Extensions - External
-
On A Roll
Inspired by the successful outcome of the painting of the end verandah we decided to continue on our painting roll, and chose the side wall as our next project. After preparation we decided we could manage to paint both coats in one day, due to the size and numbers of windows this was possible. Once again we had the help of ‘the team,’ this time Princess(8) and Jack Jack(6) were also keen to join in the fun. By the day’s conclusion we were racing the sun to finish the second coat, succeeding just in time. A couple of times a day I find myself standing outside admiring the painted walls. To have two…
-
Watching Paint Dry
With the decking completed on the end verandah we no longer had any impediments to painting the eaves and wall on the northside. The past weekend saw a primer coat on the eaves fortunately the team were in high spirits and set to work in a spirit of high jinks. By the end of the afternoon they had not only rolled on the primer coat they had also painted the first ceiling coat, Gentle Touch (Dulux). Once the second coat was dry and the walls washed down with sugar soap we were keen to begin painting the first coat on the walls, we had chosen, Sandbank (Dulux) and are thrilled with our choice.…
-
Stairway To Heaven
Every night last week, until all hours PC has been tinkering in the shed, welding, grinding and painting. His latest undertaking has been designing and welding stair frames. His first welding project in years, I confess to being rather impressed. The treads are crafted from our own timber matching in neatly with the verandah timber. Just off the laundry, in direct line to the clothesline, the width of the stairs are perfect for carrying clothes baskets;) After clambering up and down on crates and chairs for the past two years the availability of stairs on the end verandah has simplified living:)
-
Exploding Verandahs
Following our decking success and keeping the momentum flowing we began laying the end verandah last Monday (Public Holiday). It was wet, windy and cold but ‘the team’ persevered despite difficult conditions. At the beginning it took some time to establish (it always does … I’m told if we want to do it right…) but then the pace ‘picked up.’ By the end of the first day one quarter of the deck was completed:) At this stage we felt two more weekends would see the job completed. Saturday we had guests and we put Daniel on the job. Whilst the ‘children of the house’ were off at soccer games and work, our guest took their place.…
-
All Decked Out
Seven months ago in November we began work on the foundations of our deck. The deck unites the ‘two houses’ together, it is the central meeting spot. Carpenter discovered a love of brick laying and happily enjoyed adding another building skill to his repertoire. We were disconcerted by a seemingly insurmountable problem, the existing house foundation pier clashed for space with the new pier. We discussed the need for a house jack, but where would we source one? and our need was for months. PC recalled he had inherited his father’s house jack, unused for 30 years it still worked well. Goes to show you should never throw anything;) The bearers and joists where milled…
-
Trench Digging
When we realised we needed to dig 40metres of trenches for piping; storm water and sewage, hiring a digger was the obvious choice. When we rang to book the digger the machine was only available between 9am-4pm. The pressure was on. Fortunately as it hadn’t rained the digging went more quickly than we estimated. Prior to taking this tangent we’ve been building our deck. Decking had come to a halt though as the trench was to intersect through the decking, unless we wished to dig by hand it was time to take a detour. In no time we had two trenches dug. Whilst PC was on the digger I raced…
-
A Sheet Closer
Never one to choose ease and speed over the final result, when we decided to ‘lift’ the eave height on the side verandah, PC set about suspending the ceiling battens from the trusses. The next step was for the front eave to meet with the side eave. A little difficult to see but the edge pieces are on a slight angle. Once the edge pieces were in place, with the aid of his faithful helper, Einstein (and our gyprock lifter) PC began sheeting the length. They settled into a groove and the pace proceeded steadily. Slowing down to attach the side pieces as they moved along. Hammering sheets over the…
-
The North End
We have finally moved the cupboards off the northern verandah, out of the weather where they have been getting damaged. They now reside in our dining room. All rather squishy in there:) The rain gutters on the end of the house are hung, a bigger rain catchment for the tank. The downpipes construction is temporary but very neatly done. Just until we dig another trench on the front side of the house. For now it runs into the back trench. The winter sun is so inviting PC has cancelled all internal jobs and has rearranged the ‘work schedule’ to focus on outside tasks. First up is laying the joists on the…
-
The Steady, Soaking Rain
…….But then the grey clouds gather, And we can bless again The drumming of an army, The steady, soaking rain……….. (My Country; Dorothea Mackellar) Our latest building focus has been installing guttering onto the front of the house. The boys have been digging trenches under the house each afternoon for the pipe. Even receiving help from the younger boys. With the addition of the downpipes we can nearly hear the rain gurgling into the tank. For the older boys conditions are rather cramped under there, it is a long way to run the pipe. On dark the pipe ends at the tank, just in time! We awoke to hear…
