For what seems a very long time I have been following two building projects here in the Blue Mountains’ village of Blackheath. I am beginning to wonder whether either of them will ever reach completion.

The first of the intrepid owner builders is Mr Satin Bowerbird, of No. 1 Upper Memorial Park.

The second is Mr Bob Conolly of No. 10 Pope’s Glen, who happens to be (very) closely related to me.

Now I don’t mean to criticize, but it’s the perfectionist mentality and the constant tinkering that creates a problem for these ‘go it alone males’. They simply do not believe that anyone could do the job well enough to meet their exacting standards. And besides, why waste money when you are perfectly capable of mastering every (well nearly every ) trade yourself? Carpentry? Not a problem. Sorry for the poor photo quality, he was working late, as is his wont.

THIS WILL BE GREAT FOR THE WALL FRAMING

At least he waited until the clear light of morning for the more delicate task of placement.

Interior walls being tinkered with.
WORKING ON THE INTERIOR
Bob working on the interior,
GET A MOVE ON!

NO ASPECT OF THE HOUSE DEFEATS OUR OWNER BUILDERS

A little more work on the roof required! Did either of you think of employing outside help for this? No, of course you didn’t.

Owner builder bowerbird working on the roof.
A BIT PRECARIOUS!

Bob says Mr S. should have been wearing non-slip Dunlop Volleys, the roofer’s footwear of choice for decades.

Bob the owner builder up on the roof.

A quick break for some lunch. I think that’s a segment of orange Mr Bowerbird stole from a picnicker in the park. Bob rarely comes inside to eat, even though the studio we are living in is only a couple of metres away.

The owner builder cannot waste time on a long lunch.
ONLY TIME FOR A LITTLE SNACK!
JUST LEAVE IT ON THE BENCH, I’LL GRAB IT WHEN I CAN

Both builders agree that you can never have too many exposed beams.

A HEAVY LOAD
WORTH THE EFFORT

Well done for getting to this point chaps..

Bower of an owner builder satin bowerbird
PRETTY WELL COMPLETE

When a younger fellow comes to look, and learn.

Juvenile male bowerbird visitng adult's bower for tutoring.
WOW, THIS IS DEAD COOL!
I CAN HELP BOB, JUST TELL ME WHAT TO DO.

Work jackets tend to get a bit scruffy after a while;

SHOULD BE REPAIRABLE
I FEAR THIS ONE HAS REACHED THE END OF ITS LIFE
The Gums, Blackheath by owner builder Bob,
GETTING THERE BOB-THE-BUILDER

Of course the whole object is to lure a patient lady in, and naturally the hope is that she gives the nod of approval!

Satin Bowerirds
YES, THIS LOOKS PRETTY GOOD DEAR.
HOPE IT’S FLATTERING BOB. MAYBE YOU COULD LEAVE THE PLASTIC FILM ON.

A seasonal toast to Bob.

Christmas in an uncompleted house. This is what happens with an owner builder.
DEFINITELY COMING ALONG. BUT PLEASE FINISH IT BY NEXT CHRISTMAS

What about an aerial view of the whole property?

Although I jest, both builders are very dear to my heart!

ONE-UPMANSHIP

For both man and bird, there is always some blighter who has to go bigger and fancier than anyone else. A Blue Mountains bower neighbour (a member of the Strong family) is even laying shag-pile carpet (bit much that green!) and is adding on a wing. An over achieving owner builder without a doubt.

Posh bower with annexe.
PHOTO CREDIT LYN STRONG

It’s the same the world over. everyone thinks bigger is better!

Surely an obsessed builder constructed this.

Click the link for more on Mr S. Bowerbird and his appealing abode in Memorial Park.

4 Comments
  1. haha, you’re pushing your luck. That Man is a bloomin’ marvel!

    • Pauline

      Bob or Mr Bowerbird? Haha…well he was allowed to read it first.

  2. Beaut fun watching both bird and human.

    • Pauline

      Lucky my darling husband/home builder has a sense of humour Simon.

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