Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Cladding DW2

Things are moving slower now.

Brickwork is slowly going up.DW1 garage wall - which will replace the fence that they took down.

Today they completed the upper floor cladding? of DW2.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Solar panel, ductwork, first floor windows

Last Friday they started on the ductwork and put the solar panel for the hot water system for Dw2 on the roof. Yesterday they had started putting on the first floor windows.



Went by on Saturday and did a walk through video. Looks like they smashed a lot of tiles!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Roof tiles up

In the morning walked by and finally met my Site Supervisor Dale.

Was surprised to see that the DW2 roof tiles had been put up yesterday. Today DW1 roof tiles have been put up. They used a little pulley system to bring the tiles up.

Bristile Shake Profile Lunar Eclipse


Was thinking about getting the frame stage inspected (includes frame and slab) especially after I saw this pipe in the slab. But my builders are moving too quick! Foil is on, roof tiles in on, and the heating/cooling and brickwork will be going up soon. So Kevin from New Home Inspections said that I should just wait for Pre Plaster stage.

I think I'm stalking my house - I go there in the mornings and in the afternoons! Even my neighbour Andrew commented this evening!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Fence issue resolved

Spoke to Andrew yesterday. He wanted the back part replaced so I decided to come to a compromise. I will pay full cost of the back fence and we'll split the cost of the front fence. It works out that I'll pay 2/3 and he'll pay 1/3. Not happy with it, but I guess there's not much I can do.

Also was surprised that there were workers there on Sunday - they were putting up the foil in preparation for the brick work. It has the Costas Construction logo.

Went to check on something that had crossed my mind when I was on site last time - the kitchen and dining room windows. On the window schedule they're meant to be at different heights, but as can be seen in the photo, they're at the same level - which I prefer. Good mistake!Had an ADO today, still looking for lights. So hard! Went to Australian Lighting Bayswater, Melbourne Design and Lighting and Maroondah Lighting. Considering this for DW2 foyer light.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Frame stage completed!

As I walk from the station, I can see the side view through the medical centre car park. Yesterday when I got there, not only were all the roof frames completed, I was surprised to see that they had already installed the ground floor windows and sliding doors, and had put up the upper floor gutters and fascias. I'm impressed as to how quickly they're working.Invoice yesterday - 15% - Frame stage completed!

When I snuck in today to take pictures I met Jenny from No. 20. She was impressed by how quickly it's been coming along. She's currently building with NBG in Mount Waverley and says they've been quite slow. She's also planning on knocking down the current house and building, and she also said that No. 4 is too. Further down they've just cleared the site so I'm sure they'll start building soon. This street will definitely be developed soon. I'll speak to her at the end of my build and let her know if I recommend my builder!

Spoke to George yesterday. Neighbour is happy to have no fence with the garage. Now I'll just have to speak with him to see if he's happy to split the cost, otherwise I'll probably just keep it until it falls down! George MMSed me a picture of the rotten posts below the ground, so I'm not sure how much longer it will stay up.

George agreed that I didn't need to pay the 20% variation fee for the council pit which is good. That's why I like dealing with George better - he does't always try to overcharge me, unlike Dan.

Also received my replacement lights - they came really quick - on Monday. Impressive service. Although one was still slightly chipped! But less so than the other one. Also it is such a minor chip at the top I don't really mind. Now I just need to make sure when I hand it over that they take really good care of it as I know how easily it gets scratched.

Scaffolding up

1st November

Went by Cup Day and saw that they had put the scaffolding up - in preparation for the roof frames. Also saw my neighbour and spoke to him about the fence. His main complaint was the lack of courtesy of them removing the fence without consent and the not replacing it with temporary fencing. He also said when they were excavating, they knocked the stumps out - contrary to what Dan said in that the fence fell over. I guess it would fall over, if you knocked it! He felt that the builders should replace the fence. I told him that would be me then. Anyway he was going to speak to George on Thursday with Dale the site manager, who I still haven't met. George has a nice manner so hopefully he will pacify him.