Subtle changes

Surprised to find that the plasterers have started their work today. Can't wait until we get a look inside.

On the outside, the final render colour (paperbark) is on and the down pipes (also in paperbark) have been installed. 

So this is lock-up

The bill has been sent so we must be at lockup. Due to the scaffolding issue, there are a few missing windows and the alfresco and garage are still without a roof, but we don't mind - as long as the bank agrees.

The scaffolding is due to come down in a few weeks ( another big effort involving turning off the power lines) so we have been trying to organise our TV antenna and solar electrical panels while access to the roof is still relatively easy. 

Internal plastering is scheduled to start next week. Very exciting.

Electrical work progressing

Steady stream of tradies working on the house this past week although little has changed in the external appearance.

We've had 2 on-site meetings with the electrician this week and one thing that you have to credit Comdain for is that they have excellent tradies. Consistent with our experience with the other tradies so far, not only was the electrician nice to deal with but he had looked carefully at our plans and made some very reasonable suggestions. He could have easily just interpreted the plans his way and not asked us about heights for certain power points, whether we wanted garden lights or whether we wanted the light switch to the walk-in-wardrobe inside or outside the door. With so many things to worry about, we really appreciate all those extra sets of eyes checking the detail. 

Outside transforming

Excited to see the rendered foam boards starting to go up on the first floor today.

As mentioned in our last post, we've gone back to the drawing board with the laundry design. SS and CM thought that the original configuration was a bit awkward in practice and came up with some modifications which we're quite happy with. Of course this will have to be put in as a variation but the changes make a lot of sense. The only danger really is that it's given us the opportunity to change our minds again regarding the choice of laundry benchtop, having already done this twice post contract signing. 

5 months since demolition

From the outside, it looks as if not much has changed since our last post but having driven by almost on a daily basis, we know that the carpenters and plumbers have been a constant presence on site. 

Getting to lock up has been hampered by the scaffolding issues but to Comdain's credit, there has been a lot of internal work which probably would have been started after lock up under usual circumstances.

Nice meeting up with SS and CM on site today: render colours confirmed, discussion about placement of keypads/doorbell/more noggins and a reconfiguration of the laundry. 

Current issues

Another meeting with SS this week.

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. 

 

Progress with the new SS

Happy to report that things are all back on track. Met with the new SS this morning and did a walk through the house. Eaves are being installed which will then allow installation of the rendered foam boards and then ... lock up! This may still be 4-6 weeks away but at least there is progress. 

Plumbing rough-in still going on and shower heights confirmed. Electrician due next week which will allow us to see the heights and placement of all power points. 

The pictures from the walk-through don't really do it justice so here are just a few.

BBQ in the Alfresco area.

Corner view from upstairs.

Bathtubs (albeit in the kitchen)!