Public Address | Cafe | Southerly: How I Became a Grumpy Old Builder (in Microcosm) https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/ en-us Copyright (c) 2026 Public Address Steve Barnes https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310383#post310383 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310383#post310383 The Good Ship Burma Road slips quietly into berth on a dark and stormless night....
;-)

]]> Sun, 13 Apr 2014 11:00:35 +1200 Sofie Bribiesca https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310295#post310295 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310295#post310295 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 14:09:41 +1200 Sofie Bribiesca https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310288#post310288 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310288#post310288 We acquired the Mount Cook Airlines catamaran, at $1 per kg

Bargain! I am however confused. The latest boat pic. Is that the Tiger Lily or what is her name ?. Lovely photo too.

]]> Fri, 11 Apr 2014 12:37:32 +1200 David Haywood https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310276#post310276 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310276#post310276 I did once wade thru the mud to get a close up look at one of his boats, Waihape.

Wow, that's a nice boat!

And the very best of luck with your restoration of Tigerlilly, Steven. I'm guessing a restoration might only be the equivalent of building three houses!

]]> Fri, 11 Apr 2014 10:34:55 +1200 David Haywood https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310260#post310260 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310260#post310260 The boat is booked in with the house moving company, end of this month.

Wow, what an achievement, Steven! I believe the rule of thumb is that one large boat = the labour of building five houses. I take my hat off to you, sir!

South Sea Vagabonds is my…

]]> Thu, 10 Apr 2014 23:27:40 +1200 Brent Jackson https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310259#post310259 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310259#post310259 I have now made five self-replies in a row, which makes me look convincingly like a looney (if any further evidence was needed).

Sounds more to me like pro-active procrastination ...

Stunning workmanship David. I wish my wood-working skills (or patience) were up to your standards.

And an old wooden…

]]> Thu, 10 Apr 2014 22:55:58 +1200 Sofie Bribiesca https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310156#post310156 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310156#post310156 I am not sure but one idea is steel and one is wood. Guess we have to wait and see.
I get to be in charge of colour, staining and painting. I've managed to paint the house and stain the ceilings. The interior is waiting until the dust settles but…

]]> Thu, 10 Apr 2014 12:03:21 +1200 Bart Janssen https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310148#post310148 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310148#post310148 bent wood hand rail

Oh my. How is he going to resolve the connection between the handrail and the treads? I love seeing the work of talented people.

]]> Thu, 10 Apr 2014 11:43:40 +1200 Sofie Bribiesca https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310139#post310139 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310139#post310139 Thu, 10 Apr 2014 11:00:32 +1200 Danielle https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310132#post310132 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310132#post310132 Thu, 10 Apr 2014 10:13:28 +1200 Bart Janssen https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310123#post310123 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310123#post310123 Thu, 10 Apr 2014 09:15:51 +1200 Steve Barnes https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310119#post310119 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310119#post310119 I like your towel rail. I am inspired to take my time…

Arrrrrrrgh, she be a fine boat sir, that she be. Will ye be doing Aloft conversion for the power of the wind?

]]> Thu, 10 Apr 2014 08:51:48 +1200 David Haywood https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310115#post310115 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310115#post310115 Hunk on a bike. Case closed!

He'll be highly delighted by this description! I shall pass it on!

]]> Thu, 10 Apr 2014 07:35:58 +1200 ChrisW https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310113#post310113 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310113#post310113 I have the manuscript of his second book in my possession and am currently working on the cover (see above).

Great! Looking forward to the book, and any posts you might make on the process and subject matter. Cheers.

]]> Thu, 10 Apr 2014 06:57:43 +1200 Lilith __ https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310105#post310105 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310105#post310105 Seriously. Also. And obviously.

Sorry.

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 23:27:46 +1200 Ian Dalziel https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310103#post310103 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310103#post310103 masthead...
...the top (one) works better on the front of a book.
it has a certain je ne sais quoi that reminds me of Lemmy Caution in Godard's Alphaville

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 22:57:09 +1200 Lilith __ https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310101#post310101 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310101#post310101 I like the bottom photograph best

Hunk on a bike. Case closed!

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 22:42:00 +1200 David Haywood https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310100#post310100 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310100#post310100 Any chance the retiring of his heavy duty tools could be linked to a return to writing, and work on volume two of his memoirs might be underway?

Your logic is clear evidence of a great brain at work, ChrisW!

Yes, you are entirely correct – I have the manuscript…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 22:22:34 +1200 David Haywood https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310099#post310099 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310099#post310099 Check out the “Expert” video…

Bloody hell, that was funny! Although there were elements of that company that somehow seemed vaguely familiar to me. And what a shame they didn't have an Excellence Manager to oversea the expert and ensure that his work had the appropriate level of excellence.


David:…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 22:12:39 +1200 David Haywood https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310098#post310098 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310098#post310098 As a fellow perfectionist I have to say, stunning work on the house, David

Please come and visit any time, Jolisa!

And if you stayed overnight then we could put a plaque in your bedroom, and milk money out of Cornell’s endowment for future maintenance. Surely they’d want a new…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 22:04:57 +1200 David Haywood https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310096#post310096 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310096#post310096 Keith Ng has just posted a searing piece of writing that makes my grumpy builder’s grumbling look a bit limp. Our Keith is always a must-read – but… ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 21:20:32 +1200 David Haywood https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310095#post310095 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310095#post310095 I am actually enjoying this journey into the “forbidden zone” and playing with ideas that no-one would allow me to explore.

That's lovely to hear, Steve. And I must say the spiral staircase is a masterpiece! Not to mention the model you hired to insert their photogenic feet at the…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 21:10:04 +1200 ChrisW https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310092#post310092 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310092#post310092 Great to hear of your grandfather too, David.
Any chance the retiring of his heavy duty tools could be linked to a return to writing, and work on volume two of his memoirs might be underway?

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 20:33:58 +1200 ChrisW https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310091#post310091 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310091#post310091 A Grumpy Old Builder (In Microcosm)?
But retaining a trace of humour –
perhaps you too have averted this fate.

An appreciation complementary to your photos,
and compliments for the lovely work,
your writing, your house, and its details.

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 20:20:39 +1200 Ross Mason https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310083#post310083 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310083#post310083 Geoff: "You didn't consider mowing your meadow? Cows up here would appreciate such green fodder.” He didn’t have a dog. He was one man so he couldn’t “mow his meadow”. PS – Did you send the kids out to look for the Lion?

Russell: “I propose that I use the…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 18:55:36 +1200 Jolisa https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310080#post310080 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310080#post310080 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 18:34:10 +1200 Jolisa https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310079#post310079 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310079#post310079 I propose that I use the proceeds of Public Address's recent crowdfunding to acquire an adjacent property and install a family in which another highly-credentialed householder — a physicist, say — pursues a similarly endless, admirable restoration mission, writing occasional blog posts about his fitful progress.

If only we knew…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 18:28:21 +1200 RJW https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310076#post310076 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310076#post310076 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 17:46:00 +1200 bmk https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310074#post310074 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310074#post310074 Yes, well, I accept that there will be ongoing minor work, but I'd just like to get the big jobs properly finished so that I can fit other activities into my life.

Of course that is a different story and something hopefully achievable. There is a big difference between regular…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 17:35:22 +1200 bmk https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310073#post310073 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310073#post310073 finish the house.

I don't think a large house can ever be finished. By the time you are 'complete' something has inevitably broken somewhere else or if not something else will be due to be replaced/touched up. You can certainly envision how old houses can end up in such a…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 17:34:08 +1200 Lilith __ https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310066#post310066 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310066#post310066 David, it’s so lovely to hear from you! Can I say the bits I can see in the photos look AMAZING!

My Dad built our family home, over many years while working fulltime and while Mum was raising a tribe of kids.

As a builder he was self-taught, and every…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 16:46:51 +1200 linger https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310058#post310058 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310058#post310058 You didn't consider mowing your meadow? Cows up here would appreciate such green fodder. Or just grab a local cow = mooing your meadow. ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 15:58:28 +1200 Bart Janssen https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310052#post310052 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310052#post310052 We like to wash in warm water

In my day ....

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 15:38:02 +1200 Sofie Bribiesca https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310043#post310043 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310043#post310043 It’s similar to that feeling you get when you’d like to stop building (for a bit) and start sailing.

Yes plus keeps the Mrs' happy. We like to wash in warm water. ;)

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:40:07 +1200 Steve Barnes https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310042#post310042 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310042#post310042 (I’ve already installed an emergency generator to power the house).
If you are thinking of going Solar, water Lectrix or both, drop me a line.
We have 4Kw solar + 5.2Kw gennie set-up. works a treat and no bills. :-)

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:38:58 +1200 David Haywood https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310041#post310041 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310041#post310041 I am curious to know why you want to actually finish the house.

Yes, well, I accept that there will be ongoing minor work, but I'd just like to get the big jobs properly finished so that I can fit other activities into my life. It'd be nice if my…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:31:27 +1200 BenWilson https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310040#post310040 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310040#post310040 do the essential fences, plant the rest of the hedges and several hundred trees, etc.

The fences, hedges and trees will keep. Release House 1.0. The customers are wondering if it's vaporware at the moment.

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:27:31 +1200 David Haywood https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310039#post310039 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310039#post310039 Thanks for all the kind comments, everyone!

Yes, I do plan to slow down fairly soon. I just need to reinstall the coal* range (for heat, cooking, and hot-water emergency back-up) plus get an emergency water tank hooked up before I can relax (I’ve already installed an emergency generator to…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:20:36 +1200 David Haywood https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310033#post310033 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310033#post310033 Brought to you via the wonders of modern phone technology…

And, crikey, I can even do close-ups...

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:03:20 +1200 David Haywood https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310032#post310032 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310032#post310032 Where’s the blue bar David?

Brought to you via the wonders of modern phone technology…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:58:19 +1200 Steve Barnes https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310030#post310030 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310030#post310030 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:45:04 +1200 Sofie Bribiesca https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310028#post310028 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310028#post310028 Blue bar? I see no blue bar… The monster meadow has clearly swallowed EVERYTHING.

Thank god. I thought I was ready for glasses ! Where's the blue bar David?

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:29:40 +1200 Deborah https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310027#post310027 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310027#post310027 I love the green tiles in your fire surround. The soft variations in colour are beautiful. So yes, masses of time and effort and hair-pulling-out, but you are creating a masterpiece.

The lawn doesn’t appear to be that long—until you realize the blue bar is the top of the goalposts…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:19:59 +1200 Steve Barnes https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310025#post310025 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310025#post310025 Can you explain why every single tread in our spiralling staircase has forms and degrees and blah blah blah…… :)
Why yes I can. ;-)
Excellent work David, both writing and building.
Our own project is still ongoing. First find a bit of native bush far from the maddening crowd…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 12:56:37 +1200 Aidan https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310024#post310024 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310024#post310024 That is some awesome work.

Remember what that venerable old DIYer Voltaire said when trying to fix a nasty case of rising damp in his Covent Garden bedsit

"The perfect is the enemy of the good"

You're also in danger of becoming an expert in something you really don't want…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 12:56:13 +1200 BenWilson https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310023#post310023 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310023#post310023 The beer or the house?.I’m sure he’d say yes to both. I don’t mind. :)

Both, of course.

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 12:41:50 +1200 Sofie Bribiesca https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310022#post310022 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310022#post310022 They say..... ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 12:41:15 +1200 BenWilson https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310020#post310020 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310020#post310020 Beer almost certainly invented by women.

Makes a good Tui commercial.

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 12:37:13 +1200 Emma Hart https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310019#post310019 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310019#post310019 I thought he invented it to give it to Woman, in order to make Child :-)

Beer almost certainly invented by women.

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 12:34:48 +1200 Sofie Bribiesca https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310017#post310017 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310017#post310017 I thought he invented it to give it to Woman, in order to make Child :-)

Well he knows not this woman.
I’m quite keen to check that out some day soon.
The beer or the house?.I'm sure he'd say yes to both. I don't mind. :)

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 12:31:42 +1200 BenWilson https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310012#post310012 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310012#post310012 Mind chatter does not allow these types to scale back. That is why man invented Beer or so I’m told.

I thought he invented it to give it to Woman, in order to make Child :-)

Bearing in mind that t’other as we type is still “finishing” our house. He…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 12:24:24 +1200 Peter Darlington https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310011#post310011 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310011#post310011 You know what they say mate, the only thing that works in a Villa is the owners!

#fellowvillaownersympathy

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 12:14:55 +1200 Bart Janssen https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310003#post310003 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310003#post310003 I also have the problem of 95%. But I'm also fond of the saying "house finished, man die" which I think has been horribly mistranslated from Chinese but works for me.

At some point you have to figure out how to love doing the work, for me that means I…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 11:35:27 +1200 Glenn Pearce https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310002#post310002 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310002#post310002 Apologies to Russell for going the way of The Listener in terms of subject matter

Listener or Metro ? Your next post should be about school zones I think.

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 11:33:34 +1200 kiwicmc https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310000#post310000 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=310000#post310000 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 11:29:26 +1200 Thomas Beagle https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309999#post309999 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309999#post309999 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 11:28:40 +1200 Che Tibby https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309997#post309997 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309997#post309997 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 11:27:28 +1200 Sofie Bribiesca https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309996#post309996 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309996#post309996 It’s great what you’ve achieved, David, but IMHO you should cut back on the obsession.

Mind chatter does not allow these types to scale back. That is why man invented Beer or so I'm told.
David, have you got the brewery up and running? Been very helpful for us. One…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 11:27:13 +1200 Sofie Bribiesca https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309990#post309990 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309990#post309990 Last night some fellow seemed to be making a house out of compacted cow poo,

It's called a cob house Geoff! Cob! straw and mud. Bloddy cheap...... ;) and sorry but Grand Designs shits all over Living Canal. I'm quite enjoying The Art of the Architect too.
Bearing in mind…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 11:15:48 +1200 Glenn Pearce https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309985#post309985 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309985#post309985 Amazing effort David and amazing results. To take the time, energy and cost to do a renovation this way is something to be proud of.

It's something you don't see a lot of now, usually the renovation of a Villa involves 10 litre pails of white paint or worse complete…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 10:58:54 +1200 BenWilson https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309981#post309981 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309981#post309981 It's great what you've achieved, David, but IMHO you should cut back on the obsession. You've come away from disaster with something that is a lovely place to live in, after all that hard work.

So live in it.

Budget out your time for the remaining hundreds of tasks -…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 10:44:26 +1200 Hebe https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309977#post309977 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309977#post309977 I'm awestruck at your attention to the minutiae David. It takes such focus to keep going right to the end. The house is stunning. Noticing the details and remembering that task will be a constant quiet pleasure over your life in the house.

I have been a house renovator for…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 10:18:50 +1200 JonathanM https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309965#post309965 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309965#post309965 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 09:00:08 +1200 Geoff Lealand https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309962#post309962 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309962#post309962 Great stuff, David! You have been missed 'round these parts.

This is a welcome alternative to the excesses of The Living Channel, which my beloved subjects me to. Last night some fellow seemed to be making a house out of compacted cow poo,

You didn't consider mowing your meadow? Cows…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 08:43:41 +1200 Russell Brown https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309961#post309961 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309961#post309961 Apologies to Russell for going the way of The Listener in terms of subject matter.

Not at all, David!

Home renovation is pretty much the media's salvation at this point in humanity's long cultural march.

That's why The Block will be on TV3 three times a week this year --…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 08:38:58 +1200 Ian Dalziel https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309955#post309955 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309955#post309955 rail life...
A perfect exemplification of a tale that never loses in the towelling...

Long may your missing escutcheon stay unblotted, sir!

;- )

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 07:39:52 +1200 David Haywood https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309954#post309954 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309954#post309954 The house is looking beautiful!

You’re very kind, Judy. For comparison purposes, here is (nearly) that same view of the sitting room just prior to starting the relocation. The big hole is the fireplace.

not quite sure which, is best, your writing or your beautiful joinery skills

You’re also very…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 07:39:05 +1200 Raymond A Francis https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309950#post309950 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309950#post309950 Beautiful work David, not quite sure which, is best, your writing or your beautiful joinery skills
Very impressive

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 07:07:06 +1200 Don Christie https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309948#post309948 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309948#post309948 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escutcheon

As I live, I learn.

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 03:24:21 +1200 Judi Lapsley Miller https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309947#post309947 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309947#post309947 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 02:48:27 +1200 David Haywood https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309946#post309946 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309946#post309946 Apologies to Russell for going the way of The Listener in terms of subject matter. The good news is that my house hasn’t made me fat.

I should also point out that I could have chosen any one of about 700 annoying jobs to complain about in this piece. These…

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 01:04:46 +1200 Public Address https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309945#post309945 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/southerly-how-i-became-a-grumpy-old-builder/?p=309945#post309945 Discussion from blog post.

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 01:04:46 +1200