SLOOOW House Build - Will We Ever Move In?

[@thetaoofkim5185]

Karen, it is SO commendable that you have been handling being without your partner and his help for so many long stretched!. Taking care of a small child and living essentially on your own is not easy and you are an absolute champ for sustaining it as long as you have. You are a doing a great job, mama :)

[@TravellingK]

Thank you 💛 I really appreciate your comment!

[@samm4265]

Never be hard on yourselves with regards to emotions, you have both worked really hard to build your first home together, and not forgetting raising a little one! I think what you have achieved is amazing and inspirational. If it is any consolation I have been living in a renovation project for more than 10 years, like you freezing winters in mountains of France and I fully understand that joyful moment when you have a bathroom you can use. As us Brits would say, keep calm and carry on!

[@SuzieBanks-ot8bn]

Your Amazing! karen. What a Capable! woman you are. Hayden is a lucky man😉. I am sure with how motivated you are you will get the job done before winter. Sending much love🙏❤

[@janicecameron3688]

Oh I've been following you for a few years now but this is the first time I've seen you cry breaks my heart, I truly feel for you❤❤❤❤ keep strong you will be in your home soon. Sending love and hugs.xx❤❤

[@catherinegamble3473]

You are amazing. Not many people would be able to cope with the long absence of their partner in the middle of a self build. Let alone bringing up a little one. The house looks amazing so far. I always think, the harder a thing is to achieve, the more we appreciate it when it's completed. Hang in there Karen. 😊

[@daddybob6096]

It's looking good so far though Karen. Nice design too. I understand your frustrations and i would encourage you, hang in there, you can do this. Circumstances change for us all, but you have been on your own in isolated area's before and you can handle anything. Bob. LH.

[@TravellingK]

Thank you Bob! Appreciate your faith in me.

[@highlandlass74]

So great to see your update...can totally understand why the thought of another cold winter making the best of things in the cabin might feel unbearable. You and Hayden both are a force of nature and I'm cheering you on from Ireland!

[@TravellingK]

It did take me a while to complete this video! The part I struggle with the most in winter is going out in the cold and dark to the cold caravan kitchen, with a grumpy Reese trying to follow. Feels good to be progressing again!!

[@robperano7708]

It does look bloody good on the outside Karen.Keep the faith

[@sooz1968]

Karen, you’re a legend. I hope everything goes well for that building inspection. I remember you were choosing a septic when I was doing the same for my build. We’re in now and it’s the best thing ever. I’ll never build again it was one of the hardest experiences of my life, it breaks you, but one day this will be behind you. You’re doing a wonderful job, you’re very strong and resilient. You’ve got this.

[@brucelorityler2987]

Happy happy happy!! You go Karen!! What an amazing accomplishment for you. We built a home out of pocket and it took us 8 years or so out of pocket. It was worth all the nerves and emotions in the end to finish our dream house. Here’s to your family’s warm and snug winter.

[@brec5879]

I’m so delighted for you. U are great. U did right to get the builder helper. I can totally understand why u got upset. I wud have bailed out and given up. U are super. I hope your hubby appreciates how strong and sensible you are. You deserve to hv a lovely warm home for winter. You’ve waited long enough. Keep up the good work. 👏🏽

[@TravellingK]

Appreciate this! Feels so good to have progression again.

[@jilldavies8546]

Well done you. Completely understand why you could not take another winter in a tiny cabin.

[@TravellingK]

Guess I just know deep down that I can’t do another winter.

[@christophergalland35]

Amazing person amazing built and life, have followed you from the beginning days of your travels i met you a number of years ago at the Hamilton caravan show all the best for Christmas and your future life with your child.

[@ianlove3]

Well done good job.

[@---Kevin-J-Ripley---]

Thank you so much for going back to the look of constipation on your thumbnail........magic !!!

[@TravellingK]

You’re welcome?🤣

[@albertmorrisontheaustralianyrs]

totally understandable those emotions considering all that you have been through. You clearly have the strengths and persistance but everyone has their limit. Glad things are moving forward and I like the look of your house. It'll be great to see you put your feet up for a bit at some point. thanks for sharing you personal story.

[@doreenlamothe9278]

You are an amazing person, Karen!

[@muja28]

keep up the good work you are doing so well

[@JohannaRose85]

Oh I really feel for you. I did 2 UK winters (my husband also built our extension/house while I did everything for out 2 small children on my own) and this winter I had enough. Almost 3 years and I had to leave, I moved out last November and into my own home. It just wasn't safe or warm enough for me and our children to go through again. We're divorcing, not because of the house build but I suppose it didn't help the situation. We had no flushing toilet for about 3 months so I know how excited you must be haha! Sending lots of love x Oh and my final frustrations were because it really felt like the last year nothing happened. It was sooo upsetting.

[@TravellingK]

Oh, I also really sympathise with you too! Wow, that sounds HARD and frustrating. Feel free to Facebook chat or email me if you’d like 💛

[@leopardsgowild]

it would be very hard to do another winter, with the house just sitting there unfinished... Go you guys.

[@TravellingK]

Yes, that’s true too!

[@PaulineStockhausen]

I hear you!!! Building a house is hard fricken work. Honestly it drives me mad how long it has taken for us ans we still haven't finished !

[@SecretGardener9736]

Gosh you did so well Karen. It gave me neck ache just watching. I understand your frustration with the house build as it's a natural feeling for a woman to want a home when you have a child. I cross my fingers all goes well in the next few months. Good luck! 😊

[@TravellingK]

Definitely felt it in my arms and shoulders! So far most of my house jobs have been above my head - like painting 🤣🤦‍♀️ Hopefully keep the momentum going 🤞

[@gracehomestead1389]

Awe,well done,I could really feel your distress,its hard enough having a young one to look after. And Im sure you didn't want to pressure Hayden but knew you needed get done, hats off to you for being proactive and mindful

[@eleanorchapple8772]

I’m always delighted to see a video from you pop up. Your house looks amazing from the outside and you are really a ‘Let’s get it done’ person. The insulation makes me think how cosy you will be come winter.

[@ellexpress111]

Well done you are amazing I pray all goes well with the building inspector when his time comes and no more winters in the cabin yeehaaaa

[@TravellingK]

Thank you!! I hope so too!!!

[@martinworrall5888]

Very well done. You go for it girl❤

[@dianebaker5243]

Happy for you that you was able too do the installation 👍🥰

[@TravellingK]

Felt good to be doing something myself!

[@dawnoakley1776]

Aw karen watching you completely getting upset is so hard to watch😢 Glad your on track now xx❤

[@TravellingK]

Sorry!!! I dithered about showing that part, but felt it was too honest not to include it.

[@TeeVeeZed123]

House builds and/or renovations are always a mix of highs and lows, and when the lows happen they can seem awfully overwhelming, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel, even if you have to march up there and turn it on yourself.

[@Harpiegirl123]

Aww I’m glad you didn’t show the upset, your doing great and well done doing insulation good woman at least your trying 👏👏👏👏💁‍♀️🖖🏹🏹good woman good on you.😊

[@TravellingK]

Thank you!!! Yeah… glad I didn’t share the other footage. I was upset.

[@patrickjobling8676]

When in doubt mzz travelling k.. make a nice coopa tea ..give a lil whistle out the kitchen window ..and all ya zippty doo dahs will fall into place ... 😍😎😁pip pips and carryon

[@DeBoerVan]

Great❤ Well done. Move forward one day at a time.

[@sportynat8702]

You go girl!

[@victorgomes7585]

Haven’t watched any of your videos for like two years I think. Been very focused on the whole criminal stuff surrounding the so called pandemic. Never noticed any notifications from your channel either. And to see that you now have a partner, a little boy and a house in progress, well… it makes me very happy for you! Sending you lots of love and best wishes from Melbourne Australia. PS: I have always followed your caravan lifestyle. Finally…7 years later I bought an Avan Aliner and a Toyota Rav 4 this week. Looking forward to my little adventures too. Thank you for your videos. You are doing a fantastic job. You are a go getter. ❤x

[@vickyfinlayson]

Wahooo you go girl!!!! Thank you for sharing the raw reality of life. Sending love ❤

[@brec5879]

😢❤❤❤❤ hugs

[@alc7926]

Even adding in the insulation made the house look more complete. It’s tricky isn’t it with a little one to look after and Haydn working away off site? You must feel like your hands are tied, a lot of the time( I’ve been there). You will get it finished you know, although it may seem like a never ending journey at the moment, it will be so worth the wait. You’ll have a beautiful self-built home on a peaceful, idyllic plot of land. Keep going Karen, you are doing a fantastic job, with the house & the little man. All power to you Haydn & Reece 👏🏻🫡👍

[@TravellingK]

Hands being tied, yes! And I guess I’ve spent a lot of my life being independent and my own boss. Makes this interesting for me… Felt so good to be doing something myself on the house.

[@Arizonagirlforreal]

The house if so pretty! I bet you are going to be so happy when its done!!

[@pandrew3146]

You Re doing so well and have done so well congratulations my dear🎉😊 hope all goes well so you don't have another winter in the cabin. Bless you.❤

[@Britbabe53]

Oh I so feel for you, how frustrating to come up against these challenges for your new home. But you go girl! You did an amazing job on the insulation! Crossing all my fingers that everything works out to get you in there before winter.

[@catherinedeseton964]

awesome - the photo on the title short of the video of the the exterior of the house, looks magic...love the staining and the iron feature

[@lyndamorrissey6646]

I feel for you Karen. Part of a house to live in would be better then none to keep warm.

[@craigwadey2122]

You have done well.

[@jameskirby5386]

Wow, amazing job.

[@GarthHaylock]

Great idea getting a bit of a building kick start when you could and getting back involved in moving forward. Nice to get insulation, wiring and things sorted. Well done

[@TravellingK]

Thank you. We’re getting there!!

[@bertkelly7650]

Way to go Karen!

[@Omri_Makes]

Great work 👍🏼So happy you’ll be in your house soon ☺️

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid on channel keep up the good vid thanks ;lee

[@1crusaider]

Great work

[@melanieodey6552]

Karen You are doing such a brilliant job of getting on with it. Well done! While the internal walls are open is great to insulate them, re soundproofing, fire protection, increasing overall temperature management? Worth researching anyway 🙂 Best of Wishes and you are creating a magic home in a beautiful area. I can hear the sheep baaing in the background 🙂

[@TravellingK]

Thank you! And I’m 100% doing soundproofing in the internal walls 😀

[@1Polglen]

I can sympathize. Half way through rebuilding the back of our house up in the Mamaku’s (and that is another cold part of the NI) my husband had work in Germany for three months. The windows didn't arrive in time. So for one winter I had tarps on the outside and every second hand blanket I had managed to lay my hands on, stapled on the inside. The insulation was in though. I use a lot of coal in the fire range that year! I had two small boys. Amazing what you can get through when you have to. Your house is looking good.

[@TravellingK]

Sheesh!!! That would have been one tough winter!! Glad you got through it. And interesting to hear about the other cold spots on the north island. I looked up your location.

[@philipbramley2327]

Totally admire you Karen, wife an I have followed you for few years now, not so much travelling K, but great update, take care.

[@TravellingK]

I do appreciate that you’ve stuck around after my topic change! A bit different to my caravan days.

[@christinawarbrooke213]

Wow your house is coming along awesomely, great job, hows Rhys/Reece doing, must be a big boy now, I haven't seen one of your vlogs for awhile. You'll be in by winter you have the drive to get it done.

[@lyndamorrissey6646]

Use the cut offset in one of the spaces so no waste

[@johnbolton8606]

How about hosting a "PATREONS DAY" when they can come along meet you and help with the build ? It has happened and been very successful on other channels and I believe MIKE SCOON has experience in organising them.

[@griswald7156]

I think we have insulation without itchy stuff in the uk? I’ve seen it encapsulated in red plastic..

[@TravellingK]

Oh wow, really!!! It’ll probably arrive to NZ market right after I’ve finished 🤣🤦‍♀️

[@griswald7156]

@@TravellingK it was helpful to see your frustration,we all suffer that hell at times,with the various tragedies and panics that befall us all….i remember getting it as a child if I didn’t go in the front seat with the driver..i think your concern was far more justified…stay tough,ive got every confidence in you being content…

[@iangrice329]

Well done you, excellent job 😊 I spent a day re insulating the walls in a 1976 sprite alpine caravan and the next 3 days itching and coughing because I only had shorts on 😮

[@TravellingK]

Yikes!!! I only itch one day after, so maybe the product has improved 🤣🤣

[@iangrice329]

@TravellingK only did it 3 years ago, I got all sweaty and the dust stuck to me, was covered in it for hours.

[@phenogen8125]

You probably could have benefited from foil-faced insulation to reflect radiative heat from hot roof in summer. May be worth foil-backed plasterboard lining to ceiling if not already contemplated. Also when working with any fibreglass should have totally covered skin and barrier cream on any potential exposed areas such as wrist and face; worn a good mask as fibreglass is very nasty stuff especially if breathed in with similar damage as asbestos. Beware risk of injury if there on your own; ladders in particular. Good progress; you'll get there and appreciate it all the more eventually. Cold winters? where is that warming all the modelling predicts?

[@kerriirvin5206]

Fantastic job, looks amazing 🐞

[@stephenroberts6222]

Youve done it before ,you ll do it again .just dont wurry!!! By the way where 's buggaluggs???

[@kerrylaw100]

Good for you male pride/ego has no place when you have a child and suffer with those winters … if you can afford it just get the tradies in and finish it once and for all 👍🌸

[@TravellingK]

I’m all for getting more help!

[@brendanzyp3592]

Before you know it you'll have spent 3 winters in the new house.

[@Usermark666]

Great job on the insulation as I think it’s the most horrible job on a build. Well done

[@TravellingK]

It felt like something I could confidently do though!

[@jo-annegibb443]

I think you're a super woman, we're in Taupo and I would definitely NOT want to be between a cabin and caravan with a toddler in winter

[@TravellingK]

And Taupō can get cooooold too! I’ve learnt that when it’s cold and dark, I want to shut the door and not need to step outside again. It was fine when I lived in the caravan, as that’s what I did!