Housearama

We fairly reluctantly agreed with the builder that the fixing of the problems with the frame could mostly be delayed up until the internal linings are installed. This essentially means that they could proceed with the attaching the Hebel and installing the roof. Some of the problems such as inconsistent nailing of the bracing will be harder to fix. Since the last update we have noticed that some of the problems have been fixed (some of the bolts reinstalled properly, tie downs nailed down, one of the studs which was cut has been reinforced). But there are still some important problems that need to be addressed such as all the bolts holding the frame down in the garage along one wall being installed too close the edge of the concrete (and so breaking the concrete edge and not really holding the frame down).

We had a meeting with the electrician last week to finalise the electrical plan. We ended up adding a few more data points, power points and adjusting the position of a few things like fans. Am rather excited about the home automation and monitoring we’ll be able to do.

Over the last week the hebel installers have been very busy. Although it explicitly states in our contract that the sarking for the walls will be installed shiny side our SS informed us that their contractors have refused to do so for OH&S reasons. Hopefully it will still work as decent radiant barrier. Most of the north facing part of the house is window which will be shaded by the pergola in summer so it may not matter too much. Am still a bit disappointed that the builder would promise (in writing) to install it shiny side out and then eventually refuse to do so.

The sarking and the hebel has gone up very quickly and is looking very nice – at least to our untrained eye. We’ve also had some painters in to paint the cedar frames with Integrain DWD so the outside has now had one coat and the inside two coats. The windows look beautiful!

We’ve had some rain the last couple of days but the weather is meant to be fine this week so we’re expecting the rendering of the walls to be finished by mid this week. Next will be the fascia for the gutters and then hopefully the roof before Christmas! Am really looking forward to walking around the house with the roof on as it should give us a much better idea of how much light we will have in the rooms.