The solar panels for the hot water system were installed on the roof last week much to our surprise. We didn't expect them to go on so early and would have liked them to be positioned differently to accommodate electric solar panels we were planning to install after the build. Comdain don't install the electric solar panels so we couldn't include this in the contract. There was no indication in the contract or on the plans where the solar panels were going and considering we had discussed our intentions to have other panels on the roof, we're a bit disappointed Comdain say they can't move the solar panels now. In the big scheme of things, it's not a huge issue but something for others to think about during their contract stage.
As the build continues, it is increasingly apparent that the attic is not as we had expected. The brief during the design was storage space but in reality it may not accommodate standard size storage boxes between the struts. This has been disappointing as we would have gladly paid more for a design to fit this requirement. Especially since our previous house (also double storey) on this site had a very good attic space that we could move around in. Another warning for others - its easy to look at architect drawings and see "four walls" but not supporting structures within the space. Be careful!
Other than the issues above, things are going well although sometimes it feels like we're watching grass grow. SS has been extremely helpful with advice and suggestions regarding variations we want to make internally e.g replacing the ensuite toilet door and wall with a panel of glass to allow more light in.
All in all, Comdain are looking after us and the only way you can stomach the stress of building is to accept that not everything will go your way no matter how hard you try.
Hi Comdain2013,
ReplyDeleteHave to admit I was a little underwhelmed with the roof space in my house as well, particularly with Heater and cooler in there, I realise now that I should have asked for a sharper angled roof, perhaps 25° rather than 22.5° would do it. Hindsight so marvellous! I am told that by the 3rd house you get it all right in one build, but I haven't met anyone who has done that.
Cheers & keep up the good reports!
Yes, not sure how old we'll be before we contemplate going through all this again!
DeleteIt's been interesting watching your progress considering we virtually poured our slabs at the same time. Our new SS won't give us a estimate of how long it will be until we get the keys to the door. This may be because he's new to the company and doesn't want to say the wrong thing, but it has the effect of making our build seem much slower now.
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI had the same view on building as you- to accept that not everything will go right- but my house (currently up to ground floor bricks) has had so many problems to date, during what I thought would be the simple stage.
I'm sure all the stress will be worth it once you get to move in!
Amy :-)
http://thesasha-customdesign.blogspot.com.au/
Yes - always a juggle between accepting things and deciding what may annoy you for the rest of your life! Unfortunately for us, the attic may fit into the latter category. However, all said and done, we do feel lucky we've been able to build our own home and I'm sure there will be so many things we will love about it in the end - like my laundry chute :)
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