Week 24: can you tell the difference?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!