After all the headaches, dramas and delays, I feel like these past few months that have really taken it's toll on our spirits, may be behind us.
A quick look in the house today, I was completely blown away with the sight of lovely internal doors most of which have all been installed, cornices complete, architraves going on and biggest and best of all our newly installed kitchen. Definitely was not prepared for this kind of progress which unfortunately meant I went without my camera or phone, so I have no photos as yet but they will come.
We will keep a close eye on the quality of what is being built and keep in contact with our private inspector to make sure everything is as it should be but the faith that we once had in our builder may slowly be returning.
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Sunday, 18 September 2011
Seriously..... How good is Gyprock!
For the first time in what seems a very long time, we have walk on site with a feeling of complete elation.
Gyprock! Is there any better sounding word, any better looking product. Short answer NO! and with Gyprock will certainly come Lock Up in the very near future. Our recent addiction to Reno shows has taught us that Lock up is considered the half way point. Just a pity it has taken us 15 weeks to get us almost there.
No need for too many words this post. I think the pictures tell the story a better:
Not sure what happened here but our Pillar has seen better days We have also been considering what to do with our landscaping this week. We are lucky enough to have purchased a block surrounded by house and land packages which means the fencing is done without a cent of our money. Only problem is retaining walls are not. We had originally thought that as our block was practically level, we would need very little retaining. However, our rear neighbours cut and we filled = Need for a 600+ retaining wall, which should required planning and engineer approval. Another lucky break, we caught the neighbours fencer on site, found our way around the planning, threw him a couple of bucks and just like that a retaining wall appeared. The big one still to go and is scheduled for this week but at least now all we have to do when we finally move in is a few agpipes, a little bit of fill, some turf and a drive way then we are done.
Happy Times.
Gyprock! Is there any better sounding word, any better looking product. Short answer NO! and with Gyprock will certainly come Lock Up in the very near future. Our recent addiction to Reno shows has taught us that Lock up is considered the half way point. Just a pity it has taken us 15 weeks to get us almost there.
No need for too many words this post. I think the pictures tell the story a better:
WARNING - Photo overload
View from the entry
Ensuite
Shower hidden behind the ensuite vanity. Still no sign of the recess
but I guess it will show up soon enough
Lounge room
Dining / Living area
Kitchen / Pantry
Laundry
Main Bathroom
Main Bathroom Vanity
Shower - also in need of a recess
Not sure what happened here but our Pillar has seen better days
Happy Times.
Friday, 9 September 2011
A glimmer of hope
The past week has been a little frustrating. A week when Gyprock should have been going up was instead spent fixing all the issues that were highlighted in our inspection report. A chat to the Bricklayer fixing up all the dodgy work only added to the frustration when he told us that he would be the only one doing the repairs as he could not afford an extra labourer.
We were on site today with the Builder and our private inspector from IBAS (who we highly recommend) and it seems that apart from a few relatively minor issues like some missing weep holes, it seems that the majority of the work has been done. Andrew our inspector recommended that there was no reason to hold off on the insulation and Gyprock any longer. The builder agreed to fix the few remaining issues in a timely manner (which we have faith will happen) and has scheduled for insulation to happen on Wednesday and Gyprock to follow on Thursday.
We are happy to give credit where credit is due and One Three have actually been very accommodating in going ahead and fixing what needed to be rectified, which we were not sure would be the case after the initial drama with getting the inspection. Although in saying that, we still find it hard to give anyone a pat on the back for doing something that should have been done properly in the first place. Important thing is that we can now move forward.
During our meeting today we also got the news that our SS has now left the company, for whatever reason we don't really care but we are hoping that the change in supervisor will be just what we need to get this build back on track. Not really sure when the new guy starts but we are told that he has a lot more experience and will hopefully be easier to deal with. With 11 weeks left in our contact we can only hope so.
Window Sills removed
Window Sills replaced
We were on site today with the Builder and our private inspector from IBAS (who we highly recommend) and it seems that apart from a few relatively minor issues like some missing weep holes, it seems that the majority of the work has been done. Andrew our inspector recommended that there was no reason to hold off on the insulation and Gyprock any longer. The builder agreed to fix the few remaining issues in a timely manner (which we have faith will happen) and has scheduled for insulation to happen on Wednesday and Gyprock to follow on Thursday.
We are happy to give credit where credit is due and One Three have actually been very accommodating in going ahead and fixing what needed to be rectified, which we were not sure would be the case after the initial drama with getting the inspection. Although in saying that, we still find it hard to give anyone a pat on the back for doing something that should have been done properly in the first place. Important thing is that we can now move forward.
During our meeting today we also got the news that our SS has now left the company, for whatever reason we don't really care but we are hoping that the change in supervisor will be just what we need to get this build back on track. Not really sure when the new guy starts but we are told that he has a lot more experience and will hopefully be easier to deal with. With 11 weeks left in our contact we can only hope so.
And again
They are now angled not flat to match the rest of the house
Holes have been patched
Hopefully we will have some better photos next week when the interior of our house starts to take shape. Exciting times ahead.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
The holes are beginning to show.........Literally!
So our roof went up in a few days and we were told that gyprock was to be delivered on 29th and be installed on the 31st, it sounds like things are moving along smoothly. We had our inspector go out on Thursday to tell us there is no way gyprock should go ahead and that he had 50 different pictures of defects or incomplete works, the most serious issues involving the shocking job that has been done of our bricks.
We were told that "The bricks have not been cleaned yet and more incomplete joints will occur due to cleaning (ie. more areas of daylight when cleaned due to the nature of high pressure cleaning). I cannot see how the accredited certifier has passed the works. The frame itself requires further works to be compliant with AS. 1684 “Timber Framing Code”. There are other problems with the brickwork and built-in elements, water proofing not done properly, roofing not fixed with correct amount of screws."
When I contacted our builder his response was that both he and the SS knew about this before our inspector went on site. If you knew this why did we receive this email in regards to our request to hold off on the Gyprock:
"Your request is fine although we do not wish to hold the job up, insulation is due to be installed on the 30/08/11 with plaster board to be delivered on the 29/08/11 and to begin being nailed up on the 31/08/11"
The worst part about this is that when we asked the Owner of the company if he was happy with the brick work that had been completed, he said he was. Is this the standard we should continue to expect????
All other window sills have been laid on an angle
We did not ask for this window
We also contacted a.b.c. the certifier that was supposed to sign off on the frame and wet area. When we went through the things that our inspector found his response was that he should go and have another inspection of our house. Not sure if he even had a look in the first place, he seemed a bit clueless.
This week we also had a call from the kitchen company, to confirm our fridge dimensions and to check on the revised plans for our island? We had already planned the kitchen months ago and it seems that someone has not measured the plumbing properly and it does not line up with where we had planned on having the sink. We don't want to change the plans, so I guess another few days will be wasted trying to sort that one out.
Cavity doors in the process of being installed
Missed a spot
Frayed edges to the fiberglass
Place looks like a dump
These sort of delays should not be happening. We are paying good money for this house but seem to be having a lot of head aches int the process and we don't think these will be the last.
Sunday, 21 August 2011
Progress
Worlds slowest brick layers? Worlds most unreliable brick supplier? or just our bad luck? 3 weeks on, Bricking is still not complete. Hopefully they will get it done over the next couple of days if this rain holds off.
Electrical plans were a bit of an issue. At the initial meeting we had with Our builders, it was always sold as a real money saver, that we deal direct with the Electrician for any additionals. What was not outlined, was that they used the worlds most expensive electrician and we would have to do all the running around. Don't get me wrong we really like this electrician, he is a real can do guy, but we are no better off than we would have been, if we had signed up to our original Tender with Barrington Homes. $100+ a downlight. No thank you.
Our date with the Electrician was Something we had been asking for since the beginning of the build, instead we met with him the day we sighted the plan, which was expected to be signed off the following day, due to some unexplained delay?? On the bright side, 35 batons later (downlights to be installed by Dan post handover), the worlds most over excited electrician got the job done in a little over a day. Thinking ECO we have made the decision to go without air con in place of 6 fluro ceiling fans as well as Fluro downlights. LED are still too expensive but can be changed easily once globe prices come down. In total electrical upgrades were not excessive and fell slightly over budget.
This week saw the installation of the gutters and Fascia. Colourbond sheets for the rest of the roof are on site, although we were held back by rain (even though the neighbours that started after ours, are all but finished). Hoping to see roof get started again Monday, although the weather is still not looking good. Update from the SS is that if all goes to plan, the roof will be done by Wednesday, Insulation will follow and Gyprock should be set to start next Monday. With these clouds hanging over head we are expecting all this will be slightly delayed.
Gutters on
Inside out brick. We are thinking a tile edge will cover it, as no one has bothered to fix it
Looking forward to seeing our roof go on and finally seeing the end of these rain delays.
Electrical plans were a bit of an issue. At the initial meeting we had with Our builders, it was always sold as a real money saver, that we deal direct with the Electrician for any additionals. What was not outlined, was that they used the worlds most expensive electrician and we would have to do all the running around. Don't get me wrong we really like this electrician, he is a real can do guy, but we are no better off than we would have been, if we had signed up to our original Tender with Barrington Homes. $100+ a downlight. No thank you.
Our date with the Electrician was Something we had been asking for since the beginning of the build, instead we met with him the day we sighted the plan, which was expected to be signed off the following day, due to some unexplained delay?? On the bright side, 35 batons later (downlights to be installed by Dan post handover), the worlds most over excited electrician got the job done in a little over a day. Thinking ECO we have made the decision to go without air con in place of 6 fluro ceiling fans as well as Fluro downlights. LED are still too expensive but can be changed easily once globe prices come down. In total electrical upgrades were not excessive and fell slightly over budget.
This week saw the installation of the gutters and Fascia. Colourbond sheets for the rest of the roof are on site, although we were held back by rain (even though the neighbours that started after ours, are all but finished). Hoping to see roof get started again Monday, although the weather is still not looking good. Update from the SS is that if all goes to plan, the roof will be done by Wednesday, Insulation will follow and Gyprock should be set to start next Monday. With these clouds hanging over head we are expecting all this will be slightly delayed.
and again
Roof in the gutter ready to go. Hopefully no one steals it in the meantime
Wires galore
Plumbing done
Looking forward to seeing our roof go on and finally seeing the end of these rain delays.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
On a sadder note.
We woke to the news this morning that a work colleague of Dan's had lost her life due to fatal injuries she sustained in a pedestrian accident while holidaying in Melbourne, the same accident that only days earlier had claimed the life of her partner. Karen and Fernando leave behind their 2 adorable children aged 3 & 5.
We ask that you read the link below, dig deep and help out these 2 beautiful kids. An account has been set up in their name and donations can be made at any IMB Branch.
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/children-orphaned-as-parents-die-on-footy-trip-20110817-1iwsn.html
We ask that you read the link below, dig deep and help out these 2 beautiful kids. An account has been set up in their name and donations can be made at any IMB Branch.
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/children-orphaned-as-parents-die-on-footy-trip-20110817-1iwsn.html
Sunday, 14 August 2011
Busy Times
Sorry for the slight delay from our usual weekly update but the stress levels have been high and blogging has been low on the priority list. Where to start with the last 2 weeks??
Our bricks, almost 3 weeks on are still not finished. Despite the fact that the perfect weather we were hoping on did actually stick around. There are a few dodgy bricks around which we have brought up with the SS who tells us that he has not had a chance to look at them yet, even though the neighbours told us he was there looking at them a week ago. Really not happy about this, every house that started either at the same time as us or even the neighbours which started 3 weeks after ours, are now well ahead of ours. They do not even bother giving us excuses anymore and we have really had enough. 26 weeks is looking like a long shot.
We have also had countless dramas this week with our bank processing a progress payment for our construction loan. After 2 weeks, over a dozen phone calls, 2 customer complaints and the builder on our back, the payment was finally made, their excuse - Administration error. I Can tell you right now ANZ if the builder tries to slap us with a late payment fee, it is coming out of your pocket not mine!
When this whole process started we had made the decision to have independent inspections to verify that all work had been completed to code. When we first mentioned this to our builder during the Tender process it was brushed off very quickly. A week or so ago contacted a really helpful man named Andrew Connor from local company IBAS. We informed One Three that we wanted him on site. This was their reply:
"In regards to the below mentioned private inspector, he will need to make an appointment in the office to carry out a site induction before any access is gained onsite. We will also need a copy of workers compensation and public liability held by this inspector "
Is it just me or does it sound like they really do not want Andrew on site. Has anyone else ever used a private inspector and come across this reaction? Even our inspector was shocked and he does this for a living. Needless to say the inspection will definitely be going ahead now and i guarantee if there is anything in that house that is not built to code. They will be listening.
Over the next week we are hoping our inspector will get on site. Bricks will be finished at some point over the week. The roof will start Tuesday regardless of whether the brickies are finished or not. Electrical wiring will hopefully start this week (yet another drama that i will save for the next blog) although we are not confident.
Progress:
Our bricks, almost 3 weeks on are still not finished. Despite the fact that the perfect weather we were hoping on did actually stick around. There are a few dodgy bricks around which we have brought up with the SS who tells us that he has not had a chance to look at them yet, even though the neighbours told us he was there looking at them a week ago. Really not happy about this, every house that started either at the same time as us or even the neighbours which started 3 weeks after ours, are now well ahead of ours. They do not even bother giving us excuses anymore and we have really had enough. 26 weeks is looking like a long shot.
We have also had countless dramas this week with our bank processing a progress payment for our construction loan. After 2 weeks, over a dozen phone calls, 2 customer complaints and the builder on our back, the payment was finally made, their excuse - Administration error. I Can tell you right now ANZ if the builder tries to slap us with a late payment fee, it is coming out of your pocket not mine!
When this whole process started we had made the decision to have independent inspections to verify that all work had been completed to code. When we first mentioned this to our builder during the Tender process it was brushed off very quickly. A week or so ago contacted a really helpful man named Andrew Connor from local company IBAS. We informed One Three that we wanted him on site. This was their reply:
"In regards to the below mentioned private inspector, he will need to make an appointment in the office to carry out a site induction before any access is gained onsite. We will also need a copy of workers compensation and public liability held by this inspector "
"Please note any correspondence received by IBAS is for your records and your records only as One Three Designer Homes enlist Accredited Building Certifiers to undertake the private certifying of the building works and they are the only people One Three Designer Homes use and acknowledge"
Is it just me or does it sound like they really do not want Andrew on site. Has anyone else ever used a private inspector and come across this reaction? Even our inspector was shocked and he does this for a living. Needless to say the inspection will definitely be going ahead now and i guarantee if there is anything in that house that is not built to code. They will be listening.
Over the next week we are hoping our inspector will get on site. Bricks will be finished at some point over the week. The roof will start Tuesday regardless of whether the brickies are finished or not. Electrical wiring will hopefully start this week (yet another drama that i will save for the next blog) although we are not confident.
Bricks are looking good but still not finished. Hopefully Tuesday or Wednesday they will be
(photo is a few days old)
Plumbing and gas rough ins look complete
Dodgy brick on the porch which is still to be addressed
Porch support underway.
This house is moving very slowly and has so far been stressful and tiring. Not at all the process I was hoping for. Today someone looking to build asked me if i would recommend One Three. My reply, ask me in 6 months, for now - not a chance!
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