Today met with electrician for electrical rough in.
Ask the electrician about the quotation of underground power, it is only for the main house, quoted at $1085 for 20 meter run of 16mm 3phase and plus 10mm tarif and 6 mm ground with 40mm heavy duty conduit. That is mean $51/meter run. Think this is too much, as far as I can remember at the electrical shop it cost around 32/m run for retail. I will check once again at the shop then query to the office and asked about credit for our allowance to the normal 10m power inlet.
How will I ask them to quote me for another 60meters to distribute to the shed?
I think I will do this after handover with other electrician.
When I was at the site with the electrican, the builder arrived with a guy, I think he bring one of his prospective client to see at the project, even he didn't said anything about the guest.
After brief through most power points, data points, switches etc with electrician, I went to the electrical shop, finding out that the prices of my preferred down lights has been increase by $2 each, not good, I need to buy 76 pcs of it.
At the afternoon I went back to the site with the kids, finding out that the tv antena has been installed, but at the north roof site, where all my solar panels will be mounted.
Again wrong location, location, location.
After wrong HSTP location, now tv antena. I rang the office and told about this, why they didn't ask me about the position, also I have already given them the layout of the solar panels position. Wrote email to rectify it and not to charge the cost to me.
I have to relocate the HSTP location (dig the and relocate the sewer pipes) on my cost, not for the tv antena again.
Hope they will understand.
Monday, 30 May 2011
Sunday, 29 May 2011
28 May 2011 - day 73 New look
Went to the site early Saturday morning for mowing and see the house with the tile roof on. Looks like a house now.
These are the look:
These are the look:
front view
from backyard
Friday, 27 May 2011
27 May 2011 - day 72 Tile roof on
Visit the site in the morning and some workers were on the roof putting on the tile roof. The carperters also work today.
Some area has almost coverred such as alfresco area,
The builder ask about the name and contact number of engineer that gonna do the frame inspection. It is a bit weird for me, I told them I will be able to give the name after booked it because they have alot of engineer. Then they ask the name and contact number of the company. I gave them two companies name that probably will be used, depend on which one is availabe once they give me the schedule.
Received also the variation cost to install underground power 3phase for $1195. Not sure from what point to what point, whether including the distribution to the shed or not. The admin wrote to check with the electrician directly on Monday for electricity rough in.
Thursday, 26 May 2011
26 May 2011 - day 71 Preparation for Tile Roof Installation
Drop by at lunch time and see the roof with green colour as pictures below.
The workers were on the roof putting insulation material and preparing for tile roof instalation.
The workers were on the roof putting insulation material and preparing for tile roof instalation.
view from backyard
some areas hasn't have green cover
inside the house, ceiling look like this, some area hasn't been coverred
alfresco area covered completely
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
25 May 2011 - day 70 Fascia/Gutter installed
I went to the site around 5pm, the carpenter is still there. Very diligent.
The tile roof have been delivered, I think it was on Tuesday. There are 16 packs of tiles roof, magnum from Bristle. Some on the front of the house and some on the backyard. All fitting for the tiles also have been delivered.
The fascia and gutter also have been put on the trusses, off white colour.
The house is not looked as tall as before putting on fascia/gutter.
Because the shape of the roof is bending down on the eaves.
They are preparing the staggers to put on the roof tile this week. And the posts at the facade have been put also. Hope no more rain anymore until they put on the roof. I haven't seen any work done for strengthening the trusses. Hope they can do it before putting on the tile roof, otherwise will be quite difficult.
The house is not looked as tall as before putting on fascia/gutter.
Because the shape of the roof is bending down on the eaves.
They are preparing the staggers to put on the roof tile this week. And the posts at the facade have been put also. Hope no more rain anymore until they put on the roof. I haven't seen any work done for strengthening the trusses. Hope they can do it before putting on the tile roof, otherwise will be quite difficult.
front of the house
24 May 2011 - day 69 Email about Strengthening Trusses for Solar panel and Ducted air conditioning
Got the chance early in the morning to the site, find original bill letter from builder in the mail box.
Now I can see some speedbraces on the roof already:
No speedbrace at the backside yet, but probably they will finish putting all speedbrace today.
Sending email to the office that received the bill today and will process payment of frame stage by eft within 5 working days. Also ask the schedule for independent surveyor on frame stage. It is worthed to pay extra for the surveyor cause I think the frame stage is quite important, as all frames will be coverred with gyprocks and bricks, and we can't trace any technical issue after that. Totally different with slab stage, which we can see and judge the technical issue easily.
There is an email from office manager also with attachments about what required to be done on trusses to support 24 solar panels on the roof. She also mentioned that at the moment they don't know the dollar value for the work as there gonna be fair work to be done for that. I open the attachment, 5 pages explains that there are 7 trusses need to be strengthen by putting more support to the 4 webs on each trusses with another frame and batten screws.
Dollar value? When we started negotiation on the project, we have already told the builder that we will put on solar electricity and he said he will ask to strengthen the trusses for this purpose with no extra cost. I also write down on the carpenter plan to strengthen the roof for solar electricity installation. Also at many occasion we emphasize that we definitely will install solar electricity on the roof. Now they mentioned about dollar value.
I write back query and ask to include the work as frame part of the contract, the extra work on 7 trusses is a peanut work for his speedy carpenters.
The builder response directly and said that he manufactured the trusses on 31 March 2011, and we gave him the detail of frame composition on 14 April 2011. He mentioned also that writing to strengthen the roof on carpenter plan without detail is not enough. If we want them to strengthen the 18 trusses, it will go as variation otherwise we can do it later ourself after hand over.
Thinking that this is not the time for debating. When you face a problem like these, being humble and just throw some words that will hit the face, we do not have the right to judge, only He can do the judgement.
I wrote back mentioned that
we already emphasize in every occasion that we definitely install the panels and we gave the drawing on 16 April 2011 because we need feedback from the vendor. But how come he just coming back to us after more than 5 weeks (16 April 2011 - 23 May 2011).................................. I explain also that the work will be only on 7 trusses as what is written on the attachments from the engineer. I ended writing that we already include most works in the contract (flooring, aircon etc) and do want them to do this work as well and consider the cost of this variation for our tight budget.
Bring this to the prayer and let see later how much the cost will be.
Late afternoon the admin called inform about the detail of outdoor unit daikin ducted aircon, which had been asked a week ago. Apparently it is only 14.5KW capacity three phases. I had other quotation from independent vendor that we need at least 20KW capacity, so I told her that that capacity is too small for 3 meters ceiling with dark colour tile roof. I asked for a bigger capacity, and she said that company only provide this capacity, to upgrade for bigger one, we need a variation with extra $780 for 18KW. I think the extra cost is quite reasonable, so we settle this issue straight by signing the variation paper. I add one more vent to the ensuite with cost $360.- Happy with this result.
Hope their supplier can put the return air grill at the desired position around activity room or the coridor between bedrooms, not at the lounge as she mentioned at the first meeting.
Now I can see some speedbraces on the roof already:
left site of the house
No speedbrace at the backside yet, but probably they will finish putting all speedbrace today.
Sending email to the office that received the bill today and will process payment of frame stage by eft within 5 working days. Also ask the schedule for independent surveyor on frame stage. It is worthed to pay extra for the surveyor cause I think the frame stage is quite important, as all frames will be coverred with gyprocks and bricks, and we can't trace any technical issue after that. Totally different with slab stage, which we can see and judge the technical issue easily.
There is an email from office manager also with attachments about what required to be done on trusses to support 24 solar panels on the roof. She also mentioned that at the moment they don't know the dollar value for the work as there gonna be fair work to be done for that. I open the attachment, 5 pages explains that there are 7 trusses need to be strengthen by putting more support to the 4 webs on each trusses with another frame and batten screws.
Dollar value? When we started negotiation on the project, we have already told the builder that we will put on solar electricity and he said he will ask to strengthen the trusses for this purpose with no extra cost. I also write down on the carpenter plan to strengthen the roof for solar electricity installation. Also at many occasion we emphasize that we definitely will install solar electricity on the roof. Now they mentioned about dollar value.
I write back query and ask to include the work as frame part of the contract, the extra work on 7 trusses is a peanut work for his speedy carpenters.
The builder response directly and said that he manufactured the trusses on 31 March 2011, and we gave him the detail of frame composition on 14 April 2011. He mentioned also that writing to strengthen the roof on carpenter plan without detail is not enough. If we want them to strengthen the 18 trusses, it will go as variation otherwise we can do it later ourself after hand over.
Thinking that this is not the time for debating. When you face a problem like these, being humble and just throw some words that will hit the face, we do not have the right to judge, only He can do the judgement.
I wrote back mentioned that
we already emphasize in every occasion that we definitely install the panels and we gave the drawing on 16 April 2011 because we need feedback from the vendor. But how come he just coming back to us after more than 5 weeks (16 April 2011 - 23 May 2011).................................. I explain also that the work will be only on 7 trusses as what is written on the attachments from the engineer. I ended writing that we already include most works in the contract (flooring, aircon etc) and do want them to do this work as well and consider the cost of this variation for our tight budget.
Bring this to the prayer and let see later how much the cost will be.
Late afternoon the admin called inform about the detail of outdoor unit daikin ducted aircon, which had been asked a week ago. Apparently it is only 14.5KW capacity three phases. I had other quotation from independent vendor that we need at least 20KW capacity, so I told her that that capacity is too small for 3 meters ceiling with dark colour tile roof. I asked for a bigger capacity, and she said that company only provide this capacity, to upgrade for bigger one, we need a variation with extra $780 for 18KW. I think the extra cost is quite reasonable, so we settle this issue straight by signing the variation paper. I add one more vent to the ensuite with cost $360.- Happy with this result.
Hope their supplier can put the return air grill at the desired position around activity room or the coridor between bedrooms, not at the lounge as she mentioned at the first meeting.
22 may 2011 - day 67 Frame frame frame
It was raining in the morning, but the sun came out brightly after lunch time. Went to the site and took some pictures, all rooms look big with frame only. But later when the gyprock was put on the frame, probably will look different......... become smalller.
The house in frame from backyard, no speedbraces on the roof yet.
The next pictures are some main area in frame:
The house in frame from backyard, no speedbraces on the roof yet.
entry
garage
media room
kitchen look from alfresco
lounge
Saturday, 21 May 2011
21 May 2011 - day 66 Frame stage bill
Planned to mow at the site, but it was shower in the morning. Just wait till around 10 then went to the site. While waiting shower to stop, open email and there was an email from builder's office, bill for frame stage.
Super express bill, the email sent at 16.58 friday 20 May 2011 ask payment asap.
Ok let's check at the site and get some images:
1. The wall bracing haven't finished yet.
The ply bracing panel have been put down all, but the galvanised steel angle haven't been there.
2. No speed brace at the roof yet.
Alot of noggins on the roof's frame haven't been put yet
3. Missing noggins such as:
b. what is the island marks at all ply bracing panel
c. there are about 4 untreated panel/post in the frames (1 post at bathroom, 1 post at media, corner of bed 4, roof plank at media, roof plank at gangway and some at roof trusses)
d. need more nails on this bracing panel
Super express bill, the email sent at 16.58 friday 20 May 2011 ask payment asap.
Ok let's check at the site and get some images:
from backyard
front view
front side view
Well I can say 95% done, noted down several issues:1. The wall bracing haven't finished yet.
The ply bracing panel have been put down all, but the galvanised steel angle haven't been there.
2. No speed brace at the roof yet.
Alot of noggins on the roof's frame haven't been put yet
1 at left hand side of sliding door at kitchen
1 at left hand side of window in kitchen
2 at right hand side wall of garage near door
1 at left hand side of window at study
2 at left hand side of window at media room
1 at middle of wall between lounge and media
2 at left hand side of sliding door in bed 1
upper frame of door at ensuite to 210 cm, also door height at the toilet
4. Some frames above garage door and stacker door haven't been put yet
5. queries:
a. for upside down frame at bathroom towards backyard
c. there are about 4 untreated panel/post in the frames (1 post at bathroom, 1 post at media, corner of bed 4, roof plank at media, roof plank at gangway and some at roof trusses)
d. need more nails on this bracing panel
e. uncomplete bolts at stacker door post.
Probably it is common practice in the industry that once the engineer approved the stage even with certain items need to be dones first, they issued the bill to the client.
Just like the slab stage, got the bill at 10 am even the concreter just started the work at 09.00.
Looking at the above notes, well they can do all of it by monday and the bill should be issued on Monday, 24 May 2011, not Friday 20 May 2011.
I planned to have an independent surveyor for frame stage and will email the office tomorrow.
Notice also today that facia and gutter have been delivered to site, off white colour.
Probably it is common practice in the industry that once the engineer approved the stage even with certain items need to be dones first, they issued the bill to the client.
Just like the slab stage, got the bill at 10 am even the concreter just started the work at 09.00.
Looking at the above notes, well they can do all of it by monday and the bill should be issued on Monday, 24 May 2011, not Friday 20 May 2011.
I planned to have an independent surveyor for frame stage and will email the office tomorrow.
Notice also today that facia and gutter have been delivered to site, off white colour.
Friday, 20 May 2011
20 May 2011 - day 65
Wondering how far the carpenters has worked today but not allowed to go the site.
Night time is the only chance to see the result, as usually they are still at the site till 5 pm.
Well, the roof's frame shaping the look of a house now, got some pictures:
Night time is the only chance to see the result, as usually they are still at the site till 5 pm.
Well, the roof's frame shaping the look of a house now, got some pictures:
front view
what is the island shape on the plywood sheet?
from back view
All posts at alfresco haven't been used.
There are also some frames those are not put up yet, such as the entry wall, wall above garage door and 2 frames shapes like roof frame. Hm not sure what is that. It would be better to come back tomorrow morning Saturday seeing more details.
19 May 2011 - day 64 Extension Time Letter to Practical Completion
It was raining a few hours in the morning, stop.....then shower again from around 4 pm. Probably the carpenters kept working even in shower as the builder seem have a number of projects to catch up.
Got email from builder's office dated 19 May 2011, that practical completion of the building has been extended by 19 days and is now become 4 October 2011. These due to 8 wet days claims (from 16 days in March/April), 7 days delays by variation and 4 days delays by interruption of sand's delivery.
These letters seem like just admin procedure and protection to builder avoiding penaly of $50/day on overdue hand over on completion. Beliving that everything will be beautiful in His time.
Got email from builder's office dated 19 May 2011, that practical completion of the building has been extended by 19 days and is now become 4 October 2011. These due to 8 wet days claims (from 16 days in March/April), 7 days delays by variation and 4 days delays by interruption of sand's delivery.
These letters seem like just admin procedure and protection to builder avoiding penaly of $50/day on overdue hand over on completion. Beliving that everything will be beautiful in His time.
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
18 May 2011 (day 63) - Small error at the alfresco
After work, I stopped by at the site, oh oh so dusty.....apparently there is a concrete cutter working there beside the carpenters. He cut some part of concrete at the alfresco, as they over coverred the concrete by about 15 cm. The bricks need to be laid on those area.
And looks like almost half of the roof's frame have been put over the wall frame. Efficient workers.
Today is fullmoon and it will be great to take some pictures at site with the moon lighting as below:
And looks like almost half of the roof's frame have been put over the wall frame. Efficient workers.
Today is fullmoon and it will be great to take some pictures at site with the moon lighting as below:
to the bedrooms, viewed from kitchen
to the inside, viewed from alfresco
to the backyard, viewed from inside.
17 May 2011 (day 62) - Roof Frame delivered
Carpenters still work at the site. Wonders how far they have done at site and while waiting for the kids finishing instruments lesson, I drove down to the site at around 4.30pm, hope they have gone home.
Guess what I saw.
At the front of the house, there are a big truck and another crane blocking the road as shown at the pictures:
Apparently they are going to deliver the frame of the roof, but because they are more wider than the gate, they have to bring them one by one inside like these:
going straight to the backyard and u turn at the tennis court
then put it straight to the top of the wall frame erected.
All of these frames will be brought inside that way.
They have covered some frames with 3mm plywood sheets.
These trademen are working hard, around 5 pm still at the site. Excellent
Guess what I saw.
At the front of the house, there are a big truck and another crane blocking the road as shown at the pictures:
Apparently they are going to deliver the frame of the roof, but because they are more wider than the gate, they have to bring them one by one inside like these:
then put it straight to the top of the wall frame erected.
They have covered some frames with 3mm plywood sheets.
These trademen are working hard, around 5 pm still at the site. Excellent
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