The Frames are up! It looks more like a house!

On Saturday about 14 people turned up during the day. Some were there all day, others came and went at different times. Caleb, a very patient carpenter led our work day, and helped us put the frames up. It was exciting, after weeks of just getting ready for a build, now we were actually building and there was a house frame up. We can see where the bedrooms are, the lounge and kitchen. There was a lot of laughter and banter as the frames were moved into place. WE ARE DEFINITELY BUILDING NOW! You will see the excitement as a house takes shape. 

Our thanks to all who came on Saturday! Every bit of work helps to build the house. Your presence and interest encourages others. Your laughter and sharing helps make the day bright. A special thanks to Caleb, who with Martin led us so well.

Photos:

Top to bottom.

1. The first nail joining the frames together. (Martin would not let David do it!)

2. Moving an early frame. Caleb our expert is in the blue top. He was so good and so patient with us.

3. Three of the girls on site on Saturday. They worked like Trojans.

4. The finished frames at the end of the day.

Saturday 11th...the frames will stand up!

Hi all you amazing Habitat Helpers

YES!!!!!! The floor is down and the frames have arrived so tomorrow, Saturday 11^th it will be all go.

126 Ashmore Street Halfway Bush. We start at 9am. Come when you can, leave when you are must. Come and enjoy the atmospher, even if it is only part of the day.

From now on we will have work every Saturday... unless of course it snows, rains excessively or it is too dangerous. Thanks for your patience to this point but now the real work can begin.

If the weather is doubtful phone Dave's work phone; 4774848 and information will be left on there.

See you there.

Photos of progress...

Here are some photos of what builders and plumbers have been doing up at Ashmore Street to get ready to pour the floor slab in the next day or so. Soon the frames will go up.

Some progress...but...

A few of us were on site for the morning on Saturday. We set up the power to the kitchen container, put the zips in place, counted up the tools and connected a waste pipe to the sinks.

As you can see by the photos progress has been made toward completing the concrete floor pad. We are told that the floor concrete will be just over a week away. Hopefully the weather this week will be good and enable further progress and two inspections to be made.

Work for 27th.

Here is an emailed report about progress at the Habitat site this week;

"Blockwork is now completed.
Reinforcing to blocks placed.
Inspection booked with DCC. Bookings are 3 - 4 days out at present.
Maybe Friday for inspection unless they have a booking cancellation to allow for an earlier time.
Once blocks and reinforcing is inspected, blocks can be filled, foundations backfilled and sub floor drainage placed.
Brent Allen will then prepare vapour barrier, insulation, mesh reinforcing and arrange for slab to be poured.
At this stage we hope to be ready for Saturday week for the frames to be placed."

So there is progress being made, but once again no work for volunteers to do on the new house this Saturday.

Some of us are going up there to set up the kitchen in the container, link up power, wastes and water to the toilet and container. If you are looking for something to do, feel free to come and assist. It is all preparation work for the start of our "real" working days when we get into building the house.... hopefully next weekend!

No work day Saturday...

Because of the snow the block layer etc. have not done the work expected up at the Habitat site. Until that is done we cannot make progress so we will have a rest day tomorrow. We are hopeful that NEXT week we will be able to really go for it.... maybe have the frames ready to go up... then it is all on.

Photo: Snow at last years Habitat house on Tuesday morning.

Warm day and warm company

All told there were 15 people who worked up at the Habitat site on Saturday. It was a very nice winters day and some great preparation work was completed. We resurrected Dave's throne room. Now if it blows down the next door neighbours fence will have to come with it! David (Rogo) and Kyle (It means "Dark and Handsome".) constructed a fancy out door wash tub and bench. A temporary drain ditch was dug, pipes put in place and the container was cleaned up, rubbish taken away and equipment sorted. Some of us also went across to Shona's place and concreted two gate posts in place. A great day's effort alongside Mike and Christine and some of the girls. It was good to get to know each other better. And one other thing, the rugby team Mike coaches won their game... better than the All Blacks!

Photos:

Top: David and Kyle fill in the drain.

Second: The resurrected toilet with attached tub and bench.

Third: Mike and two daughters work on a fence.

Fourth: The sorted container... "Never been that tidy!" Some one said.