Demolition completed

I was getting concerned as they'd started removing things on Mar 12 and then it had stopped. So wasn't sure if they'd got the demolition permit.

Anyway, today the house is gone!

And so is the fence.. Doh!

Not sure what happened... They were meant to keep P's fence, but instead they removed it all, and his house and garden are now exposed.

He's put up temporary tarp.. Hopefully the wind doesn't blow it over.

Not sure when to complete the fence.
1. Now
2. Wait until end, in case I decide to build the retaining wall on the boundary and fence on top of it. Also I need to make sure there is a gate between p and my house.

First signs of works

Was told by P that last Sat fencing had gone up.

Went around yesterday and found they've started the demolition process!  Have removed the asbestos.  Although I'm not sure if the demolition permit has be approved...

In the end, I paid $5k deposit to lock in the start date for end of April.  If I hadn't built with them before, there was no way I would do it, but to get things moving along, I transferred it on 24/2.

Contracts still haven't been signed.  Had 2.5 hour meeting to discuss plan changes.

Things I've been doing in the meantime.

Looking at front door locks.  I want to get a digital lock but have very little knowledge.

To have multiple entry codes.
To have emergency key access.
To have swipe card.
To have smart phone accessibility.

Learning about bump locks. 

Trying to decide on vinyl flooring
- can go 2.5mm or 5mm.  Same wear layer of 0.55mm which is important to know how long it last.  Main difference in thickness is apparently acoustics and softness underfoot. 

I went to the Asko warehouse clearance 22/2/19 intending to only buy a dishwasher, as I'd decided to go with Bosch gas cooktop and oven, Qasair rangehood. 
And then.  I came across this combined gas/induction cooktop that I had previously seen in stores but discounted due it's cost of $5k.  But it was only $3.5k in the warehouse! 

After ummming and ahhing, googling for an hour, also wondering if 21cm was wide enough, however as there was a wide wok burner, I ended up buying it.  Way over what I'd planned to buy.  But it looks so nice, and solves my problem of whether to go induction or gas.  Now I have to change my rangehood though, as I was originally going to go the Qasair undermount 280mm depth, but it's not appropriate for induction due to the way the steam goes up.  At first I only thought I could go the Eastmore or Westmore which HN don't stock, however my HN guy called up and found that the Eaton was also appropriate.  It was also cheaper than the undermount!  At 380mm depth it does mean that I needed wide cabinetry - good thing that hasn't been finalised.  Was also trying to decide on getting ducting kit or not, but as it sticks out about 150mm, I've decided not to get so it will be flush against the wall.  Also had to change the height of the rangehood as it has to be 750 minimum distance

Deposit

With demolition moving along nicely at this stage, now waiting for contract.

I thought I still had time to decide on contract.  I was still waiting on engineering - which I only got yesterday after signing off in November.
Without engineering, I couldn't complete final construction drawings as my draftsman needed it.
I also hadn't done final revisions.
And without drawings, I can't sign contract.
So I thought I still had lots of time to decide on contract and pricings.

Then last week, my builder told me that he needed a deposit.

Er, I can't pay deposit until I sign contract.

Also I haven't firmed up costings or got the contract specifications.

After the revised costings which were significantly higher than what I expected, it makes me nervous that I'm agreeing to costings that are according to luxury specifications that have not been listed.

I'm also paying a lot more than P and he has more inclusions - not fair!

Abolishment of gas and electricity

Check house today and gas and electricity have been abolished!

Have been selling my things

I had someone come to see if they would buy my things to sell, but not enough value.  From what she said on the laundry leadlight door and rain water tank was of value.

So I think I undersold my leadlight doors :( I should have waited longer.  Only got $200.

I initially tried to sell on Gumtree, no bites. So went to ebay and sold my hot water system and leadlight doors.  Then put up again on gumtree and sold my rain water tank.

Tenants vacate

I gave my tenants 2 months notice to vacate in Dec as I needed time to organise demolition.  Found out yesterday that my tenants had moved out on the weekend - without being told by my agent - but that's a whole other story.

Extremely annoyed as I didn't have time to organise and plan.

I still haven't confirmed contract with my builder - would have pushed quicker to get it completed.

At least I had the quotes already organised for demolition.

But needed to quickly submit applications for abolishment of gas and electricity.

I remembered from last time that I needed to get the names of the suppliers from my tenant, so I had this on hand.

Submitted applications last night, and called up this morning to confirm.

Now need to wait 20 business days before they need to disconnect.

Also need to try and gumtree any salvageable items.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that leadlight doors may be worth something!

Negotiations with builder

After getting an initial estimate I received a second one before Christmas.  Significantly higher, without the finishings of P.

Cabinetry is adding a lot.

Kitchen appliances

Induction vs Gas vs combination induction and gas
Miele vs AEG vs Siemens vs Bosch

Choices, choices

Induction - heats quicker, however may require more electricity, but more efficient as heat is transferred directly to pot.
Gas - would still want wok burner for asian cooking

Initially I was going to go with a similar setup as D - 60cm induction, with 30cm single gas burner.  Miele for induction, but another brand for burner as she's had issues with the Miele single gas burner.

Went to HN and was speaking with rep who recommended AEG.  Has 5 year warranty, Miele only has 2.  Base pyrolytic oven cheaper than Miele.

For single gas burner was thinking about Fisher and Paykel which had a high range Mj/h - which I hadn't considered.  But then was wondering if it would match with an AEG induction which has a metal lining.

If I went AEG oven, induction, then probably better to go AEG dishwasher to reach over $5K and then get an extra 5% off.  Even though my preference is for the Miele dishwasher that D has - auto opening, love the cutlery tray.

I also visited E&S and was shown a Siemens single gas cooktop.  5 year warranty.  However hadn't really heard of the brand for kitchen appliances.  Found out under BSG company, and actually higher range than Bosch.  Induction was cheaper than AEG so would match.

PJ suggested Bosch range - had it in their old house and preferred it to their current Miele.

So still umming and aahing.

Another factor was the Rangehood
Brand was easy, Qasair.  However, if I got gas, I could go with the cheaper Undermount rangehood, set at 700 high, 280 depth.  If I went with induction, I would need to get the more expensive Westmore that has been specifically designed to work for induction and is set at 750cm high, but would also need a greater cabinet depth to fit it at 330.

So it was stressing me out.  Until this afternoon, someone pointed out - I don't even cook much, why am I spending so much on kitchen appliances??  Better to use the money for something else - like buying a thermomix.  Or Youfoodz.  Or more takeaway food!

So I've decided to get a gas cooktop, and therefore Qasair Undermount 100 or 120 (not much difference between the two)
Most likely will get Bosch gas cooktop.
Base pyrolytic Bosch oven is also about $500 cheaper than the base AEG, obviously with less functions, shorter warranty. But again, I rarely bake.

Kitchen sink
Drainer at back so takes up less space in cupboard.
Rubber around undersurface to deaden sound

Found out that HN do quite a decent sink and tap package.  Didn't realise how expensive gooseneck taps can get!  Franke on special at E&S $700!  So package at $1499 saves $200.