Plumbing & Flooring

Plumbing works

Another small update - the plumbing for the house has been confirmed that it is finished.

Unfortunately, Carlisle has placed the wrong basins in the house. Our existing basins were discontinued, so a substitution was offered, however we ended up with a completely different one to the other models.

We have raised this with Carlisle, and they have said that we can keep these basins (rated as upgrade based on showroom) or have it changed (at their expense) to the correct substitution model. We arranged to view the new (substitution) model at SPECTRA and will make our decision on Saturday. It was good that there was no hassles when it was raised / resolution options.

Kitchen Tapware

The flooring is coming along well, with the laminate floorboards having the edging tacked onto it. Carpet should be complete by today as well. We are hoping to see almost the finish product upon our next visit!

We are also working through obtaining quotes, for items such as fencing, concrete (driveway & path) and split system installations. Busy and expensive times.

Plumbing in, Flooring started

Ensuite

The tiles have now been cleaned, looking much better. The plumbing works have been fitted off, with basins, taps & shower fixings attached. The large mirrors have been fitted, which are apparently custom made by measurements of the space (Different tiles would mean different height glass I guess!)

Ensuite Spa-bath

Bathroom

The bathroom is coming together well too, looking like a mini version of the ensuite. The shower screen glass should be installed within the next week or two.

Laminate Floorboards

 The laminate floorboard installation has started, with a bit of work to be done. They will look great once cleaned up. They are of a very light oak type color.

Internet - NBN Ready

 External connectivity to the internet is all ready for NBN Co to install / do their works.

External Tapware

Although far from the ideal location, our external taps have been installed. We may have to look at installing our own taps at the rear of the house, where the majority of lawn/plants will be!

PCI & Handover - Firming up dates

With the completion of the tiles, we have been given a tentative date/time for our PCI (Practical Completion Inspection).

We have lined up our private inspector to visit the house prior to our inspection, as per our SS (Site Supervisors) requests. The idea behind this is for things to be flagged in a timely matter to be resolved and to allow the private inspector to work in his own time/space. We will have the report for when we have our PCI days later.

I have also invested a few dollars ($4) in getting a PCI checklist from a website (Member on Homeone)
http://www.anewhouse.com.au/2012/01/practical-completion-inspection/ 
I will post after the PCI a small review as to how useful we found the guide in our situation, however it is looking like it will be a great help and we will just write up a small list to compliment it - $4 is great investment to do most of the leg work!

This should also keep us focused on checking items (that we may not have even thought of), that may skip out mind in the excitement / scrutiny applied to specific problems or getting bogged down in them and distracted.


Our handover date is looking to be 2 weeks after the PCI. We are hoping it is sooner if possible and will be arranging the bank cheque (which takes 1-2 weeks to happen with the way banks process things) ready as soon as possible.

Once the date is booked/happens, it will be straight to fencing and concreting! I will detail these more in future posts.

Caesarstone, downpipes & Corking (Bricks)

Downpipes

Externally of the house, the downpipes have been attached to the house and the bricks filled with corking in the gaps (expansion joints), leaving just the cladding to be done outside. (Front facade)

Corking

Inside the house, the caesarstone bench tops have been fitted to all bench areas (excluding laundry). It has come up very nicely and better than the laminate finish in the bathroom areas  (20mm in areas, slightly thicker in the kitchen).

Caesarstone - Powder Room

Caesarstone - Bathroom

Caesarstone -Ensuite

Caesarstone -Kitchen (Island is thicker)

Finally a picture of the bathroom, that was missed on the last post: (Shower to right, out of the image)

Tiles, Eaves panels & Data

Starting to get a bit granular with the blog - we are eager to move into the house and it looks fairly complete at this stage (still a fair bit to do - mainly flooring and plumbing).

The majority of what little eaves we have had the panels and insulation installed.There is only a small section at the front to be done and the cladding (should be next!)

Eaves

The tiling is in progress so they are yet to be cleaned for a clearly look at them, but this is how they have turned out. The tiles are a darker brown color, which we have been waiting to see how they turn out. Seems we may need to wait until the excess grout is cleared to see final results.

We were also able to get a 'white' feature strip at no cost - as the tiles where the same make/size - just in a different color. 

Spa bath (space!)

Shower base

The powder room has also been fully tiled, the Ceaserstone bench tops should follow soon, along with the mirrors.

 

The central heating items have now been fit off as well - we have been advised that after hand over, the company will come and configure/explain the system to us.

 

The laundry has also be done, with the large tiles on the wall looking good. My preference is with large tiles on the floor and the walls, instead of many smaller tiles. 

Data (Cat6, Coaxial) for data/pone & TV/pay TV have been terminated now, with the face plates attached, giving the rooms as much more finished look. 

Unfortunately in my haste, I forgot to grab some photo's of the bathroom, however the overall look/theme should be the same as the master bathroom (minus feature strip).


Color selection - below is a shot of the selection from our color appointment for reference:
Wall tile:  River Charcoal (200 x 300) Laid Vertically
Feature Title: River Ice Grey (200 x 300)  Laid Vertically 
Floor Tile: Star Stone Gloss (400 x 400) Laid Straight

Electrical Fit-off

 

Back twice in one week to the house - seems at the end of the week, the sparkies have managed to fit off the power points, light switches, lights (baton), ducts & exhaust fans.

It seems that a mistake has been made with the electrical fit-off, which we have flagged with Carlisle, as standard power points have been installed, instead of the slimline power points we had paid extra for. We are waiting their response.

The coax & data points are still awaiting termination - presumably will be done early this week.

Slimline light switch & power points

We are still waiting on the external paintwork (Garage rear door, Alfresco ceiling and beams) - seems these come a bit down the track. The tiles are still sitting in the master bedroom, hopefully they are installed promptly this week coming up. Plumbing fit-off should occur as well

Painting, carpentry & Pre tile

Painting is still in progress, with the painters between multiple sites & the coats/surface area to complete. The front door has been stained the Jarrah color

Hopefully they are done very early next week, as to not hold up the tiler, sparkies and plumbers for their fitting of items. We are eager to see things progress and keep pace to ensure that the house is completed before the end of November.

Awaiting Tiles!

The tiles are onsite and ready to go - pending the painting/waterproofing. Once the tiles are fitted, the glass for the showers & mirrors can be measured for order. Apparently it's all custom made, exactly to specifications (I guess to factor in tile width and other variables!)

Tiles (Wet areas only)

Further carpentry work has been done inside, with the shelving for storage locations completed. The pantry is looking pretty spacious even with shelving and the first time we have seen it (Display has walk through with cabinetry. The feature cupboard doors have been fitted to the kitchen too.

Perl Perspex 'feature' cupboards fitted