Windows - at last!

This week saw the installation of all the windows and doors. Some are without glass - particularly the larger double glazed ones as they are just too heavy to lift into place. It does mean we have got rid of all but one of the tarps that were draping the structure and more of the house shape can now be revealed. Next week should see the glaziers starting to install the last of the glass and cladding will commence. Plasterer will be here in two weeks to plaster the exterior cladding and one week later the gib board (sheet rock) will go in. A mad frenzy at the moment to get all the wires and plumbing in place. The elctrician has pretty much finished wiring, the plumbers almost .... and I am dragging up the rear with one more day to get the security wiring in. All that remains is the TV, phone and computer wiring before they line the house. Painted the first coat of stain on the new cedar front door and that will dry for a few days and be installed next week. Colour is great! Completion of the house may drag out to about the end of January.

Week seventeen ....

One of the less pleasant jobs on site is the waterproofing of the deck areas. The membrane is composed of two layers of thick bitumastic type material that is heat torched on to the deck. The two layers provide leakproof security (and we are all into that!) but it is a dirty and hot job. The two guys who do the job are Russians who have been in New Zealand from Moscow for a couple of years. One barely speaks English, the younger has a reasonable vocabulary but they seem to do a pretty good job.

This week saw the departure of Phil to another job as a maintenance manager at a local supermarket. Apparently he prefers the choice of work hours and getting off earlier in the day. We are now down to five builders and the contractor has said he is getting out of the building business after a 33 year involvement. Ours will probably be the last job as he moves into retirement. We may well see some more departures but hope the tempo of work keeps up. To celebrate Phils departure the BBQ was cranked up and a few beers consumed yesterday. Phil got the job of cook. Top picture is Phil cooking, the group photo shows Greg (electrician) Matt and one of the plumbers. Other group with BBQ in the background is Nick, Phil and Dan. Solo photo is Dave contemplating the lack of fishing and his forthcoming wedding in a weeks time.

Doors and windows arrive this week - yahoo!!!

Well - okay ... one photo!

Just to show that there is some progress. Here is a view from inside the lounge with the fireplace on the left edge. Directly above is one of the three air conditioning units and the view looks back to the rear of the house. The metal bars on the ceiling are to support the gib board (sheet rock) when the ceilings go in. Today we start the electrical wiring for lights and power points upstairs. Front balcony is ready for our Russian contractor to apply the waterproof membranes over the next two days. Windows soon!

Progress...

Well - sorry for the lack of photos this week. To be fair it would just be boring as the house is covered in tarps still. We expect a truckload of windows this coming week so that should see all the tarpaulins removed as the builders then get on with installing the windows and starting on the outside cladding. Under the covers the front balcony is complete and awaiting the waterproofing membrane to be applied. All the upstairs ceilings have been battened and ready for the gib board (sheet rock) to be fixed in a few weeks time. Also the plumber and electrician will start doing their thing inside this coming week. Stay tuned for photos.