Porter Davis homes

Drew01 · Sep 01, 2015 9:59 pm

ChrisHeli

Blog update: Solar hot water installed!

Looking good mate - gets frustrating when they don't install things where you ask them...

Has anyone deleted the solar hot water? I just don't get the point of heating water that sits around, and then boosting it with gas. We want to remove the solar hot water altogether, and replace it with a Rinnai 26 Enviro http://www.rinnai.com.au/hot-water/cont ... 26-enviro/ ...

While I'm asking PD questions - we're going to install hydronic heating - PD use a company in Hallam who provide good gear too!!! Part of installing hydronic means we don't really NEED the heating part of the A/C system - does anyone know if you can get JUST ducted A/C?

sassid · Sep 01, 2015 10:24 pm

If you delete the solar hot water you need to add in a tank for rainwater toilet flushing. You have to have either one of these to meet 6 star compliance. Another option which some people do is keep the solar hot water but also add in the gas hot water system (for example to service upstairs).

The 6 star rules can be quite frustrating sometimes. At one point we had the tank in the plans with PD but there was not enough space to put it where we wanted to so we went the solar system plus gas system but it is silly as the solar was for kitchen and laundry but my dishwasher and washing machine heat their own water so the solar would only be for hand washing dishes only.

We ended up with Rinnai gas hot water with controllers and tank with toilet flushing (with another builder).

Drew01 · Sep 01, 2015 10:51 pm

sassid

If you delete the solar hot water you need to add in a tank for rainwater toilet flushing. You have to have either one of these to meet 6 star compliance. Another option which some people do is keep the solar hot water but also add in the gas hot water system (for example to service upstairs).

The 6 star rules can be quite frustrating sometimes. At one point we had the tank in the plans with PD but there was not enough space to put it where we wanted to so we went the solar system plus gas system but it is silly as the solar was for kitchen and laundry but my dishwasher and washing machine heat their own water so the solar would only be for hand washing dishes only.

We ended up with Rinnai gas hot water with controllers and tank with toilet flushing (with another builder).

thanks Sassid ... we are having grey water provisioning for flushing toilets, as we already have a 3500 liter slimline tank, pump, etc that we never installed at our current house.

Does means we then meet the 6 star rating? I've been struggling to find consistent reading as to what constitutes what rating...

FirstTimePDBuilder · Sep 02, 2015 11:05 am

Great news for us yesterday! On a beautiful first day of Spring, we had our official Site Start! Cut and fill is complete and our Slab Supervisor has our slab pour scheduled for 2 weeks time. Exciting times for us newbies!

KDR Chadwick 41 Eastern Suburbs

katemorley91 · Sep 02, 2015 11:06 am

Congrats FirstTimePDBuilder, its so exciting!! :z:

ChrisHeli · Sep 02, 2015 1:52 pm

Drew01

sassid

If you delete the solar hot water you need to add in a tank for rainwater toilet flushing. You have to have either one of these to meet 6 star compliance. Another option which some people do is keep the solar hot water but also add in the gas hot water system (for example to service upstairs).

The 6 star rules can be quite frustrating sometimes. At one point we had the tank in the plans with PD but there was not enough space to put it where we wanted to so we went the solar system plus gas system but it is silly as the solar was for kitchen and laundry but my dishwasher and washing machine heat their own water so the solar would only be for hand washing dishes only.

We ended up with Rinnai gas hot water with controllers and tank with toilet flushing (with another builder).

thanks Sassid ... we are having grey water provisioning for flushing toilets, as we already have a 3500 liter slimline tank, pump, etc that we never installed at our current house.

Does means we then meet the 6 star rating? I've been struggling to find consistent reading as to what constitutes what rating...

Yes, it's all do to with the energy rating. It's what "the compter says". Case in point. If you need the thicker wall batts, the computer will crunch the numbers and it will pass mathematically at least. The issue here is that the thicker batts do not fit in the provided wall space, so they have to be crushed to fit in, and that, obviously, clearly reduces their working capacity/efficiency. Not bad for what you paid extra for, right? ::angry::

Now, if we built foot thick walls of stucko, like they do in Phoenix Arizona, we'd not have these issues! :z:

Hydronic? PD will do this? I've got electric infloor heating but only for some of the ensuites. Hydronic is so expensive here.

As for whether with Hydronic, they will not supply a central heating unit (to which [usually] the cooling unit is attached), I don't know. You'll have to ask them. I'd suggest that if you don't get an answer that you like, then ask them to put the WHY in writing. It's been known to change their tune.

ChrisHeli · Sep 02, 2015 1:53 pm

WE HAVE A PCI DATE! Fri Sept 18th!
:z:

Drew01 · Sep 02, 2015 3:40 pm

ChrisHeli

Yes, it's all do to with the energy rating. It's what "the compter says". Case in point. If you need the thicker wall batts, the computer will crunch the numbers and it will pass mathematically at least. The issue here is that the thicker batts do not fit in the provided wall space, so they have to be crushed to fit in, and that, obviously, clearly reduces their working capacity/efficiency. Not bad for what you paid extra for, right? ::angry::

yeah - awesome value for $$'s - I've already had that discussion - funny you mention it, and dealing with a tradesperson, I've found that a rational discussion can be had, and different outcomes achieved - doesn't mean it won't get changed at tender I guess.

ChrisHeli

Hydronic? PD will do this? I've got electric infloor heating but only for some of the ensuites. Hydronic is so expensive here.

As for whether with Hydronic, they will not supply a central heating unit (to which [usually] the cooling unit is attached), I don't know. You'll have to ask them. I'd suggest that if you don't get an answer that you like, then ask them to put the WHY in writing. It's been known to change their tune.

Yup - PD do hydronic - the company they use supplies Baxi boilers, and Hendrad radiators, Gerpex pipes and fittings, which as far as I can tell from the reading I've done are reasonable products.

The quote still shows the Brivis reverse cycle A/C, which we know we'll need for cooling - it's just me being frustrated that it appears you can't get ducted cooling only - you have to have the heater unit as well...

We've had evap before, and swore never to have it again...

sassid · Sep 02, 2015 9:44 pm

Drew01

sassid

thanks Sassid ... we are having grey water provisioning for flushing toilets, as we already have a 3500 liter slimline tank, pump, etc that we never installed at our current house.

Does means we then meet the 6 star rating? I've been struggling to find consistent reading as to what constitutes what rating...

Yes i believe it does. When I was researching it I managed to find the rules/requirements brochure, can't remember where though. All of the other items are optional ways to meet 6 star (window double glazing, insulation, lighting etc) but you must have one or the other of toilet tank and solar water heater. The builder will tell you if it doesn't, as long as the future tank is included in the energy assessment thing you should be fine.

My tank was delivered on Monday and connected/installed today. My son called me with a problem, I went to his room and apparently the toilet did a funny thing - I guess it was just air getting through the system. Then my daughter came yelling out to me about the fridge water dispenser doing something funny - so now I am worried that the tank is somehow connected to the fridge tap!

Drew01 · Sep 03, 2015 5:23 pm

sassid

Drew01

sassid

thanks Sassid ... we are having grey water provisioning for flushing toilets, as we already have a 3500 liter slimline tank, pump, etc that we never installed at our current house.

Does means we then meet the 6 star rating? I've been struggling to find consistent reading as to what constitutes what rating...

Yes i believe it does. When I was researching it I managed to find the rules/requirements brochure, can't remember where though. All of the other items are optional ways to meet 6 star (window double glazing, insulation, lighting etc) but you must have one or the other of toilet tank and solar water heater. The builder will tell you if it doesn't, as long as the future tank is included in the energy assessment thing you should be fine.

My tank was delivered on Monday and connected/installed today. My son called me with a problem, I went to his room and apparently the toilet did a funny thing - I guess it was just air getting through the system. Then my daughter came yelling out to me about the fridge water dispenser doing something funny - so now I am worried that the tank is somehow connected to the fridge tap!

Easy to test if the tank is connected to the fridge... Turn the tank tap off, and see if the water stops at the fridge...

ChrisHeli · Sep 04, 2015 12:57 pm

I went to have a look yesterday. The painters were there doing some final work.

I said: Thank you for helping us build such a beautiful house!

They looked at me like I had two heads!

I spoke to the boss, he said: Because it never happens! Hence the look.

Sad, really.

knyght · Sep 04, 2015 2:43 pm

ChrisHeli

I went to have a look yesterday. The painters were there doing some final work.

I said: Thank you for helping us build such a beautiful house!

They looked at me like I had two heads!

I spoke to the boss, he said: Because it never happens! Hence the look.

Sad, really.

I was like that too. Don't understand how people can't show gratitude now days. It doesn't take much effort!

ChrisHeli · Sep 04, 2015 6:24 pm

knyght

ChrisHeli

I went to have a look yesterday. The painters were there doing some final work.

I said: Thank you for helping us build such a beautiful house!

They looked at me like I had two heads!

I spoke to the boss, he said: Because it never happens! Hence the look.

Sad, really.

I was like that too. Don't understand how people can't show gratitude now days. It doesn't take much effort!

We also found that a slab of beer also helped greatly!

knyght · Sep 04, 2015 6:49 pm

ChrisHeli

knyght

ChrisHeli

I went to have a look yesterday. The painters were there doing some final work.

I said: Thank you for helping us build such a beautiful house!

They looked at me like I had two heads!

I spoke to the boss, he said: Because it never happens! Hence the look.

Sad, really.

I was like that too. Don't understand how people can't show gratitude now days. It doesn't take much effort!

We also found that a slab of beer also helped greatly!

Hahaha. As long as they are drinking it while building your house

Pungentia · Sep 05, 2015 8:56 am

ChrisHeli

I said: Thank you for helping us build such a beautiful house!

They looked at me like I had two heads!

I spoke to the boss, he said: Because it never happens! Hence the look.

Sad, really.

I saved our painter from a run in with our neighbour. He then took me through our house (this is weeks back) and asked what I thought of their work. It was so nice to see a trade that was proud of their work. A number of those on site have been fantastic like that.

We delivered a slab of beer or two and some morning tea lamingtons - particularly to the trades who were going to be on site a little while.

We have our PCI booked for Monday. We are inspecting first with our independent inspector, and then with our site supervisor. Apparently he won't inspect at the same time as third parties? I want to go through with our inspector first to get a sense of whether I appropriately understand any issues that arise, and know the severity of any issue - whether I should be concerned or if I need to just suck it up.

We are hoping for handover next Friday, depending on inspection. There are lots of (relatively minor) issues on our issues list, but I don't think there is anything that can't be worked through fairly easily (this is before the inspection though). Only big concern is that there is no gas meter yet - anyone know when these go in??

Overall, our house is looking beautiful

joea · Sep 05, 2015 2:18 pm

Pungentia

ChrisHeli

I said: Thank you for helping us build such a beautiful house!

They looked at me like I had two heads!

I spoke to the boss, he said: Because it never happens! Hence the look.

Sad, really.

I saved our painter from a run in with our neighbour. He then took me through our house (this is weeks back) and asked what I thought of their work. It was so nice to see a trade that was proud of their work. A number of those on site have been fantastic like that.

We delivered a slab of beer or two and some morning tea lamingtons - particularly to the trades who were going to be on site a little while.

We have our PCI booked for Monday. We are inspecting first with our independent inspector, and then with our site supervisor. Apparently he won't inspect at the same time as third parties? I want to go through with our inspector first to get a sense of whether I appropriately understand any issues that arise, and know the severity of any issue - whether I should be concerned or if I need to just suck it up.

We are hoping for handover next Friday, depending on inspection. There are lots of (relatively minor) issues on our issues list, but I don't think there is anything that can't be worked through fairly easily (this is before the inspection though). Only big concern is that there is no gas meter yet - anyone know when these go in??

Overall, our house is looking beautiful

We're in the same boat pretty much.

PCI Tuesday and Hand over could potentially be Friday depending on what we and the independent spot.

ChrisHeli · Sep 05, 2015 10:32 pm

Pungentia

We have our PCI booked for Monday. We are inspecting first with our independent inspector, and then with our site supervisor. Apparently he won't inspect at the same time as third parties? I want to go through with our inspector first to get a sense of whether I appropriately understand any issues that arise, and know the severity of any issue - whether I should be concerned or if I need to just suck it up.

Don't.

You are paying them to do a job; let them get on with it and don't distract them and make them loose their train of thought.

If you want to know what is wrong, read their report.

dojrude · Sep 05, 2015 10:43 pm

Another blog post from todays visit;

http://buildingdownunder.blogspot.com.au

Some peoples builds are going fantastically, some aren't. I'm one of the unlucky few whose build has had issues at every step of the way.

gretharan · Sep 06, 2015 12:51 am

Hi,
I am building a double storey house and planning to do led down lights post building. Do I ask the builders to put more baton lights in a room so it can be replaced with led down lights later. Or just leave as it is. I am planning to install three or four downlights per room downstairs and upstairs. Not sure what are the options. Anyone can help me with this.
Thank you

Drew01 · Sep 06, 2015 9:30 am

gretharan

Hi,
I am building a double storey house and planning to do led down lights post building. Do I ask the builders to put more baton lights in a room so it can be replaced with led down lights later. Or just leave as it is. I am planning to install three or four downlights per room downstairs and upstairs. Not sure what are the options. Anyone can help me with this.
Thank you

At this stage, my electrical markup has batten provisioning to be done for all non-LED lights downstairs, and batten lights upstairs, with the logic being that I can get into the upstairs roof cavity, but not between floors...

I'll be doing my own post handover light changes - the key is to make sure you have a batten and switched power run everywhere you want to hang a pendant, and if you want down lights downstairs, make sure the insulation hats are installed before gyprock, as you can't get them through the down light cutout! (Found this out with a previous house)