"Self-sufficiency does not mean 'going back' to the acceptance of a lower standard of living. On the contrary, it is the striving for a higher standard of living, for food that is organically grown and good, for the good life in pleasant surroundings... and for the satisfaction that comes from doing difficult and intricate jobs well and successfully." John Seymour ~ Self Sufficiency 2003

Sunday 14 February 2010

Resinrooftile goes on



10th September 2009: After hiring a 2 1/2 ton trailer and collecting the Resin Roof Tiles, and scaffolding, RMan and RSon, together with 4 other guys (one a supposed carpenter and the other a "brickie") and braving -2C° INSIDE the caravan when they woke in the morning.




 

It took them 8 days - in driving rain, strong winds and snow on the mountain! Not too shabby for 6 guys who have never heard of hurricane clips nor beam filling, and who have never put a roof on before. The tiles went on easier than the sisalation (which tends to fly about in the wind) but Resin Roof Tiles forgot to give RMan the adhesive weatherproofing strips for the apex of the roof so those will tiles have to come off again so that we can lay that adhesive.


 


When RMan returned from town where he was buying more materials, he found that the "carpenter" had hung the front happy doors inside out, and put the handle on the wrong door. When that installation was queried the carpenter replied that they are correct. After demonstrating to the carpenter how incorrect they were he then re-hung them correctly, and put the handle on the correct door - all of which means that we'll probably have to buy new ones - chipping out the door and frame to hang doors twice doesn't leave a pretty picture - neither does a door handle hole without a handle appeal!

 



We also got the plumber round to install the bathroom basin, and check that the loo was correctly installed - and discovered that plumbers charge R300.00 per tap! Ah, well, guess we do have a working toilet and basin now! And at least the plumber knew what he was doing.

2 comments:

  1. I am so pleased I found your blog. Enjoy reading about your journey to selfsufficency and building your home. We move to OZ 16 years ago and have finally bought our 3 acres but still need to build a home of some sorts. Also got a caravan on sight. All good this come to those that wait. Pop over and read our story Our slice of Heaven and past and present stories. Would love to keep in touch.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Rina

    Thanks for your comments - have you tried staying in your caravan in winter? What are you going to do with your three acres? This is the fun time - planning your future...

    By the way, you don't have a 'contact me' on either of your blogs.

    Dani

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment - it makes my day and removes the "loneliness' of sitting at my screen blogging supposedly to myself ;) I try and reply as quickly as possible so please forgive me if sometimes my response is delayed.