Lock up stage complete

On Monday we did a site inspection with our independent inspectors and with our temporary construction supervisor.

We’d made it known that we wouldn’t accept the stage as complete until all outstanding frame stage issues were dealt with. Much to my great surprise, they were all resolved. It had been a really unpleasant week of relations with the builder, and I have requested all future communication in writing and have since that point refused to take a call.

Our independent inspectors looked at the brickwork on the balconey that we didn’t like but it was found to be just within tolerances – the appearance of wonkiness was probably exacerbated by the sliding door which is on a slight angle. We have been assured that the door alignment will be resolved.

There is also still a bit of overhang from one of the front pillars, which will need to be resolved and the bricks on the upstairs windows are shorter length than they should be (according to our friend, a bricklayer, not to the BCA) which may mean apparently that we may somehow get water trying to drain along the inside of the brickwork which isn’t ideal – but it does apparently meet code. The temporary supervisor was apparently having a look, but not sure what the outcome is.

The upstairs bricks have now been washed and the scaffolding came down yesterday. Today insulation was delivered on site. I noticed that R1.5 had been delivered, whereas the minimum we were having installed was R2.5. This is being recitifed, but glad I picked up the issue.

I’m also keeping my eye out for end of financial year stocktake sales on curtains, blinds and light fittings and think I have found a good source of nice quality (i.e. good timber like Blackwood) but very cheap scratch and dent furniture.

We’ve been doing a fair bit of wandering too recently, enjoying some nice late autumn weather – admiring other people’s front yard landscaping.

Last weekend we walked along the Strand at Newport and admired some brilliant landscaping. We also went to Aummans (one of my favourite places – good plants, many at great prices) and then after some family time to Mt Evelyn to look for plant and garden inspiration.

I’d really like to plant a couple of mature avocado trees that might begin fruiting in the next 2 years or so.. We’ve also narrowed down the variety of Japanese maple we’d like to purchase.. Acer Palmatum Osakazuki seems to be the best tree in the flesh – beautiful green foliage which turns very very vivid red in autumn. I’m thinking it would look stunning outside our front lounge room..