Hi Aaron @ Erin... yayyyy.... you're almost there :z: :z: At my PCI, I had my independent inspector start outside, while the SS and myself went inside and went through the bleeding obvious things like missing powerpoints and lights, scratched floorboards & benches, and bad tiling. Then my indepe...

Wow, just read your blog and can't believe how bad a time you've had with your house. Very amusing writing and pictures on your blog btw :-) Have you discovered any useful techniques for hurrying along your builder or at least to give you an updated timeframe for when things will be completed? Hi P...

My kitchen cabinets were installed 7 months ago, and I'm still not in my house :lol: :lol: :lol: Just a thought.... you're on a 240 day contract. If they reach 360 days without finishing, I think you can tell them to stop work and you can get another builder to finish the house. I think?! Well, ther...

Hi Somewoman, How did I miss this thread for so long? Just read the whole thing... wow, what an ordeal :? Have to say that I love your house plan, and the internal fixtures and materials you've chosen are fantastic. This is going to be an amazing house when it's finished. It's good to see you've kep...

Howdy, I've been looking for a similar thing, but more of a floating entertainment unit. The only place I could find was Ode - http://www.ode.co.za . I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post the URL. If the mods remove the URL, do a Google search for "Ode floating cantilever shelves" instead. T...

I'm just reading through your blog, hope you don't mind, I'm cringing as we speak, as we have the same builder ::hyst:: :lol: :lol: Ahh, don't worry. 'Z' actually build very good quality houses. They only have problems with my particular style of home, the "Studio Four" series, which have...

Sacrifice her to the Homeone Gods and use her blood to stain the rest of the carpet? ::wink:: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: I just shot coffee out of my nose when I read that!!!! Now what's the best way to remove coffee from my computer monitor and keyboard? :th:

Hi Little Misses, Firstly, love your avatar... Kermit rocks :wink: I remember I had similar knotting and splitting in my frame. My uncle, who is a registered builder, took a look for me and told me it was quite normal. He said it was more important to ensure the studs and noggins are correctly space...

Howdy Polo, Yeah, the SS insists that the chipping, mortar and different colour bricks 'add character' and give the house an industrial feel, which is in keeping with the design :lol: You're right about the inspector. I definitely have to get an independent inspector to go over the entire house when...

Thanks Lex... exactly what I was looking for! After reading through that document, it appears that my brickwork and mortar may not meet the building standards at all, contrary to what my SS said. The bricks are clay and not painted, so colour matching them with paint won't be a viable option. And I'...

Hi all, I'm currently building my first home in Craigieburn. I have used Boral Escura Smooth Pearl Grey bricks. I'm really unhappy with the quality of the brickwork and mortar. Aside from numerous chips in the brickwork all around the house, some bricks are being knocked out and replaced with bricks...

Hi Rinny, Whichever option you go with, please let us know the outcome. I'm also quite disappointed in my brickwork and mortar, however my builder insists it is fine. I'd be very interested in hearing how your builder handles the situation. It may give me some ammunition to get my own brickwork fixe...

aahhhh pharley!!! thank-you sooooo much for that. It looks 'whitey' and your kitchen is GORGEOUS! I am loving those stainless tiles!! :) Quick question...what is the mm of your benchtop? I think mine will be 33mm thick. Thanks Notsubtle! Yes, my benchtops are also 33mm thick. It's also got the acry...

Hi Notsubtle, I've got the Pure Minerstone DiamondGloss benchtop and it is definitely quite 'white' with specks of grey. No cream tones at all. It will look great with your white polished porcelain floors. A white tiled splashback will match it well. I originally was going to have gloss white tiles....

... and they ARE getting pay for the level of stress... aposed to paying for the level of stress. ^ +1 :: :: :: So true!

Wow, this thread is very interesting indeed :shock: I had a couple of run-ins with my SS earlier on in the build, but some of the comments I'm reading in this thread make my SS's comments seem tame by comparison! I can only imagine how stressful it is in their position, with trying to organise tradi...

1. What is the purpose of your blog? When I decided to sign with my particular builder, I couldn't find any blogs from current or previous customers. So I decided to start my own and be the first. Plus it's a great way to keep friends and family updated on the status of your build. 2. Do you find o...

Mrs Rose, The more I see Laminex Fudge Stream the more I love it! The horizontal grain looks great... can't wait to see it with the Luna White benchtops. Great colour choices ::

Wow.... I got a bargain :D $60 at contract signing stage!