Our Palazzo @ Hawkstowe

Our front yard pics

2010-07-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

We decided on a 'dry river bed' design in our front garden. The plants are a bit dormant at the moment, so looking forward to spring to see them start growing a bit so it doesn't look so bare!

Some backyard pics

2010-06-09T01:23:00.000-07:00

We have been very busy lately and have done quite a bit in the backyard, here are some pics of how it is at the moment. We still have plenty to do e.g. paving the area on the side not grassed and potentially making it into a covered bbq area amongst other things. The wooden structure you see is for us to hand our double hammock in. We are trying to work out what surface to have underneath...it is currently crushed rock but we are open to suggestion.

Driveway being poured

2009-12-10T18:28:00.000-08:00

We are having an exposed aggregate (concrete) driveway. The estate covenants require it to be dark grey, so lets hope it turns out ok!

Progress shots

2009-12-06T16:58:00.000-08:00

Ahhh.....well we have been moved in for a couple of weeks but have been struggling to find the time to update the blog. We have been doing some furniture shopping so now have all that we need for the short term.

We still haven’t got our driveway done, which is currently on the top of the ‘to do list’. After that we will be installing our water tanks in readiness for the developer to do our front landscaping which was part of the package when we bought the land.

Moved in!

2009-12-06T16:54:00.000-08:00

Fencing in

2009-11-05T23:33:00.001-08:00

The contractors have finished off the fencing. Just a little concerned that they are in the wrong spot! So we will be going out to the block tomorrow armed with our plans, and a tape measure!

We have a date!

2009-10-29T17:32:00.001-07:00

Just had a call from our Customer Service Consultant and we have a date booked for handover!! Our PCI (Practical Completion Inspection) is scheduled for 12 November, with handover expected to be a week later on the 19^th. Very exciting!!

Render painted

2009-10-27T18:33:00.000-07:00

They have been busy this week. Painting the render (has come up ok), installed the carpet and a few other bits and pieces. We expect to be called for an inspection any day now.

Progress photos...again

2009-10-20T22:32:00.000-07:00

And still more….

More progress photos

2009-10-20T22:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some of our latest photos.

The home stretch

2009-10-18T00:15:00.001-07:00

We went to visit the house today to get another quote for our driveway. We were fortunate that a tradie was there who let us in for a look.

We were very excited to see the amount of progress in the last seven days. The mirrors and shower screens have been installed, along with the sinks in the kitchen and laundry. All tapware and toilets have been fitted. The internal door handles are on and the ducted heating system has been fitted.

The electrician has been busy and is 75% through his fit off of lights, switches and power points.

We still have not got a completion date yet, but we must be within 2-3 weeks in my estimation. The few things remaining include; Installation of the garage door, painting the laundry door, painting of the render, painting the ceiling of the garage and alfresco, replace window in family room, complete electrical fit off, install splash back, install hot water system.

Our site supervisor is on annual leave for another week, so I hope this doesn't hold us up to much.

Long overdue update

2009-10-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

We have been away for a couple of weeks (getting married etc.) and it has been a long time without an update. We had a slight setback when we had some tiles and a basin stolen but we are now back on track. The house is moving along well and whilst we have yet to receive an official completion date, I am guessing we are 3-4 weeks away from handover. The ceilings have been fitted in the garage and the alfresco, the kitchen bench top has been installed and the tiling has been done (both floor and wall tiles) and we are happy with our selections. They have also stained our timber bi folds that lead out to the alfresco and have painted our front door.

The things yet to be done are the electrical fit off, laying the carpets, the cabinetry in the wardrobes, painting of the render and the final finishing touches. I am heading out to get a quote on a driveway this afternoon.

Work has commenced on the block next door and their slab has been laid. I haven’t met the new neighbour yet but I am hoping their house gets built quickly so we don’t have tradies making a mess on our block.

Downpipes being fitted

2009-09-17T19:28:00.001-07:00

We are away in Perth (getting married tomorrow) but have been very grateful that are neighbours are keeping us up to date on the progress of our house. The downpipes have now been fitted, the balcony is complete and the painters are back. Looking forward to checking on the progress next week when we return!

The painting is underway!

2009-09-14T17:21:00.001-07:00

Update from our friendly neighbour

2009-09-08T15:30:00.001-07:00

Our roof tiles are on the garage and the alfresco, and I understanding the internal painting is well underway. We are heading back to Perth for a couple of weeks, so look forward to seeing the progress on the house when we return. It is starting to get very close to handover. I am hoping we can be in at the end of October as we have family visiting the first week of November.

Looking good!

2009-08-30T01:50:00.001-07:00

This is the latest image of the house. The garage walls are complete and the roof trusses are on ready for the tilers to return and put on the roof. The render was put on during the week, but is yet to be painted.

Laying the gas mains

2009-08-24T20:06:00.001-07:00

Balcony render

2009-08-24T15:42:00.000-07:00

More progress pics

2009-08-19T23:01:00.000-07:00

I had a site meeting today with my Site Supervisor where I pointed out a few minor issues that will be rectified (dented fascia, hole in the floor in one of the bedrooms, ‘creaky’ stair balustrades, incorrect basins in the ensuite and powder rooms etc.). While I was there, the contractor arrived to fit our stone benchtops.

I also noted that the garage and alfresco piers have been bricked. The roof trusses should be fitted next week and the tiles done shortly after. The painter is also booked to commence next week.

Scaffolding down, Cabinets fixed

2009-08-15T18:44:00.001-07:00

All the scaffolding has been removed from the exterior of the house and the bricks at the top storey have been acid washed to remove all of the mortar and mess on them. You can get a good feel for the end product now that you can clearly see the brick colour. The bottom has not been cleaned yet, for some parts it will be rendered. The other pictures are the cabinets that have now been fitted. R was a little shocked at first at the colour of her kitchen cabinets, but once the bench tops are fixed,the splashback is in and there is tiling around, I'm sure they will blend nicely. Upstairs they have attached all of the architraves and skirting and all of the doors have been hung. Ready for paint and carpet!

Oops... just a little Boo Boo!

2009-08-15T18:21:00.001-07:00

We visited the house on Saturday and the first thing I noticed was that the basins were not quite right. At first I thought that they were the wrong ones. (Always take your plans and drawings on visits with you!). Works out that the Ensuite has the wrong basins - can't work out if that is a good or bad thing yet, but we were supposed to have the counter-top upgrade. They actually sit on top of the bench completely and they have a tall flick mixer to the side.The upstairs kids bathroom has been incorrectly fitted. The steps you see on the basin are not supposed to be visible, it is meant to be sunk into the bench and only the rim be visible. Fingers crossed it can all be easily fixed and not create any delays.

Pic update

2009-08-11T00:20:00.000-07:00

More pics from our weekend visit.

Progress Progress Progress!!

2009-08-09T23:38:00.001-07:00

A view from the top of the staircase, looking down at Aaron and our double entry doors

A visit to the house on Saturday brought much delight. It was amazing to see what they had achieved in such little time.
The Staircase is in and they have delivered all of the cabinetry to be fixed in this week (possibly today). More photos to come...

New site supervisor- update

2009-08-04T01:36:00.001-07:00

I just had a call from our recently appointed site supervisor (the amount of staff turnover in the building industry is staggering). I had a good chat to our new SS and things are sounding positive. The build was held up slightly by the lack of availability of the brickies, but that seems to have resolved itself now. He gave me a rough timetable of what is planned.

Now- currently bricking the window sills on the top floor

Later this week- the void protection will be taken down and the stairs installed, eaves should be installed.

Next week- Bricks cleaned on top floor and then scaffolding taken down. Kitchen cabinets should be fitted, and the brickies should return to brick the window sills on the bottom floor and brick the garage.

He has us penciled in for our PCI (practical completion inspection) in mid-October with handover expected to be a couple of weeks after that.

We are not holding our breath as the contracted completion date is mid-January, but it is very exciting to think that we may be in our new house in less than three months!

2009-08-01T04:06:00.001-07:00

Hive of activity

2009-07-27T15:56:00.001-07:00

When we visiting the house on Saturday, we were a bit disappointed that not a lot had happened over the last couple of weeks. However we got a message from our new neighbour last night to say that our site has been a hive of activity yesterday which is very pleasing. The plaster has been delivered, the Brickies have got stuck in, and another wall is now almost complete. The solar panel has been fitted and the insulation crew has been there, presumably to install the batts ready for the plasterers to start their work. All in all, sounds like a good step forward. It now gives us something to look forward to when we go and have another look on Saturday (will get some more photos then).

One wall complete

2009-07-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

The work has been slowed up a bit, and for some reason we have a new crew of brickies on the job. I hope they keep the same high level of workmanship. It also looks as though someone has been on site to inspect the building works. There are bits of pink spraypaint on all the things that need attention.

Finishing Bricking of Top Storey 11.07.09

2009-07-11T16:25:00.001-07:00

Air-conditioning unit installed

2009-07-08T00:23:00.001-07:00

Evaporative cooling unit installed. It's a lot 'bigger' than I anticipated. I had anticipated a more 'low line' unit (will have to check the contract documents). I don't think it will make much of a difference to us, as it is on the rear part of our roof, and I don't think we can see it from our backyard. I would however prefer if it didn't stick out so far!

Scaffolding up

2009-07-07T17:36:00.001-07:00

This is a pic sent by Trevor from the back of our house. Ours is the house with the green plastic wrap on the upper floor. They have the scaffolding ready to do the bricking on the top floor. They have also installed the air-conditioning unit on the roof. T&K’s house is on the right. I have my fingers crossed for them that they will get handover within the next week or so. They have had a very bumpy ride with their builder.

Rain, rain go away!

2009-07-05T09:25:00.001-07:00

I haven't been able to check on the progress this weekend, but I suspect the rainy weather this week may have slowed down the work. The scaffolding should be delivered and the brickies should be working on the upper floor. I will go up to check next weekend bit we should nearly be at 'lockup' stage (another progres payment) and the plasterers should start soon.

Bricking continues- Electrical rough-in done

2009-06-27T01:18:00.000-07:00

Had another visit to the house today. The brickies were again hard at work. It looks like they are doing a very neat job so I am quite impresses. The bricking on the ground floor should be complete on tuesday, when they are due to deliver the scaffolding to continue the bricking on the first floor.

The electrical rough in has also been completed and the heating unit has been installed. Once the bricking is finished I expect they will put in the wall insulation and the plastering should be soon after.

Timber Bi-folds are in

2009-06-20T21:19:00.001-07:00

Bricking has started

2009-06-19T04:09:00.001-07:00

Went for a site meeting today, and the bricking has started. Met the
Site Supervisor and the brickies, who appear to be doing a good job.
Fingers crossed it keeps going that way. The bricks are Boral 'Brown
Terrain' with an off white mortar. We were a bit nervous about the
bricks we had chosen, as we struggled to find any bricks that we liked
from the Boral range (we were only able to select from the Boral) but
I am pretty happy with how they look. Rach is coming to inspect them
tomorrow so I hope she agrees!

I also measured some of the rooms to ensure that they are the same
size as the plans- we have picked out a great value home theatre suite
which will be perfect for our theatre room. I was a bit concerned it
was not going to fit, but we can now breathe a sigh of relief.

As I was leaving the 'heating guys' arrived and started to rough in
the heating ducts.
Our long suffering neighbours had their PCI (practical completion
inspection) today, so all things being well they will be able to move
in within a fortnight or so. We willl be going back on site tomorrow
and then going out to dinner with our 'future' neighbours so that will
be a good head start.

2009-06-17T04:12:00.001-07:00

I had the first conversation today with our site supervisor. We arranged a site meeting and walk through for Friday morning. I have been having sleepless nights about the positioning of a tap on the outside of the house. The site supervisor agreed to move it to our prefered position (to the side of the house where we plan to have a rain water tank) so that is a load off my mind.
The brickies should be starting tomorrow, so hopefully there will be some progress by the time I get there on Friday.

Roof is on!

2009-06-13T04:22:00.001-07:00

It's amazing at just how quickly this house is going up, so impressed with it all so far. J is being extra safe by organising to have an independent inspection pre-plaster. The roof tiles are now on and we are happy with the colour. They have attached the green insulation wrap, as you will notice in the pictures and we are ready for the brickwork to start, hopefully next week. It has been quite a wet week so there may be some hold-ups if the rain hits again.

Frame complete- Bricks and Tiles delivered to site

2009-06-06T16:32:00.001-07:00

Just four weeks after the slab was poured, the frame (including roof trusses) is now complete. They have also 'roughed-in' all the plumbing and fixed the gutters and fascia. They have also delivered our bricks (Boral Brown Terrain) and roof tiles (gunmetal).

I expect that over the next week the roof tiles should go on, and hopefully they start bricking up the walls. It is starting to look like a house now, and was very exciting to drive into the estate to find two more house frames had popped up. Things are happening so fast, just hope we don't have too many major setbacks.

Roof trusses going on

2009-06-02T04:16:00.001-07:00

The frame is complete (excluding the garage which will be done later), and roof trusses are now going on. The roof tiles should be laid next week, then they will start the bricking. Hopefully the weather will be kind and not hold us up too much. We were able to walk through our house (frame) on the weekend, and even got to check out the view from upstairs!

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Lookin Grand

2009-05-28T18:54:00.001-07:00

Putting the frame up for our 'Grand Alfresco'. View from the back corner of the block.

Upstairs frame up!

2009-05-27T18:41:00.001-07:00

They have put the upstairs frame up now! Our customer service co-ordinator advised that the frame should be finished by Tuesday (2 June) and the roof should be on the following week. Things are moving fast!

This is the view from the surrounding block, looking towards the back of the house. The frame for the alfresco hasn't been put up yet, but the big opening at the bottom is for the timber bi-fold doors into the living/dining room. The window on the right is the theatre room. You can see our neighbour's (T&K) house on the right.

More Frame Action!

2009-05-24T03:30:00.001-07:00

We went out to the Block/House Saturday afternoon and the Chippies were there putting the joists up in preparation for the top floor. Looking a bit like a matchstick house at present. Before the Tradies arrived, we were able to walk through the house which gave us a bit of perspective about how the house all fits together. All the display homes that we visited were the 42 square version of our floor plan (ours is 35 square). We were a little concerned how small our bedroom and living areas look, but that may all change when we have solid walls!

Frame has started

2009-05-21T17:42:00.001-07:00

The view from the back corner of the block.

Just delivered on site

2009-05-20T00:42:00.000-07:00

Frame has arrived on site- Thanks again to Trevor for the pic

2009-05-14T16:52:00.000-07:00

We hope to have construction of the frame started within the next few days.

We now have a slab! Thanks to Trevor for the pic!

2009-05-11T03:16:00.001-07:00

The view from the back of the block, with the alfresco in the foreground. You can see the park in the top right. There will be a future community centre built behind the blue fence at top right.

Ready for slab pour- waffle pods in place

2009-05-11T03:11:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken on Saturday night, obviously prior to the slab being poured. The white 'waffle pods' are made of polystyrene. They frame the area of the slab with wood, put the waffle pods in place, and lay in some metal mesh for reinforcement. The concrete is then poured on top to make the slab.

We have pipes!

2009-05-04T17:35:00.001-07:00

Site Start- Site scraped and concrete piers poured

2009-05-04T01:47:00.000-07:00

Construction has commenced!

2009-05-04T01:44:00.000-07:00

After getting quotes from Simonds and Henley, we have decided to build with Porter Davis. We are building the Rowland 35 (with Grand Alfresco) design. This house is a little bigger than we initially planned on building, but it is the smallest double storey (it is a requirement of the developer that we have a double storey on our block) in the Porter Davis range. We loved the floor plan, and it was one of the few that would fit on our block (wide, but not very deep). Anyway, we are satisfied with the quote for site costs and signed a contract with Porter Davis in January 2009. Site start was 27 April- we are scheduled to have handover late January 2010.

We went out to site on the weekend to see that they had scraped the site, and poured the concrete piers for the foundations, and the 'screw piles' in the rear of the slab. I expect they will lay the waffle pods and pour the slab some time this week (weather permitting). Below is a photo of the Rowland display home as well as some shots of the block as it was on 3 May 09.

Waiting for site costs quote

2008-09-17T04:57:00.000-07:00

We are (im)patiently waiting for the results of our soil tests from Henley to get a quote on our site costs. We are now looking at building the 'Palladian' with Henley, after a bit of a hiccup with another builder. As luck would have it, the day we had our tender appointment with another builder and got quoted what we felt were 'exhorbitant' amounts for our site costs, Henley started a promotion where they reduced their 'base' price by $30,000 on their double storey houses. It felt like fate! We just hope we have made the right decision! Only time will tell. What we love about Henley is that most things that other builders call luxury upgrades (stone bench tops, tiled showers etc) are actually standard inclusions.

Our block requires a two storey house, and the Palladian is a wide house, that doesn't go very deep into the block which suits ours perfectly (18.3m wide x 31m deep with 6.5m front setback). We have a north facing backyard, so we have chosen the 'Grand Alfresco' option and hope that we will be able to make the most of our good sized backyard. In order to meet one of the covenents, we must have a porch of 10m2 minimum, so we are chosing the 'Urban' facade which has a big balcony. This sort of facade is quite common with many of the other houses in the estate, so will have to choose a snazzy colour scheme to make ours stand out a bit!

Rachel is only in Melbourne for a couple of more weeks before she is heading back to Perth to finish the last couple of months of her degree, so we are madly trying to work out our colour selections etc. so our building process isn't held up unnecessarily. We will be heading out to some of the brick manufacturers display centres, and into Henley's 'Cosham Interiors' gallery over the weekend to try to nut everything out prior to our colours appointment.

I hope to upload some photographs of our block and the bricks and colours that we have chosen in the near future. Will also keep you informed on the progress with our site costs. Fingers crossed!

Jason & Rachel

Welcome

2008-09-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our blog!

Rachel and I are both West Australians who have recently moved to Melbourne. We have created this blog so that our friends and family back in the west can keep updated on our progress as we build our new home together.

Soon after arriving, we decided that rather than purchase someone elses older/established house, we wanted to buy a good sized block and build the home that we could call our own. So off we went, searching all the new estates to find our own bit of dirt.

We looked at virtually all the estates in the West and North of the city, from Pt Cook, Tarneit, Caroline Springs, Craigieburn, Mernda, South Morang, Doreen and ended up choosing a block in Hawkstowe Estate, South Morang. This block is a 600m2 block on Hawkstowe Parade with an 18.3m frontage, overlooking the Park and proposed Community Centre. Our block settled in April, and is fully titled and ready to go.

Hawkstowe is located 26km N/NE of the Melbourne CBD along Plenty Road, in the fast developing Plenty Valley corridor which includes numerous estates in South Morang, Mernda and Doreen. Check out more info about Hawkstowe Estate on http://www.stockland.com.au/Residential/VIC/MelbourneNorth/Hawkstowe/About/

We are now in the process of sorting out which house we are going to build. As we are on Hawkstowe Parade (the main street of the estate) one of the covenents require us to build a double storey. As we have quite a wide block, we are looking for a house that can best utilize this block and allow us to have a good sized backyard. We think we have found one that fits it perfectly, but at the risk of cursing it, I will not reveal until we have sorted out a few minor details.

I will update you further when I have more details!

Jason & Rachel