Hi y’all. This blog is for those interested in house renovations, Queenslander homes in particular. Last year my husband and I bought our first house together, a somewhat fraught but ultimately rewarding experience. The house is a classic 1920s Queenslander home on a large block, and nothing much had been done to it over the years. It was in almost original condition. There had been some additions to the house – an extra gable here or there, but essentially the house is the same as it was in the 1950s, louvre windows and all! No bessa-block built in under the house – nothing, really. Its bones are good, the timber mostly solid, and even the flaking paint job isn’t completely horrid.
This blog will document our journey from house inspection to its current shape. There will be plenty of photos and a description of some of our more amusing stuff ups. I’ve kept extensive photo records of the old dear – Harry’s place, we call it. It’s after the old fella who lived here for more than 50 years. We’re probably the 3rd owners.
Enjoy our tales of Harry’s Money Pit – brought to you by Bunnings and Ikea.
The house that Jess built. 
Hi Jess,
Loved reading your blog about doing up your queenslander. What colour did you end up painting the exterior of your house. Love your fence. We have just recently purchased a 1920s queenslander in tamborine, havent moved in yet, trying desperately to figure out what we should paint the exterior of the house in. I liked the wayward grey trim you did on your fence, might use that for our trim lol. Just not sure on the main colour and then the windows. Any help would be appreciated. thanks again for the blog it was a great read. Love the fact that you have different timbers on your floor. Mine does too and I was worried it might look mismatched when polished because there are a rooms with darker wood and one with a lighter one but I think after all the sandings is done and they are polished it wont matter. Thanks again,
Cheryl
Hi Cheryl, thanks for the comments! I love writing my blog but am in a terrible state right now as we have stalled on plans for the next renovation. Something about money and waiting until the children have finished their expensive private education…Sigh!
Our external colours have not yet been decided, but Wayward grey is definitely our preferred trim colour. I also like Surf Mist as an off-white colour as it looks quite white but not that clinical white. Being on a busy street we get quite a bit of dirt on the fence, so it’s best that it’s not too bright. We’re still deciding on our primary colour, but like so many others we’ll probably go a mid-grey colour, which is very fashionable right now.
However, as we have not yet managed to sort out our renovation plans, everything is on hold! We’re getting crankier and crankier about the state of our 1 bathroom and dodgy stove, but money is not growing on our trees right now! I’ll keep on with the blog as more things are done so keep an eye out. Good luck with your move!