Work has started on the outside, although we got caught short with some wet weather over the last few days. Unfortunately the clay will probably take a few days to dry out to a point where excavators can start working again.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Most of the issues with the house have now been rectified. We have been offered an independent inspection of some of the brickwork to clarify the robustness of the mortar. Some of it appears and feels very soft - you can rub it away with your finger.
Work has started on the outside, although we got caught short with some wet weather over the last few days. Unfortunately the clay will probably take a few days to dry out to a point where excavators can start working again.
Work has started on the outside, although we got caught short with some wet weather over the last few days. Unfortunately the clay will probably take a few days to dry out to a point where excavators can start working again.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
I had the final inspection with the site supervisor yesterday. I found a few things that needed adjusting/repairing. One cupboard door needed adjusting. A damged heated towel rail needs to be replaced. Overall, pretty happy; site supervisor happy to explain things. The MDJ quality assurance inspection had been done the day prior and I noticed many blue tags that had identified areas in need of rectification - again mainly paintwork.
I also had a private building inspector go through at about the same time. His summary was a little disturbing - 'the worst he had ever seen'.
I was quite shocked. He pointed out a few of issues (which to the untrained eye, would be missed) but I will need to wait until tomorrow for the final report.
Anyway, some photos.
We are now free to start earthworks, but handover of keys will probably be next week.
Today I have marked out the run for stormwater lines so I can order pipes and drains for a Saturday installation. The excavator is now onsite ready to start moving soil and shaping the site.
I also had a private building inspector go through at about the same time. His summary was a little disturbing - 'the worst he had ever seen'.
I was quite shocked. He pointed out a few of issues (which to the untrained eye, would be missed) but I will need to wait until tomorrow for the final report.
Anyway, some photos.
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| pantry |
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| kitchen |
We are now free to start earthworks, but handover of keys will probably be next week.
Today I have marked out the run for stormwater lines so I can order pipes and drains for a Saturday installation. The excavator is now onsite ready to start moving soil and shaping the site.
Friday, April 5, 2013
The final clean has been booked in for April 10th. Things completed over the last week include HW system installed, door furniture, appliances, light fittings and the water tank has been connected.
We have also contacted a private building inspector who will do a report for us on the build prior to handover. Considering little things we missed last time, we thought it was a good idea.
We have had final quotes for the excavator to come in and shape the block after final inspection. Total price $8000 which includes a few hundred tonnes of fill being carted and a 50m gravel driveway installed and rolled.
Pool colour has been chosen and ordered. Carpet and bamboo flooring has been ordered and a date has been pencilled in.
We have mesured the windows for blinds. We will probably go with blockout roller blinds from www.blindsonthenet.com.au We have used these people before and were very pleased with the product and followup service.
I have had the electrician in for his thoughts on connecting my shed and pool to the house and any last minute details about the light fittings that need to be installed in the house after handover.
I think it's coming together now....
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| Halogen wall light in the hall - these will be converted to LED after handover |
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| kitchen almost complete |
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| main bathroom shower screen installed |
We have had final quotes for the excavator to come in and shape the block after final inspection. Total price $8000 which includes a few hundred tonnes of fill being carted and a 50m gravel driveway installed and rolled.
Pool colour has been chosen and ordered. Carpet and bamboo flooring has been ordered and a date has been pencilled in.
We have mesured the windows for blinds. We will probably go with blockout roller blinds from www.blindsonthenet.com.au We have used these people before and were very pleased with the product and followup service.
I have had the electrician in for his thoughts on connecting my shed and pool to the house and any last minute details about the light fittings that need to be installed in the house after handover.
I think it's coming together now....
Friday, March 15, 2013
Getting closer to the finish line
We had a meeting on site with the site supervisor today - mainly just to meet him but also to get a walkthrough as the house has been locked up now for a few weeks.
Tiling and kitchen looks great and house has had a coat of spray undercoat.
He has given us the timeline for the rest of the build.
Jobs for us still to do -
Tiling and kitchen looks great and house has had a coat of spray undercoat.
He has given us the timeline for the rest of the build.
- Painters til 25th March
- Electricians (and other trades) til 1st April
- Final walkthrough and inspection week beginning 15th April
- Handover week beginning 22nd April
Jobs for us still to do -
- organise removalists
- book in day of flooring install
- book in electrician to fit lights and other bits and pieces.
- get on site to measure for measure for blinds
- place final order for door screens.
- book install date of pool
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Must be getting close now
The tilers finished off today. Painters started on the internal walls today. The damaged kitchen cupboard has been replaced and the remaning wall hung cupboards have been installed along with the benchtop and tile splashback.
Bathroom vanitys have been installed during the tiling.
We have our first face to face meeting with the site supervisor on Monday afternoon. I do wish there was a little more flexibility in time when they can come out to meet. Anything after 4pm is pretty much out and so is anything before 8am. It follows along with colour selection appointments only being available on weekdays. The only thing you can do on weekends with MDJ is sign over the deposit at a display centre! I think some thought needs to be given to the process as the majority of customers will be working harder to pay off this new home and be more stressed as there are probably living in temporary accomodation. The last thing customers want to do is take time off work to have a 30min meeting with the site supervisor to have a walkthrough of the house. Perhaps allow just a few appointments between 4pm and 6pm!
Anyway, maybe it is just me :)
Either way, we are very happy with the progress of the house.
We have had the final measurement for flooring done (Choices - Taylors Beach), finalised and pencilled in the pool (Coastline Pools - Raymond Terrace), and meeting with the landscaper (Bay and Beyond Landscapes) tomorrow to discuss options. Most of the light fittings have been taken out of layby (Beacon Lighting - Kotara), with just the ceiling fans (Eurolight - Kotara) left to get. We will measure for blinds (Blinds on the Net) when we visit Monday afternoon.
Bathroom vanitys have been installed during the tiling.
We have our first face to face meeting with the site supervisor on Monday afternoon. I do wish there was a little more flexibility in time when they can come out to meet. Anything after 4pm is pretty much out and so is anything before 8am. It follows along with colour selection appointments only being available on weekdays. The only thing you can do on weekends with MDJ is sign over the deposit at a display centre! I think some thought needs to be given to the process as the majority of customers will be working harder to pay off this new home and be more stressed as there are probably living in temporary accomodation. The last thing customers want to do is take time off work to have a 30min meeting with the site supervisor to have a walkthrough of the house. Perhaps allow just a few appointments between 4pm and 6pm!
Anyway, maybe it is just me :)
Either way, we are very happy with the progress of the house.
We have had the final measurement for flooring done (Choices - Taylors Beach), finalised and pencilled in the pool (Coastline Pools - Raymond Terrace), and meeting with the landscaper (Bay and Beyond Landscapes) tomorrow to discuss options. Most of the light fittings have been taken out of layby (Beacon Lighting - Kotara), with just the ceiling fans (Eurolight - Kotara) left to get. We will measure for blinds (Blinds on the Net) when we visit Monday afternoon.
Friday, March 8, 2013
On the inside
Finally gained access to the inside today, meeting with the tilers before the bathroom floors are laid. We were given the opportunity to double check tile selections and any patterning required. All was good.
Painters were also on site. They were beginning to complete the outside bagging, eaves, down pipes and door jambs.
Whilst inside I took a couple of photos.
Painters were also on site. They were beginning to complete the outside bagging, eaves, down pipes and door jambs.
Whilst inside I took a couple of photos.
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| stone bench has been installed |
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| the beginning of facade bagging - Ashen Mist |
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Cabinetry Installed
Most of the cabinetry has been installed today. They look really good considering it took a while to choose the colour, door style and handle combinations.
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| ensuite cabinetry - in Master Bedroom at the moment |
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| desk in children's activity room |
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| Add caption |
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