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

Going Sky High

It's been another huge week! On Saturday, the frame went up on the first floor!! Everyday there has been progression of the building framework as well as the windows being delivered, the first floor scaffolding and more timber delivered in readiness for the trusses (tomorrow!!). Everything is going really well. A couple of issues spotted but will be changed on Thursday - including 2 window openings which are the wrong size. We are intrigued by the facade also as is really doesn't look like the 'Hardwick' as yet. Lots of  questions for our SS when we meet on Friday to understand more about the process!!

The Beginning of the First Floor

Closer Look

A & L Window Delivery

First Floor Scaffolding

Another Timber Delivery


The Study


Fixed Window Frame in the Shower - Window We Added
 

Bulkhead in Lounge That's Too low 

Checking the Ceiling Height 2790 - Precise Measurements Here!!

Alfresco Beams

Bulters with Bulkhead

Weekly Review

James our SS phoned us with an update of progress. Today the site was event free. We drove past and saw a truck unloading some steel piping. I suspected it may have been something to do with the kitchen etc, but James informed us that the scaffolding was going up today. It was nice to hear what was scheduled ahead! Obviously weather dependent;

• Today - scaffolding to first floor
• Tomorrow (Saturday) - First floor framing to begin (surprised that framing would occur on a weekend)
• Monday/Tuesday - Framing to continue
• Tuesday/Wednesday - Roof trusses to be installed (framing should be complete next week - absurd!)
• Tuesday 10th June (after long weekend) - Gutters and fascia
• Thursday 12th June - Roof!!

 Scaffolding

We snuck into the site tonight (as if everyone doesn't do that when building!) and had a brief look around. Again, the light was fading so it was just a quick peek. The bulk head framing throughout seemed to have been completed yesterday also. We noticed an error in the bulkhead above our fireplace so have let our SS know. Originally the plans had the bulkhead at 1290mm from the roof in the living room. We raised this to 900mm as we felt fitting a TV there might be a push (especially at the rate TV sizes are growing) and we didn't want to limit the way the space would be used in the future. In our contract drawings, one of the drawings had the original (larger measurements), so it was included as a post contract variation to clarify the 900mm. However, it seems the original measurements were used. We will need to double check other changes we made over the weekend as we would rather catch them early to alleviate problems later. A minor detail that will hopefully be changed with minimal fuss. 

Incorrect Drawings in Contracts (not our fault) - Window should be fixed and drawing to the right showing a longer bulkhead

Correct Window and Bulkhead in Final Drawings

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!