week 34: And it still continues............

And so, the never ending process of building is still continuing.

Week 34 - did our walk through and pointed out things that need to be fixed. Extremely unhappy with the paintwork as it looks like a five year old picked up a paint brush and painted everything carelessly. Our list was the below

1. Benchtop Markings need to be buffed.
2. Bottom of the doors need to be sanded and painted.
3. All blue taped areas need to be puttied and painted or sanded and painted.
4. Final clean needs to be done
5. Tile near the stairwell needs to be fixed.
6. Tiles in the main bathroom window sill needs to be laid.

Luckily, it was nothing structural and all cosmetic stuff that needed to be fixed. Anyways, our SS said that he would have the painters back to fix all the touch ups. (this was the day after our walk through). So we decided to head over to the house after the painter had finished and check it out. Needless to say - highly disappointed again. Walked in and looked up at the ceiling to find a huge blister mark in the paint near the down light. Anyways, I don't want to start because then I won't stop.

There has been other things that have been completed on site:

1. Gas installation.
2. Air-conditioning unit installed.

Our driveway is still to be poured - is actually due to be poured today however, they stuffed this up also. It was meant to be a double car driveway and they had only formed it up for a single. Over the weekend when we went to visit, it was still single so I hope they don't stuff it up and pour as the framework is now. They should have gone there to form up before the concreter goes there today but hey, I am not a tradie what do I know right......

SIGH feels like this is never ending and that we will never be getting our keys.

Oh and as per usual, post our walk through, they were quick to send the invoice!

Won't be paying until I am completely happy with the work done on the house, end of story.

Apparently, we are set to have handover on the 24th.. but like I said, I won't be accepting until all my problems with the place are put to rest.

Week 33: Walkthrough Date Finalised

Our walk through date has been finalised.

Thursday 13th September @ 3.00pm (which is the end of week 34)

Whats been completed up until now: 

1. Rails for bathrooms.
2. Rest of the light switches and power points need to be covered.
3. Tiles in ensuite need to be fixed by tiler.
4. Door locks.
5. Laundry tub to go in
6. Laundry shoot needs to be cut out.
7. Linen & Walk in Robe shelving.
8. Aircon Unit.
9. House Clean.
10. Driveway.
11. Carpet.

Still waiting on a few things to be completed however don't think it will take as long as I thought. Driveway form work has been completed ready for pouring. Sadly due to the weather on Friday they could not pour. So hoping it will be done today!

Assuming the finishing touches like carpet etc will be done before walk through this week.

Cannot wait to go through the house with a fine tooth comb and hopefully have a date of handover soon after.

This weekend was a very busy weekend for us as we arranged all of our final things that needed to be purchased like our Fridge, our mattress and we also ended up buying a recliner for upstairs lounge room as hubby really wanted one for his SPORTS watching days at home.

We have so many things to do after handover that I am almost dizzy just thinking about it.

The list as it stands today:

1. Concrete for the granny flat pathway
2. Kitchen in the granny flat (probably a flat pack)
3. Fences for our puppy
4. Landscaping
5. Brick Fence to be completed from hubby
6. Pool build commences
7. Wardrobe for the upstairs dressing room

That's about all I can think of at the moment.. 

Week 32.1: Walk through Date

FINALLY!

Supervisor called hubby to let us know that our walk through is booked in for next week on the 13th September.

Feeling: Not sure, iffy, want to trust his word but because of let downs before, kinda skeptical that this will probably change. I want to be excited...... but... I feel like I shouldn't hold my breath.

Sigh.....

Week 32: Site clean......

So, this week don't think much happened on site as we have not been in contact with our supervisor.

Hubby went to head office and spoke to some people to check on what was happening and apparently there are a few tradies who have to go back to patch things up. Not sure why we weren't really notified but whatever, like I said I am quite over it at this stage.

So, we went passed the house to see what was going on and the only thing we were able to see was that there has been a site clean up done, the carpenter was back to patch the fronts of the doors with small wood panels (not sure what the technical term is)..... and I think that is about it.

So, trying to forget the drama's with the house, we decided to go shopping. First we started at pool furnishings, then pavers and ended up in homeart shopping for recliners cause hubby wants them upstairs. Didn't really find many that we liked besides one in Harvey Norman which was grey and nice fabric that we both liked - didn't get a photo of it.

Anyways, below are some photos we got from the pool tiles, pavers to FIREPLACES.

Yes, we are thinking of doing a fireplace after we move in. Most likely not straight away as winter has now ended. I also saw an amazing room divider that I could use in the front room to match all our furniture!

Week 30: Garage Door, Water unit and Glass Blocks

This week we are 100% through contract time. The builder says they always allow 3 weeks after contract date for public holidays, wind days and rain days. Whatever. Just cannot wait for this to end so we can move in!

Anyways, this week saw the completion of the below:

- Garage Door
- Painting
- Water Unit
- Glass Blocks for Granny Flat (somewhat). So this is a little bit of a tricky one, they went to put the glass blocks in and found it didn't fit so, they left it as is. No word from Supervisor....... nothing.

Cannot wait for this to end!

So hopefully the following week will see the below completed:

- Rails for bathrooms
- Door Locks
- Laundry Tub
- Laundry Shoot Cut out
- Linen/Pantry and Wardrobe Shelving
- Splashback
- Driveway
- Carpet

SS says handover by next week but I don't see how!?
Also another issue, we thought we selected white for the cladding............ to match the garage door...... guess I'll have to double check the paperwork.

Week 29: Shower Screens, Mirrors, Alarm & Main Floor Tiling

Week 29 saw most things being done which was kinda taking ages to do.

The below are what has been completed: 

- Shower Screens
- Mirrors
- Alarm System
- Ducted Vacuum Fit out
- Patching for Final Coat of Paint
- Main floor tiling
- Alfresco Tiling done
- Feature Tiling done

Still to be completed: 

- Rails for Bathrooms
- Door Locks
- Garage Door
- Laundry tub to go in
- Laundry shoot still to be cut out
- Electrical - some light switches still need to be done
- Shelving in pantry/linen/wardrobes
- Final coat of Paint
- Glass blocks in Granny Flat
- Carpet
- Driveway
- Kitchen Splash back

I feel like there is still so much to do!
Contacted our SS today and he said he has started our handover procedure and will contact us as soon as he knows of a handover date. As per usual.... not wanting to commit to a date.

Below are some photos!

Upstairs Main Shower

Alfresco

Leisure Tiling

Alfresco

 

Porch

Alfresco Tiles & Feature

Ensuite Shower

Ensuite

Upstairs Main Bath

Porch Feature Tiles

Week 28: Baths and Toilets

This week has seen our baths and toilets gone in, upstairs floors have been sanded for carpet..
So far that is what the house stands at. Oh and I believe the garage door will be going on as well.

Also should mention, the glass blocks that are meant to be going in the granny flat bathroom; we have ANOTHER issue. Hubby has to go back and make the opening bigger because oh what do you know, wrong measurements were given to him. There comes a point during your build that when you get these types of news, all you can do is just laugh.

SS called us and said walk through with THEIR boss will happen smack bang on week 30.

This is whats in store for us

Week 29: Locks on doors and other small stuff to happen
Week 30: Main floor tiling and carpet (Walk through with Wisdom SS's boss)
OVER TIMELINE
Week 31: Anything that needs to be fixed up will be done this week as per boss's advise.
Week 32: Our walk through.
Week 33: Hopefully Handover.

Lets see how things progress.

Not too happy about going overtime but whatever, at this point I am just not feeling it anymore. So disappointing cause this is meant to be something everyone should look forward to.
WELL NO, not anymore. So exhausted of the whole process and emotional roller coaster.

Anyway, hopefully it will get better and things will just flow from here. Don't want to give myself false hope but hey, if you don't have hope, what do you have right?

Week 27: Not much was done

Yep, one whole week went passed and not much else was done.
I think the painter went back to do a few things but other than that, we had the promise of shower screens and tapware but nothing..........

So very unfortunate.

Shopping: Washer/Dryer, TV and Microwave

So, this weekend hubby and I went out shopping for a fridge. Unfortunately we bought many other things besides the fridge. Isn't that just always the case?

All things were from Bing Lee as they have good prices and warranties. They also had a promotion with a gift card which ended Sunday so we spent hours upon hours reading reviews of different things and finally came to an agreement and bought everything (besides the fridge we went out for) all in one go.

Below are our selections:

Electrolux Washer/Dryer
EWW14013
Price: $1,470.00
Now I know there's so much stigma that is applied to the washer/dryer combos however I really think after reading some reviews online that it could potentially be the best washer we have had as long as we know how to use it with its proper functions. We got an added 4 Year Warranty for this machine at $199.00

The next Item I'd like to talk about is the TV we purchased.
We didn't want a MASSIVE TV, so we went with a 65" LG Super UHD HDR Smart TV.

Model: 65UK7550PTA
Price: $2595.00
Added 4 Year Warranty $319.00

and now our microwave. This was a whim purchase as we weren't planning to purchase a microwave however it was done because we needed a new one. This is a LG 25L S/S Smart inverter 1100W

Model: MS2596OS
Price: $199.00
Added 2 Year Warranty: $30.00

I think considering all that we got, we got an okay price but probably splurged a little on the washer/dryer.

Now all that is left is to purchase a fridge... which was our original intent this weekend.

Week 26.1 - Bathrooms Completed & Other Bits

End of week 26 saw the below all being completed or started:

-          Wall tiles complete.

-          Benchtops in for the kitchen.

-          Painting started

-          Niches done with mosaics

-          Benchtops in bathroom complete

-          Sinks on in the bathroom

-          Kitchen sink went in

-          Painting started

-          Cupboard doors painted

-          Window architraves painted

-          Stairwell gypbrocked

-          Mosaic tiles in bathroom complete

-          Air vent cutouts done

-          Power point cutouts done

Also, more good news is that our SS called and said we may be able to have walk through in 4 weeks!

We are beyond excited at this point. Cannot believe this is actually happening and that we may be in our brand new home next month! 

Some photos below :) 

Shower Niche Mosaic Tiles

Vanity tops and sink

ensuite Shower

Ensuite Vanity

Air vent cutouts

Leisure Room Electrical Cutout

Kitchen Sink

Kitchen Benchtops

Powder Room

Laundry

Single Toilet Upstairs

Main Bath Upstairs Shower

Beacon Lighting Update

So, on my last post I stated that we had chose our lighting. I decided to upload some photos of what we had chosen just so I can look back at these posts when it is all done and remember all the steps it took to get there!

Firstly, our dining room will have three pendants all the same on a white bar from Beacon as per below.

There will be the below pendants hanging on this bar all the same length.

Light for the stairwell:

 All the bulbs will be the same as the below as we wanted to keep it uniform and structured.

Next is our alfresco light/fan :)

I am so excited to see all our selections come together!
Not long to go now for us and it is just so hard to concentrate on anything else when I know that we could be moving so soon. I have a little bit of anxiety packing all my stuff though I must say. Especially all my products and makeup - eeeeeeeeeek.

Week 26: Kitchen Benchtop's & Bathroom Wall Tiles

I know I just gave an update for end of week 25 however, hubby was on site today to check on the build and sent me these photos which practically almost stopped my heart from excitement.

Monday - we have had the wall tiles started, kitchen bench tops went in AND PAINTING HAS STARTED!

One more bit of good news is that hubby spoke to the tiler today and he gave us an insight and said the main floor tiles are due to be laid in 2 weeks along with the carpet after all the inside finishing are done! Does this mean they are going to push to have all the mirrors all the screens. all the everything else done by two weeks? What?! Lets hope this is the case cause I just really need to be in my new home!

Its really starting to look like a home now and I am beyond excited.

Below photos :)

Week 25: Bathroom Tiling Started & Other Bits

So, end of week 25 saw quite a bit of work completed which was amazing news to my ears!

- Bathroom floor tiling completed
- Bathroom vanities complete.
- All sliding doors and internal doors in as well as cupboard doors.
- Mosaic tiles were laid on the floor ready to be laid behind the sinks and inside the niches.
- Architraves finished.

Also, we are excited to say we finally went to Beacon Lighting and chose pendants for our dining room, alfresco and stairwell. All up this cost us about $800.00. Also deciding if we would like Sean their electrician to fit them for us as if we decide this, we would receive an extra year warranty on our alfresco fan/light. Something to think about I guess....

On another note, the only thing I packed this weekend was my printer. We ended up purchasing one of those internet dongle things (because we don't currently have internet at our place) and we ended up watching 13 reasons why on Netflix all weekend which was probably one of the best weekends I had in a while.

Anywho, we are now 4 weeks from contract date. Lets see what else is in store for the forthcoming days/weeks.

Week 24.1: Kitchen is in!

Hi all,

I am very pleased to say that our kitchen is in! We decided this weekend we wouldn't go visit the block (only because we had a few things to do) annnnnd no, we didn't get a chance to go to Beacon lighting or select our blinds. I am a little scared now as we are probably going to be pressed for time

Anyway, hubby's brother stopped by the block as him and his wife are building very close to us and he called to say our kitchen went in this week! Unfortunately we don't really get thorough updates from the supervisor but thats okay as long as our build is going smoothly and things are actually progressing on site.

SS did tell us however that the guy who was doing the doors hurt himself (very sad) so I'm not sure if he will be continuing the job or if they will assign someone else to the job. I'm really hoping this doesn't hold us up any longer than all the delays we have had. I have been seeing on fb that many people have already received their keys to their home and I was so envious!

Soon enough I guess. This week is week 25, so there is 5 weeks left in our contract build time.
I really truly hope they can stick to this and just get it done.

Also, an update... our party wall was supposed to be rendered however it was covered in gyprock so we ended up getting a deduction on our total price as it was factored in on our contract. -$3k. I know its not much, but every cent counts right?

Here are some pictures below thanks to my brother in law :)