Day 142 - Brickies return

(Fri 18/03)
Brickies returned and wrapped up the ground floor then continued brickwork. Different brickies are being used this time. The job so far is looking great.

Entry

Guest Bedroom

Meter box down service side

Service Side (North elevation)

Rear Service Side

Day 140 & 141 - Plumbers return

(16/03 & 17/03)
Plumbers returned to site to fit off and move outdoor taps and start 100mm & 40mm waste pipe installation. In the plans, NBG drafting only put in one plumbing stack, apparently we needed 2! Which means that we now have to have a 100mm waste in the alfresco, boxed in a bulkhead up in the corner! Builder says it will look OK, I am sure it will.
For all of you building a 2 storey out there, using Smartjoist floor joists, make sure they have allowed for plumbing stacks in the appropriate locations to avoid this issue.
Now the tapping has been completed, the brickies can start. Hopefully tomorrow (Fri 18/03)

Where it will be bulkheaded above laundry door

Continuation of bulkhead to end of living 

Tap behind in Alfresco area at rear of Guest Ensuite

Tap moved around corner
(so it won't get knocked off by wheelbarrows
and diggers, as there is only 1200mm clearance
between the wall and fence)

Tap down RHS of single garage door wall

Copper pipe work for Garage tap

Day 138 - I laboured

(Labour Day 14/03)
After an early start at work, penalty rates of course ;) , I wanted to dig and level the area for the 3x3 garden shed to go up in the next few weeks. I had to wait for the fence to go up before I could do any work here.
Nothing ever goes to plan, as I struck old concrete and bessa blocks buried from an old shed or incinerator.

 Old bricks and concrete!

All level and ready for crushed rock,

concrete and shed of course!

Day 135 - Bricks delivered

(Fri 11/03)
10 pallets of bricks were delivered early today.  My friendly neighbour texted me to inform me of this. This is the 2nd lot and I think the last.
Builder called with an update today. Has been held up on another job and has had minor staffing problems. I discussed my concerns regarding the Articulation joints in the facade brickwork and I was assured that I had nothing to worry about. Judging by the workmanship of his new brickies on a place he is building nearby, then I am confident I won't have any concerns. Work should start Tue or Wed next week, due to Long Weekend. Alright for some, I am working Sunday & Monday!

Day 134 - Rear Fence done!

(Thu 11/03)
Fencing Contractor was true to his word. He said he'd be there @0730 and he was.
I visited just before 1100 and it was already done. I would highly recommend Daniel and his tradies. This is the 2nd fence he has done for us and on both occasions he turned up 'rain, hail or shine.' He was also one of the very few Fencing Contractors who actually bothered to turn up to quote, and on time.

Contact details for Daniel and his crew are: CLICK HERE

Now I can get on with ordering my 3.0m x 3.0m x 2.25m(H) Gabled Garden Shed for the corner in front of the fence.

 

Day 130 - Cleanup cont. & Window Installed

(Mon 07/03)
I continued cleanup upstairs by sweeping and blowing away the dust from the corners of the frame and picking up all the nails, tek screws and rivets off the floor also. Whilst doing this, the chippy arrived to make a few small alterations to the framing and install the extra window my wife asked for. (1800x850mm Aramadale Awning).
I must admit, it does look good, and lets a lot of extra light into the meals/kitchen area. I helped chippy to install it, which was great.
It was the first time I had been upstairs for ages, so I look around a bit. I found 2 things to note.

1. One of the Master Bed awning windows has had the glazing cracked. It would have to be the one with the Comfort Grey40 glazing on it too!

2. The service ducts either side of the bulkhead in the Family Room upstairs, which was designed for 2x Evap. Cooling points to be ducted downstairs, are placed right above Floor Joists! How are they going to get the 550mm ductwork through with the joists in the way?

Vacuum rep called and we sorted out the Vacuum points and a site inspection prior to installation.

Got some great news regarding the rear fence. The owner has contacted me and will pay his half share.
The fence will be replaced this week.

Additional Awning window

Additional Awning window
(view from Kitchen bench area)

Cracked LH corner of Master Awning window

Day 129 - Rustproofing exposed Reo & Cleanup

(Sun 06/03)

Where the slab was cut back, there was some exposed Reo which had to be stripped back and treated. I accepted the job. Did it with a drill and some brass wire attachments. Father-in-law provided the special epoxy primer.
Spent the rest of the afternoon brushcutting and weedspraying with the backpack. Brushcutter did another drive shaft! Not happy. Will now get a proper straight shaft one.

Primed, exposed Reo (Entry)

Primed, exposed Reo (Entry)

Primed, exposed Reo (rear conrner Alfresco)

Day 127 - Site meeting

(04/03) Site meeting to discuss progress so far and run through some specifics with Builder regarding the next stage, being lock-up. I think I scared him with the amount of cabling I will be installing. I'm sure he's seen more elaborate installs though.
House didn't get wrapped this week. Work should start again on Monday. Fingers crossed!
Did notice a hole in the ensuite floor upstairs, approx 4x2in. Pointed it out to Builder.

Hole in ensuite floor