Heimic

Finished off the DIY Garden job yesterday, below is a photo showing the area before we started, and what it looks like completed. Of course I’ve since cut the caps to fit, so it’s now a complete job.

Before:

After:

I know it’s been sometime since I last posted, and yes I have certainly been busy. Lot’s has certainly happened.

Hope everyone had a lovely Xmas period, and soon to be New Year’s.

I noticed Simon Rumble has been somewhat busy with DIY projects, and funny enough so have we. Thought it was a good as time as any to post something about what has been going on.

We’ve purchased a shed, and constructed it. Will post photos once I take some, as I don’t have any of it at the moment. However I spent the Xmas period doing a reintaining wall mainly to create a nice area for a garden. Believe me I need to cut back on the lawn, as mowing all the lawn we do have takes too long. Further more I am sick of having to do the edges of the grass against the house, I wanted something between the house and the lawn. So we installed some 400×400 pavers, and it came up alright too. Pictures all below, the wall is still not finished. Working on the last 90 degree turn back into the slope, and then I need to dig the hole bigger to hook it up to the storm water pipes.

Had the House warming last night and it seemed to go really well. Managed to show a number of people the new house all in one go.

The food was great. Got to love BBQ food. My mum made some of her famous sausage rolls and other stuff. It was all so nice.

House has been completed, we picked up the keys yesterday and paid the final amount.

Removal’s are coming tomorrow, appliances are being installed tomorrow too. Hope it don’t rain while we are trying to move.

We’ve booked in to move on Thursday, so as the day fast approaches we still have to pack up a number of rooms. Namely the kitchen. Will be alot happier once the move is completed. Although the house still has a few things needing to be fixed, hopefully that is all done tomorrow.

On Thursday we have booked in a number of things to happen, so it’s going to be very busy. A/C is going to be finished off, appliances have to be installed, Telstra is doing phone service and Antenna guy will install antennas and booster/amp for all the tv points.

Soon as I have a phone line, I’ll apply for ADSL. Will schedule a bit of time to then setup of the new desks in the office and unpack the computer gear. I also need to make time to do the various network ports in some rooms. Looks like it’s going to be a busy few weeks going forward.

Yesterday our concrete for the driveway was laid, along with the concrete for the patio area out the back.

Previous to this the main living areas had tiles laid a few days ago, and the pictures below show how those areas look with the tiles. The colours certainly came up well.

Just when I thought we’d sorted out things, along comes another problem. My wife and I are seriously starting to get very annoyed.

It would appear the cleaners went through the house and removed the coating from the glass on each of the windows. In certain places the glass had concrete on them which the film hadn’t protected too well. So the cleaners in the attempt to remove it, managed to seriously scratch the glass in a few windows. So far my wife has counted at least two, however didn’t check every other one. We’ve since pointed out to site manager the issue.

No way should we be expected to just keep it as is, it should in my opinion be replaced and resolved for windows which show serious signs of the issue at hand. If the builder has an issue they can take it up with the people who work on site and continue to cause problems like this.

Further more the tilers were on site, and apparently had no power. Oddly enough the  conduit out the front for the phone that needed fixing had been done, so the only thing I can imagine is that while fixing it power coming from street was damaged (or turned off from somewhere and not turned back on). Soon find out, as I am going to go past tonight and have a look. Surely they checked the power box on the wall where the circuit breaker is, but who knows.

Like I said, it appears to be one issue followed by another, and most times it’s caused by people who are doing work and damaging things in the process (or not doing something correctly in the first place).

Just like yesterday, I could seriously choke someone, as I am so annoyed. Especially since I am stuck at work when most of these screw ups take place.

Mildly annoyed today, as I spoke with Site Manager about house and got completely different story about the supposed final inspection day and when it will take place. So this makes things a little difficult. Who do I believe, as either story means varied finish date.

Had hoped to give notice about ending lease, but it appears we won’t do that until we can confirm with both parties as to which story is correct. I am not really concerned too much if ones a little later then other, but of course we need to know and determine our last day at rental house correctly, to allow for a few days overlap.

Awaiting call back from both parties, so really could choke someone about now.

House progress to date is that the driveway is about to be done, as can be seen from the picture below. It’s expected to be done mid-week. Cleaning is about to commence, so is the floor coverings to be started soon after.

I am going to call the air conditioning company tomorrow, as they haven’t gone in yet to do any outlets. It’s hoped they will do these before the floor coverings go in, especially the carpet. We all know how messy trades people are.

It’s been stated to us our final inspection should be the end of the week, followed by the builder having about 5 business days to fix up anything found in final inspection. Then as soon as we arrange final payment, we will have our keys and be allowed to move in.

We better follow up on the side fence and gate too. We had arranged this, but it was delayed as the builder still required access. So I will be sure to follow up and make sure it does happen before we attempt to move in.

I won’t go into much more detail as I could rant about the numerous things that have annoyed us along the way with trades people.