former view of building area and valley beyond

Now turned to this......

Site for future garage and cottage

Former residents in soon to be driveway and reshaped grounds!

Not much grass for grazing now!

Week 0: The Site for the Grand Design

2007-03-02T06:41:00.000+13:00

View from Tunnel Gulley, Mangaroa

View of plot 3 on righthand side

Neighbouring plots

View to building plot area in lower paddock

Looking from road across top paddock

Views from road across the valley