Day 120 - Plumbers all roughed in for now

Fri (25/02) The neat & tidy plumbers have finished 'roughing-in' for now. Was a little disappointed that I didn't get an input into where the outdoor garden taps were to be located. Have spoken with the builder since and he assures me that I can add or change these.

Next week, the house should have the sisalation (wrap) on, ready for the brickies to start back to complete the brickwork areas. The cladding areas should be done soon also. The house should be 'locked-up' within the next 2 weeks I guess.

Am meeting up with builder on Tuesday morning to discuss various aspects of the build. I am also going to put in a few hours helping 'wrap' the house too. Good experience.

 Neatest plumbers I've ever seen!

  Neatest plumbers I've ever seen!

Outdoor gas point in Alfreco

Laundry plumbing

Outdoor tap, which will be moved
just around the corner

Day - 118 & 119 - Plumbers started

Things are happening slowly at present. I guess the rains haven't helped.

Wed (23/02) Plumbers arrived to 'rough-in' hot/cold water pipes. They completed about half the job today. I will say, they are the neatest plumbers I have ever seen. They even swept up afterwards. V. Impressed.

Thu (24/02) The Skip was picked up.

Day 115 - Fallen branches removed

(20/02) I have had enough of waiting. After 8 weeks of non-communication, even after 2x registered letters to the owner of the vacant land behind me, I decided to cut down the large fallen branches, which damaged both ours and the other neighbours rear fence beyond repair. This was done with my Dad's help of course.
I will now get the fence repalced and issue a Fencing Notice promptly afterwards. If they don't respond to that, then I will be making a visit to the Magistrates Court to recover the cost of the fence, or part thereof. According to the Fences Act 1968. So there!

Before

 After

Day 113 - Scaffold down, wire in

(18/02)
Scaffold came down early this morning. Very noisily, as commented by a neighbour!
I ran my wire for the doorbell system, decided to use Cat6, as you never know what I might put there in the future, as well as it being cheap.
I noted that there was some Ironstone, Colorbond Tek screws laying about, I am hoping that they used Monument and not the Ironstone coloured ones. Will not be happy! Have to get a ladder out on Sunday.

Wire in position

 Front

Side


Rear

Day 111 - We have a roof....

Roof went up today (16/02). I felt like that bloke in the Colorbond advert admiring my roof. I just love it! Initially I had my heart set on Monier's Soho Night, Cambridge profile, but as always, my wife wanted Colorbond, Monument.
Builder also had a skip delivered as site was getting a bit messy and he obviously thought it needed a clean up.
I have to chat with builder prior to Portico being bricked up about running a 'figure 8' wire from the front door to my comms room for my fancy DECT doorbell on my wish list. Press doorbell and phone(s) ring! (Click Link)

 

Day 106 - Site meeting to discuss issues

Builder called early to suggest meeting up today. (11/02) I hadn't even sent the email with the items to discuss on it yet, although I had drafted it.
Will meet up with Builder & A&L Windows rep. on Monday arvo to vent my dissatisfaction with their product.
Other issues discussed were agreed to by Builder or explained in simple terms I could understand.
Whilst I was on site, the Colorbond Gutter, Fascia& Valleys were delivered.
I then headed for the bank to make payment for Frame Stage and Variation 1 payments.

Drove past after bank to find the scaffolding going up!

Back on track now after Builder had a very taxing & sad week in his private life.

Colorbond Fascia & Guttering

Colorbond Valleys

 

 

Scaffold/Fall protection up
(note 2 windows removed temporarily)

 

 

 

Day 105 - Inspection

My Builder mate met me on site to inspect prior to Frame Stage & Variation 1 payment, even though I will pay it anyway, regardless of what we find.
We discussed various items, including the Walk-in-Pantry window, which has been installed upside down! That's why it looked broken!
I have made notes which I will email Builder prior to him and I running through them on site.
Some of the notes include waterproofing/rustproofing Reo in concrete which had to be cut to make slab correct size in 2 locations and the sliding doors in the Living and Meals which have not been assembled correctly and have been damaged upon installation also. I am going to suggest to the Builder that we have the A&L Windows rep. meet on site to inspect their faulty/damaged product. (10/02)

Walk-in Pantry Window installed upside down!

Day 101 - after the deluge!

Sun 6/2
With no roof, I was concerned house would wash away. I was pleasantly surprised that there was no water pooled on ground anywhere. Block drains well it seems.
I spent 3 hours sweeping and blowing water from the upstairs floor and cleaning up the leaves and debris after the storm.
My mate couldn't make it to check the framework. Not sure whether he will get it done before I make payment - fingers crossed!

FORGOT CAMERA AGAIN!

Day 99 - Photos....finally ;) & minor concern

Was concerned that the front entry door and the back laundry door had off-white powdercoated sills - on a black frame - What were they thinking :(
Went to site and called up A&L and was told by their technical guru that they only do off-white sills as it is less noticeable when wear occurs. Happy with that explanation but it will throw colour scheme out. Will look at using epoxy paint later.....maybe.
Also the small sliding window in the Walk in pantry is broken, I suspect it will be fixed without me even mentioning it.
My builder mate is coming over early Sun 6/2 to check framing before I make payment.
Photos below....enjoy.

 

Entry Door Frame
Will have to live with white sills for now (under protective tape)

Laundry Door Frame
Will have to live with white sills for now (under protective tape)

Looking from rear of Alfresco
towards Guest Ensuite Window

Living Room

Stair void window & Ensuite Toilet addition

Day 98 - Windows delivered

Work on the trusses continued and the windows and sliding doors were delivered today (3/2). I did a quick walk through to check on the glazing options we had specified, all looks good but will have another look when I have more time before they install them. I just love the look of the Viridian ComfortPlus Grey40 we specified for all windows on the Facade, which faces the West.
Builder emailed Account for Frame Stage Progress Payment & Variation No.1 payment. Due in 7 Days.

Everything on track so far...

SORRY NO PHOTOS - FORGOT CAMERA!

Day 97 - Trusses installed

Trusses were installed today, despite the hot and windy day. Starting to look like a house now.
Windows should come tomorrow or Thurs (3/2) and then the scaffolding and the Colorbond Gutter & Fascia soon after.

SORRY NO PHOTOS - FORGOT CAMERA!