Monday, August 12, 2013

A busy couple of months

We had a deadline for much of the finishing off work. It was our Christmas in July party. It had to be put off to the first weekend in August. So here are the things that have been completed just in time.
I purchased an alarm system from www.cheapalarmparts.com.au about 12 months ago. The install instructions were great and the price good as well. After many trips up into the roof and a lot of checking and double checking connections, all seems  to be working.
I also purchased a video intercom system from EBay about 12 months ago. A simple system that has two monitors (one in the house and the other in the garage at the rear of the block) and a camera/doorbell at the front door. Another simple to install device but just a little bit fiddly.
My final purchase from EBay was a network/phone and video hub. From this our coax, LAN and phone lines are split and sent across the house and up to the 'mancave' at the rear of the block. A bit of a crash course in wiring :)
Outside we have completed a gabion wall through www.gabion1.com.au .
A mistake with rock size has resulted in some 'leakage' but we will perservere. Boral were good enough to supply another load of rock in a more suitable size. A little late once most of cages were filled though.

We have laid Sapphire soft leaf Buffalo in front of the gabion and in the front 'courtyard'. It has taken really well considering the chilly weather. We purchased through www.eturf.com.au who were really good to work with.

Drainage has been an issue but most of the problem spots have been alleviated with rubble trenches, slotted pipe and surface drains that lead directly to the street. The rubble trenches have been a pleasant surprise. A trench filled with aggregate and covered in geotextile fabric. Stormwater flows quite freely through the aggregate.
We have had a slab verandah laid across the width of the house at the rear and a simple pergola installed above. Ornamental grapes have been planted near a few of the pergola posts. They will hopefully be trained up and over the pergola to provide shade in Summer and allow warmth in Winter when the leaves have dropped.
Last week the pool was was dropped into place with plumbing and electrical work continuing this week. Concrete will be laid around the pool to join up to the existing rear slab verandah.