Overview of PCI

Sorry for the delayed post from our PCI, we move out of our rental house this week and we've been busy moving and packing - fun times!!

We had our PCI - New Home Inspection- on Friday. I was so nervous about it to be honest. We are just hoping that we picked up all the important things and haven't missed something non-cosmetic. Noting and marking up paint touch ups was one of the biggest aspects. I think our SS almost used a whole roll of tape! There were blue marks covering effectively all walls. 'We really don't need that footprint on the roof cornice, or that spray of mud on that wall!'. Our SS was great at marking out these - they are obviously easy to fix up as well. He was a little more reserved on others and we could definitely feel his tension at times - some things that may have an impact or reflection on his work and possibly his 'bonus' if there is such a thing.

Our next walk through and handover/settlement is booked (tentatively) for October 30th - 2 weeks from now!!!! He thinks this date should be enough time to get everything done. 

There was some unfinished work (due to weather - outside tiles - and other things yet to be finished) so we will need to check over those as-well, but here is our list of the Completion of Works Certificate (the 1001 internal paint work is not included in this!)

• seal spa bath
• adjust centre draw in ensuite (stiff and tight)
• adjust WIR drawers (all stiff - one didn't close)
• scuff marks to ensuite tile (praying these come out of the porcelain)
• re-coat to front of stairs (going to be very particualar with these as the paint is very scrappy)
• dint in laminate in laundry (they replaced the side panel - not the top...)
• paint the chipboard under the island bench white (this is red and when the sun comes in makes the back look pinkish)
• handle to overhead cupboard in kitchen
• refit beading to kitchen window
• check colour and shelf height to pantry in butlers
• chip to balcony tile
• caulk to balcony edge
• light switch in power room
• door handle to WIR bed 4
• trim and seal to bathroom shower/bath
• Hog Bristle Half render to side of porch (wrong colour)
• rubber to ensuite window
• infill to side of bathroom window
• dent to theatre window
• compression flashing to roof x3
• woodland grey to bathroom window infill
• re-coat alfresco beam
• re-coat garage door
• flashing to alfresco pier
• seal to garage door
• infill to bedroom 3
• infill to bedroom 4 highlight
• steam clean carpets
• seals to front door
• add door jam to linen
• paint and add privacy lock to upstairs powder
• caulking underside of island bench
• There are way too many scratches to the window frames and glass to list. This has always been a big thing for us and the way the doors were initially treated. There are scratches to almost all frames and panels. This is where our site supervisors attitude seemed to become more subdued. He couldn't believe how damaged they were, even though we have made this clear from the get go. The scratches on the glass were also a really big one. They are everywhere and the more we looked, the more we all found. He basically said that all windows will be thoroughly checked over and either repaired, buffed out or replaced. This has to affect his budget. For example 4 (out of 6) panels of the large double glazed were seriously scratched. It's been heartbreaking for us now I thinks it's heartbreaking for him too. They will all be fixed though

We were really happy with how everything went! The majority of things picked up were things our SS told us about or have always been on the list to do. The countdown is now well and truly on now!!! Another exciting thing is that handover will happen at the house and we won't have to drive over 2 hours to collect the keys from Carlisle's Head office in Mulgrave!! 

A  Few Pictures

Powder Room Light Needs Tightening 

Incorrect Render Colour - The part setback next to the garage should be Hog Bristle Half - not BedBox

A Few Paint Touch-ups!

A Few More!!

Our SS wasn't overly happy with this one. There are two issues here for us

1) the bottom shelf that was recently added (had been left off the first time but is on drawings) is clearly a different colour. He told us black and blue that he thought it was the same colour as the other shelves....

2) It has been built way too high and has made the bottom shelf really small

I know it's not a huge issue but to me it just all looks wrong. He said he will have to check on this one..

Keep you updated!

Quad has been added to roof line (still to be painted)

A little gutted to see scratch marks to the newly installed fire place trim (the photo doesn't really show it). Our SS told us there was a note left on the fire from the installers to say that they have ordered a new one as it was delivered with these scratches. Phew!

Missing Handle for Overhead Kitchen Cupboard

 Trim to Shower

Site Supervisor House Ratio

For those building with Carlisle Homes currently (or other builders) you might find this interesting. We have wondered how many homes our SS works on at the one time. When you are building you believe you are the only one and that they should invest everything into your build (actually you don't believe this, you dream it!!). You've invested enough money, haven't you!! Our site supervisor has been great. He's done some really good things for us, beyond what he has needed to; and he genuinely seems like a good bloke - a family man! My emotions (probably different to my husbands) have gone something like this; your're great, you're awesome, I love you, that's okay, bugger off, great, awesome work. They do say, building is a rollercoaster ride!! Anyway, when my husband met him on Wednesday they were chatting, as blokes do, and he said he is overseeing 17 houses at the moment. I think this surprised me!! It's probably a lot higher than I thought. He said it is about average for them. In saying that, he's doing a great job. I thought it would be a great job to have. But that is a lot of trades, issues and customer satisfaction to attend to!!!

Windows!!!!!!

Get ready for a photo overload! Couldn't contain my excitement to see (nearly all) the windows and doors in! Getting a better feel for each room day-by-day.  When I drove past and saw the windows, I was ecstatic. I then noticed something that made my heart sink (very dramatic!). Actually it sent me into a slight mental spin and panic (I then had a reality check!). Our entertaining sliding doors (in the meals) were opening the wrong way....... I raced home as fast as I could and grabbed the plans and yes, we made our first mistake. I knew it would happen at some point but was slightly gutted it was such a large thing for us to muck up. The doors were supposed to open to the right (from the inside) - as displayed - but we hadn't noticed they were going to the left. I quickly rang A & L to see if it was even possible to change them (yet to hear back) and also phoned our SS James. He is a legend. Well if he comes through with the goods he is! He said that he has a few people that owe him a few favours and that he will get them changed!! After I had calmed down, the reality is, that they would be fine as they are but they would be perfect as we envisaged. We wanted both entertaining sliders to slide outwards so the house would open up and this would change that. The doors are incredible but I'm crossing my fingers in all directions they can be switched. Replacing the doors is easier said than done, due to the size and the fact they are double glazed.

The weather has been a bit wet. Nothing over the top; a few showers here and there, yet the house seems to have more water inside than there is out..... Another issue or rather something we noticed is that the window reveals (some) have got wet in the recent showers. Hoping this isn't an issue but will definitely be checking up on this (maybe after the doors get changed!). I also don't understand how builders can get mud everywhere, like everywhere! Mud caked on the underside of the door jamb.....???? More women need to become builders because that would never happen!!! Ha!

Front Door Frame - with metal tread (and protector)

Master Bedroom Windows - boutique (LOVE!)

Inside Master Bedroom

Ensuite Shower Highlight Window - Boutique (added window)

Second Ensuite Window - Standard 

(slightly smaller than standard due to double glazing - awning)

Laundry Door - Standard

Study Window - Boutique (REALLY LOVE!) - bit of water too

Theatre Window - Boutique

Fixed Window in Lounge - Next to Fire - Boutique (LOOOVE!)

Lounge Window From Outside

Kitchen Splashback - Standard (SUPER LOVE!)

Kitchen and Butlers

Meals Door - Boutique (In LOVE with them - even though they are going the wrong way - at the moment...)

Lounge and Meals (crystal clean door glass....)

Door Handles (boutique)

Windows From the Back 

Windows From the Western Side

Eastern Side

Stairs!

Upstairs Activity Room - Boutique

Doors for Activity - yet to go in - Boutique

Upstairs Bedroom 5 - Boutique 

(added highlight window and extended standard)

Bedroom 3 - Boutique (same as above)

Bedroom 3 WIR

Bedroom 2 - Boutique (part of facade)

View From Bedroom 2 - Can Spot the Ocean - Just!

Bedroom 4 - Boutique (& Extended height)

Upstairs Bathroom - Standard - yet to go in

Upstairs Powder Room

Mud, Mud and more Mud - glad we aren't moving in in Winter!

*All windows and doors are double glazed and therefore awning

Temporary Fencing

It was the second big day of framing yesterday and again there was no disappointment. We arrived at the block to find builders on the roof (the second story floor!!). Our girls were going crazy seeing people up there!! Work on the garage, alfresco and portico appeared to be the main hives of activity. The boarding on the first floor also seemed to be mostly complete. It won't be long and the frame will be going up on the first floor!

While we watched the action, the temporary fencing also appeared! Really happy to see this go up. A touch late maybe?! It was like watching a little security blanket being wrapped around our baby!! Took all of about 10 minutes to do the 3 sides. Enveloped with Carlisle's advertising!!

Up go the fences (finally!) with builders as onlookers

10 Minutes later and it's complete

 The Fortress (with accompanying advertising!) 

The Frame

The action started early today. As I headed off to work there were cars aplenty at the block and returning after 5pm it was no different! Turning the corner and seeing the timber standing tall is something to remember. I cannot believe how much has been completed in one day. Unbelievable! It was great to watch about 7 builders working like ants to construct our home. Thank you to those unknown individuals for building our dream home. A small wave and a nod as we drive by doesn't really sum up our gratitude for what is being constructed. Loving the build process!!

Busy Little Builders!

 From the Front - Master Windows to the Left and Front Doors

From the Backyard - Looking at Lounge 

Back view of Lounge and Meals 

Side View! - Left to Right - Lounge, Theatre, Ensuite and Master 

Front View Looking through the Front Door

Garage yet to be constructed on Right 

The next phase of photos are shocking photography as we hung around till dark when the builders slipped away and then snuck in for a closer look, apologies.

Kitchen Splashback Window (excited!!!) 

Kitchen and Butlers (cheeky ratbag!) 

Master Bedroom 

Lounge Doors with Handsome! 

Theatre Windows (capturing the sunset) 

In the Hallway!