Meeting with Site Supervisor - Frame Issues Resolved

A few days ago, after meeting with our Slab Supervisor I also arranged to meet with our Site Supervisor on site. The main reason for this was to go through all the frame defects raised during our independent frame inspection.

The SS gave me as much time as I needed and went through every issue one by one to ensure they had been resolved and that I was happy with the work. I really appreciated this and am looking forward to working with him throughout the remainder of the build.

Definitely a good job on PD's behalf.

Only took a few photos that day but here they are:

Meeting with Site Supervisor(s) - Faith restored!

Hi all,

You might have noticed that I haven't posted in a while. I have been working overseas for 3 weeks and didn't have much time to spend on the build.

We have both been quite stressed about the status of our build, especially after the frame and slab inspection. Our (old) site supervisor suggested we meet on site and go through all the issues one by one.

I managed to get a day off work today and arranged a site meeting. To our surprise this was also a 'hand-over' walk through as our file has been transferred to a new site supervisor. This was quite concerning at first and seemed like it would just add to the stress. Fortunately, after meeting our new SS we are quite confident that he want's to do the right thing by us.

Without going into too much detail, ALL the items raised in our report will be rectified before the build progresses any further. Our SS called a stop to all works (which we appreciated) to ensure that we are happy with the quality of work done before going ahead.

We are much more relaxed and confident about the future of our build after today's meeting.

The gutters are on and the roof is due on the 21/04/2015.

Onwards and upwards.. We hope!

Roof framing progressing and windows installed

As I am currently overseas for work, my Fiancé went out for a look today and surprised me with a Skype video call! :)

The call was shortly followed by photos, lots of them! It seems they have almost completed the roof framing, installed windows, installed both boutique slide doors to alfresco and front door frame.

We are really happy with it all, except the 'Translucent' side lights to the front entrance. They are way too 'white' and seems like they wont let any light through. Unfortunately, the only other option that we had was 'obscure' but that had a dotted pattern on it that we didn't like. What are your thoughts? Can anyone share some photos of a completed home with 'Translucent' used for the glass?

Cheers :)

Build Issues - Frame Stage (Wall)

Hi all,

I spotted a few more 'build issues' I need to add to the list so I thought I would share.

Here are the new issues I will raise: 

- Frame fastening bolt does not meet BCA tolerance and has cracked the edge of the slab due to the insertion angle

- Frame over hang to the rear of the garage. Approximately 80 mm. Something is seriously wrong here but I'm sure it will get rectified accordingly. 

- Replacement storm water pipe looks to be in the wrong position as the brick face the downpipe will be positioned on is only 450 mm wide, where as the pipe is 700 mm inwards from the edge of the garage. This places it right in front of the rear roller door. 

Fish Tank 'Alcove'

As most of you may already know, I have utilized one of the rooms (study) and turned it into a 'fish room' with an in-wall fish tank. 

Today I went out and made sure the alcove was built to the measurements I specified. I was glad to see that the framers got it 100% accurate as I asked. 

My only concern is that the measurements I gave have been used as frame to frame measurements. Where as I wanted them to be between plaster.

Can anybody advise how thick the standard plaster used is? 

Framing - Walls complete

Wall framing is now complete. 

I had a quick look yesterday and took a few photos. Looks like a really clean job and I have only spotted one issue so far (overhang rear at the rear entrance of the garage) but will check it all in more detail Saturday morning.

Framing

This morning I went out just before work to have a look at the progress and take a quick photo of our site.

I was surprised to see that all the tradesmen were already on site at 7am!

'Intro' call from our Site Supervisor - Frame Started

This afternoon we got a surprise call from our SS (Site Supervisor).

He called to introduce himself and advise that he has officially taken over from the Slab Supervisor. We were also happy to hear that the framing for the walls will be complete by C.O.B tomorrow.

Unfortunately, there is a delay with the supply of the roof trusses meaning framing won't be complete till the end of this month.

He asked if I have any questions and I briefly mentioned the unresolved issues we still have outstanding. Seems that he will follow them up first thing tomorrow. Was very happy to hear that!

Cheers!

Framing materials delivered

We went out for a look at our site today and we were happy to see that some framing materials have been delivered :)

Here are some photos:

Framing start date

We've been given a start date for framing which is the 16/03/2015. We welcome the progress but are yet to hear about the slab issues we raised last week. 

Additionally, unlike what others have experienced with Porter Davis, we have not received the invoice for the slab. I made it very clear to PD that we will not be paying them a cent until the stage is 'complete' and all issues have been rectified. 

Hoping to see the issues rectified before framing has started... the clock is ticking!