Driveway

One early morning in week 31, caught the guys working on the driveway. 

I had a chance to talk with our supervisor that day.  Our independent tiler was also on-site to measure up the ground floor. All up, it was 101 sqm of tiles needed for the internal ground floor, and 7 sqm for the porch.

Weeks 29 and 30

For more than 2 weeks, we haven't tracked the progress of our build in detail. The progress wasn't that bad. Happy to see the kitchen to take shape. Smartstone benchtops were installed on the island and backbenches. We would need install a glass splashback for the returns on the backbench though.

The wet areas were also done. All vanities and tapwares were installed. However, finishing touches for the grouting were left to be done.

Most of the electricals were completed. Things left to do were the downlights, video intercom and aircon unit installations. Alarm, exterior powerpoints and wall lights were installed. Circuit breakers for the meter box were also completed.

Dimmer switches were installed on the correct locations. Smoke detectors and automatic garage door installed.  Hopefully, all these things work when powered up.

Great to see that my NBN was all done, with wall plates nicely placed in the walk-in robe - NBN connection box (bottom unit) and NBN Power supply with Battery backup (top unit). My router will sit on top of the wardrobe cabinet and will provide connections to the wall plates. Connections in the wall plates feed the rooms with ethernet connections. We didn't need the Smart Hub that builders install in the garage.... and sell for a hefty $600 (or even more). Now, I am just waiting for the NBN provider to install the utility box outside of the house.

Junction boxes on the exterior wall installed. I'll be installing a couple of bunker and flood lights after handover. Watertank installed, with an ugly color. Termite protection barrier also installed, later to be fill-up up with chemicals.

Ground floor panorama

Build Updates

It's been a while since the last post. We were on a holiday and loved every single day of it. While we were away, the progress of our build went smoothly. I'll give updates on my next post. In the meantime, here are some of our holiday photos.

Tiles - Wet Area Completed

As we head down the home stretch, we were assigned with a new supervisor. The previous site supervisor (who was the Area Manager) had to take on upcoming projects. It is not the best news as our previous supervisor was very good. Last thing we wanted for the final stages of our build is to become pear-shaped. 

To begin with, not much work done this week aside from the completion of the tiling on the wet areas. Bath tub and laundry tub were installed.

Skirting were ready to be installed.

Now, to be on track, we have another 4 weeks left before Practical Completion Inspection. What is expected for next week should be the completion of the painting, electrical/plumbing and fix out carpenter to finish off.  

To cap off, here's a photo of the house after week 27. Nothing has changed in the exterior though.

Tiles - Wet area

Tiles for the wet area were started before the Easter weekend. Happy with the progress, still on track.

Laundry area tiles

Common bathroom

Ensuite

First of the appliances was installed. Smeg Undermount Rangehood.

Under deck ceiling (for the porch) was completed. Stain finish to be applied after handover.

A week ago, we reported that the door that was installed was wrong (duracote door).  The correct one should be a maple door with stain finish. New door was delivered and ready to replace the wrong one. **sigh***

Kitchen Cabinets et al.

Kitchen cabinets were installed before the Easter weekend. The overhead cabinets looks sweet!! 

 Bathtub and laundry tub delivered

Timber skirting for ground floor ready to be installed.

 Bathroom/Laundry tiles delivered.

Cutouts were done for the electrical outlets and powerpoints. Mounting clips were also installed.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing completed.  

Skirting installation was also completed on the first floor.

Cornices installed.

Next up, kitchen cabinet installation.

Doors

Architraves, door jambs and internal doors were installed. Sliding doors for the laundry and alfresco were also fitted.

We're going to look-up stage!

However, they messed up something. They installed a duracote front door (green door). Duracote doors have paint finish.  The correct door should be a maple one with a stain finish. Our supervisor will check and fix it.

Staircase

The staircase was installed at week 24. Slightly on track but they could do better. Neighbor building with Eden Brae, who started later than us, were at the same stage we were in.

Moving on, nice to see the staircase installed (not yet stained though). Upon entering the front door, you will not miss it. I foresaw that the staircase would be the "hero" for the forward part of the house. Upgrading it to platinum range would give the living room a little bit of a bang.

We love the appeal of an open staircase. But we opted for a closed one with an option for the under stair storage. House clutter and other knick-knacks shall definitely go in this storage.

Closed tread and risers were made of maple. Aluminium non-slip strips to be installed at the edge of the treads.

Maple post and HR45 maple handrail. Balustrade are round stainless steel.

Wall Plasterboards

Internal walls and ceiling linings were completed at week 23. 

 

Wall insulation and Balcony decking

Following the pre-linings inspection, installation of wall insulation was completed. Noise insulation around the house were also installed.

Timber decking for the balcony was completed but the timber ceiling (for the porch) was not yet finished. Instead of having a front door ceiling made of plasterboard only, it was decided that the timber will be extended from the porch up the front door. Sounds good. We'll see what happens.

The timber ceiling at the porch was meant to be something like this. Haven't decided yet on the stain color. The dark stain might look better though.

Independent Inspection - Pre-linings/Frame

We booked HK Ryan for the independent inspection at pre-linings stage (week 22). After the inspection, we received a detailed report right away.  There were minor issues found.  Most of the findings were in relation to frame straightening. Some walls needed additional studs, some wall braces needed to be nailed on the studs etc.  

I also ran through with our supervisor the electrical plan. Some wall plates were not installed in the proper locations. 

On that same week, the defects were fixed (as told by our supervisor). However, I have yet to receive a written confirmation from Elderton.

Cladding, Electricals, Roof etc

Quick updates for this week;

Remaining cladding were installed at the side and back of the house.  Colorbond roofing for the garage was also completed.

Frames for the sliding doors were installed. Rangehood ducting were positioned to be vented outside.

 Kitchen bench electrical rough-ins for the outlets and strip lights.

Electrical outlets for the downlights (x15).  These were located in the family, kitchen and foyer.  All other rooms shall have battens for downlight installation after handover.

Since I'm not having NBN hub, Costa Electricals offered to provide a conduit from the garage going to the WIR. This means that the NBN box will be installed in the WIR alongside wih my router and NAS. 

WIR wirings and wall plates. Data and phone shall be running out from the WIR to other data points in the house. 

 TV antenna splitter

Data point and TV Antenna point

Meter Box