Progress is Good

Lots of activity on site, given few rainy days but mostly sunny ones!

The roof tiles were finished over a week ago now.The plumbing (both storeys) has gone in too. FYI it's flexible black PVC pipe with brass fittings where connections need to happen. To our slight surprise, all the shower and bath mixer taps have already been fitted - one of which is already scratched. I understand why, I just wish greater care is taken, understanding that some bits and pieces are part of the end result (as well as the fact that someone is paying money for all this...).

Moving on... we extended the retaining wall between us the next door neighbour's (included in our package) to run all the way to the back of our block. This has now left us with a more usable and level backyard. And the fact that we did this now also means that we kept the cost down since all the machinery was already on site. Thanks to Davnic (local retaining wall specialists and also subcontracted by Metricon) for accommodating us and for doing a good job.

There is a bigger retaining wall to be built street-facing, on the side of the house - but I don't want to think about it now. We're getting quotes and saving extra cash for it. The thinking for that wall is Outback Sleepers or rendered Besser blocks.
Moving on... we knew that recycled water was included in the deal and we noticed that all three toilets are plumbed into the recycled water supply (purple pipe running through the house) and there is an extra tap in the laundry for the washing machine to be potentially plumbed in the same supply. The lady of the house is feeling a bit unnerved about that though...

I guess the next couple of weeks will see parts of the heating & cooling system and electrical work.

Mud, glorious mud!

Well, well, well! That's exactly what the block looked like last night :) every hole dug by the crew who are preparing for the slab was full of water. Still, it was very reassuring to see that, despite the unfortunate weather, work is underway.

And today, the plumbers were on site, digging the trenches and installing the PVC drain and waste pipes. The block was a big pile of sludge but credit due to the guys for pushing on!

To top it all, I got to meet Wayne, our Site Supervisor. He comes across as a straight and honest guy an it was really useful to hear him share some of his insights about building on The Range. It was impressive and reassuring to see him giving up his Saturday morning and dropping in to see that work was under way on all Big M houses with subcontractors working over the weekend.

Fingers crossed for dry weather next week.