tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3816842996723864482024-02-02T01:58:39.288-08:00Building a Saville with Eden Brae HomesWe've collected our chips and put them in the "project home building" slot. Read on if you want to hear of our experience with Eden Brae Homes and the 1000s of things that go hand in hand with building a homecocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-86838020516552814012010-08-13T15:21:00.000-07:002010-08-13T20:44:07.912-07:00Worst nightmare - House gets a "Defect" put on it<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I almost don't want to write this blog. It's sickens me to have to put down on paper what this week has brought. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But everyone who has written to me about to build a home, or are in the midst of building, I want you to know what's happened so you hear the sales spiels, read the <a href="http://edenbraehomes.com.au/a/30.html">testamonials</a> posted on Builders websites, as well as know the opposite end of the coin. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Hassle free building process". "Peace of mind". "Superior quality workmanship". I hope you all reading my blog get to experience these promises on <a href="http://edenbraehomes.com.au/a/76.html">Eden Brae's website</a>. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are feeling like we have tossed a coin, and the tail end has suddenly battered us across the head. Just speechless and in shock.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
To stay less emotional, it's easier for me to write an account in chronological order. I've also given myself a few days (five!) to calm down. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To begin, you must know that so far, there's been no happy ending. We have had our Independent Inspector go through the house and classify it <b style="color: red;">Failed <span style="color: black;">Final Inspection</span></b>. The paint throughout is <b><span style="color: red;">Defective</span></b>. Nothing can save it. It will have to be sanded back, undercoated, and 3 coats of paint started once again. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you thought that hearing the words "<i>your home</i>" and "<i>defective</i>" together in one sentence is nightmarish.. You would be right because this whole house building process is such an emotional journey. Mainly because of the time, effort and love that goes into building something you'd want to come home to everyday.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After setting a couple dates early this month for Final Inspection and the Settlement (Key Handover) Meeting, these were rescheduled because of delays mentioned in my <a href="http://edenbraehomes.blogspot.com/2010/08/terrible-tale-of-two-cisterns-and.html">previous post</a>.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We were assured from our Site Supervisor (SS), who emailed us saying that he would book Inspections only when he was " </span><span lang="EN">happy the house is finished on my part". </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">Last week, he told us that he was booking Final Inspections (Tyrells and the Council) for Monday, 9th August. I had a phone call from our Customer Service Administrator (CSA) booking Settlement. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">I called Howard, our Independent Inspector, from <a href="http://www.hnkryan.com/">H&K Ryan</a> to book him in for 11am Monday. If Eden Brae were happy for their inspectors to check the "completed" house, then we wanted someone truly on our side making sure all was as it should be. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So the weekend rolled around. We decided to drop in and have a quick look at the house to see what it looked like "completed". We were astounded that nothing much had been done in the past week. Everywhere we looked there were things that needed finishing and fixing.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since we had our boys with us, Mr Coco and I decided to come back individually, and make a list of everything that we could find that was still unfinished.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">By Sunday afternoon, we'd collated our list and it was almost 2 and a half pages long. Typed. In small font. I'm obviously not going to dump the list here for you to scroll past, but main points of concern were:</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>1] The paint work.</b> Everywhere we looked, it looked terrible. Unfinished, marked, barely there, gluggy, wood surfaces were not sanded back so awful lumpy looking window frames everywhere, gigantic drip marks, and this, so scary that it made me laugh when I found it.. the painters had simply painted over masking tape in several places. I found putty that hadn't been painted. Holes in surfaces not filled in just painted over. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The irony? </span>We paid $2269 for "<i>Taubmans Living Proof Silk 3 coat paint with Teflon throughout in lieu of standard 2 coat low sheen paint</i>". This upgrade was pointed out several times to our SS in the last month.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Paint job examples from our house (courtesy H&K Ryan Final Inspection Report):</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNo2KNQno_xksWHg5F70_BOA-DXJU_8Wl8cFlcdeG0qbM9yKcpbpDyS8st5c2XKFLknbBLuagoolwAbZttRcab6WASHMekz9b3kSdFBDZ-47bL7OtTR5HmOa3zsdbLPi-0I967QSRdZkDx/s1600/paint-job1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNo2KNQno_xksWHg5F70_BOA-DXJU_8Wl8cFlcdeG0qbM9yKcpbpDyS8st5c2XKFLknbBLuagoolwAbZttRcab6WASHMekz9b3kSdFBDZ-47bL7OtTR5HmOa3zsdbLPi-0I967QSRdZkDx/s320/paint-job1.gif" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Above: Paint work in the Garage</i><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYaFM6jo6jHuAjYBrkV7mwIPfMdKwHonmAbkJlP8k8mIrmYXm7kJ9bH9oSkW_B9KO1csb9yFlFD9_Y17Vurgrw67tbw2NOfgjlJ3xVecrShMfNELrpmixnuCWbGzhE83kPInGCtZL_9AB/s1600/paint-job2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYaFM6jo6jHuAjYBrkV7mwIPfMdKwHonmAbkJlP8k8mIrmYXm7kJ9bH9oSkW_B9KO1csb9yFlFD9_Y17Vurgrw67tbw2NOfgjlJ3xVecrShMfNELrpmixnuCWbGzhE83kPInGCtZL_9AB/s320/paint-job2.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Above: Paint missing from under and tops of doors</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalNm30Cs80V_UMpmwXM8RV56diJg8WzH-FtL6mcHhgTAF4y1RQUZYJRAxZk57eMrJgfDoGLD8IDoYyYkWdA3cwRGipZvzhMoDsoN5sUOQ5qSvkj6TQ7ZRpWfY96dum98xFF7fWXL38otv/s1600/paint-job3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalNm30Cs80V_UMpmwXM8RV56diJg8WzH-FtL6mcHhgTAF4y1RQUZYJRAxZk57eMrJgfDoGLD8IDoYyYkWdA3cwRGipZvzhMoDsoN5sUOQ5qSvkj6TQ7ZRpWfY96dum98xFF7fWXL38otv/s320/paint-job3.gif" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKp584kfMGc-pynEhRWSv1YlRiCyfeUHYrtGgxOJUzOIb7kYTbyPltDatBeBYmn5ZACqL07s-KInbeM7-mCTVBP2jDWzEYFO6ws3t6ocMwsgaKkACvD5us5wxdMQpJQYlOEb7LusQq2WA/s1600/paint-job4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKp584kfMGc-pynEhRWSv1YlRiCyfeUHYrtGgxOJUzOIb7kYTbyPltDatBeBYmn5ZACqL07s-KInbeM7-mCTVBP2jDWzEYFO6ws3t6ocMwsgaKkACvD5us5wxdMQpJQYlOEb7LusQq2WA/s320/paint-job4.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Above: Paint over duct tape</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Kj-vFveYpqxWuo1Xdz5kRenn3sgm5BcWcaJH5ZRvqZ-Kp0iaTOlJe24vHOi3EEtTjLAF6orjWpoCMH38Sri7htWwU54tCernZHV20qXNJ8brbHV_xkyTPgFTZa5Frj09AJ9W77DXRMzc/s1600/paint-job5.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Kj-vFveYpqxWuo1Xdz5kRenn3sgm5BcWcaJH5ZRvqZ-Kp0iaTOlJe24vHOi3EEtTjLAF6orjWpoCMH38Sri7htWwU54tCernZHV20qXNJ8brbHV_xkyTPgFTZa5Frj09AJ9W77DXRMzc/s320/paint-job5.gif" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_jyt9T46VgUDbkkAOO-Q7ojq0JKHkl59X5IELE8tcEPHeAZrhqdmL4zO3ZjrMBYbpPioi3_cHau-Raefo2QX_lB1AOZRRi956aKj3k-Mh73y7kcw207FEiXNi4v7p0SWLa5UgYzqdPyq/s1600/paint-job6.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_jyt9T46VgUDbkkAOO-Q7ojq0JKHkl59X5IELE8tcEPHeAZrhqdmL4zO3ZjrMBYbpPioi3_cHau-Raefo2QX_lB1AOZRRi956aKj3k-Mh73y7kcw207FEiXNi4v7p0SWLa5UgYzqdPyq/s320/paint-job6.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBE928QQdRMU9drcy1ir7KFIlrDEJl64QoeePJ74XWfYiPFmmq-sJAv6w57WdBckmdzUvVCJPVy_SnGJjEvfNIzMdq3Y2lnFxN_7k9RrapOaIvJqJ9YyqQG3DTUEm_c6hqDY6hPNwzthPT/s1600/paint-job7.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBE928QQdRMU9drcy1ir7KFIlrDEJl64QoeePJ74XWfYiPFmmq-sJAv6w57WdBckmdzUvVCJPVy_SnGJjEvfNIzMdq3Y2lnFxN_7k9RrapOaIvJqJ9YyqQG3DTUEm_c6hqDY6hPNwzthPT/s320/paint-job7.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Above: Paint work so bad no description necessary</i></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2] <b>Front door </b>handle was installed at a crazy angle with gashes in the paint exposing the bright green uncoat door colour. Paint all over the glass panels. The Bathroom vanity door handles were angled wrong too. But come on! Get the lovely, shiny new front door handle on right!</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3] <b>Holes and gashes</b> in plaster in Garage (not one, 3!), in one of the Bedrooms, in the Bathroom, and Dining room. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiA5LYeYHaYHXgfdAO_cpTCEQ66av2791V4-jFNpuD9Z92ADB3KUhXdasVfDYtlif4DTpJ_Oy6Kr3UDXqajz90Jp3JZ57idUK-p8WM-qzsrjFwCgbKRyDYipXLAyTqA4nwZKWFBiBYZ_EL/s1600/holes-in-garage.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiA5LYeYHaYHXgfdAO_cpTCEQ66av2791V4-jFNpuD9Z92ADB3KUhXdasVfDYtlif4DTpJ_Oy6Kr3UDXqajz90Jp3JZ57idUK-p8WM-qzsrjFwCgbKRyDYipXLAyTqA4nwZKWFBiBYZ_EL/s320/holes-in-garage.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Above: One of the holes in the Garage</span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><i> and also notice scary wood offcuts used below support beam</i></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4] Our Alfresco stacker doors were sitting on small timber offcuts just shoved in underneath</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxSfr_y9XkgVXe-KCY20UuVR3nXvtqWBfluiINvwhHGhCUReZsxz6PSMOaXfQfU0maXwz2BgJrqLULHwEAV4bOt7yA5UGH2BTIPV4n42atwzoJ0xlxBXRnCnyyuo77LyOziE1OV_1kpb-/s1600/wood-under-stacker-doors.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxSfr_y9XkgVXe-KCY20UuVR3nXvtqWBfluiINvwhHGhCUReZsxz6PSMOaXfQfU0maXwz2BgJrqLULHwEAV4bOt7yA5UGH2BTIPV4n42atwzoJ0xlxBXRnCnyyuo77LyOziE1OV_1kpb-/s320/wood-under-stacker-doors.gif" /></a></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">5] <b>Cornice</b> was still missing in the Alfresco and the <b>Timber Cladding</b> we paid extra for, STILL looked dismal and nothing remotely like the Display Home at The Ponds.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEMq8HgcmOqEQBn2AEqI7iQtsPuuLKQ-dF_luvldkCkWXm85U-O_PO3BwFRZ4ZjmvIOWF0w_ih_pfEB5tN0cf_yVy14VnEseOv-dbBSigYldqV5zkHRNaw0mfmgJlr_jiz1rU47pm0yv4/s1600/alfresco-cornice-and-wood-t.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEMq8HgcmOqEQBn2AEqI7iQtsPuuLKQ-dF_luvldkCkWXm85U-O_PO3BwFRZ4ZjmvIOWF0w_ih_pfEB5tN0cf_yVy14VnEseOv-dbBSigYldqV5zkHRNaw0mfmgJlr_jiz1rU47pm0yv4/s320/alfresco-cornice-and-wood-t.gif" /></a></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">6] <b>Tile</b> that looked like it was superglued on as an afterthought in the Laundry. No grout at all.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">All these issues we expected to have been picked up and fixed. We should not have to do the SS's job and make sure that the house was ready for Inspection.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Despite our extensive list, we decided to not cancel Howard's Inspection because we wanted a complete picture of what had to be done straight away. Then the SS would have a list he would be able to action and tick off. </span><span style="font-size: small;">We emailed a copy of our list to Howard and to the SS on Sunday night. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: purple;">Monday, 11am</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I arrive on site and see Howard and the SS having a chat. Both seemed a little taken aback (maybe it was just me being a bit edgy) but I had a feeling they thought me and my list a bit odd.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I carry my list in, and see what looked like the issues in my list, highlighted by coloured tape stuck in places I'd detailed in my email. I also see that the SS must have turned up very early because the Alfresco cornices were done. Plastering to fix up some of the holes had been done. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With no smile in sight from my SS, I approached him and made small talk before broaching the list. As soon as I mentioned it, he said he'd organised the right people to get it all fixed by Wednesday. Umm what? Wednesday? Did you get the right list? </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Again, in my novice eyes, it was at least a week away, from being completed.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We go through some of the list at my insistence, but then he starts typing on his laptop avoiding my eyes and looking unimpressed. I ask to borrow the coloured tape to start marking more things I've spotted since I've been there.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Me and that <b><span style="color: #38761d;">green tape</span></b> flew around the house at speed getting more and more scared at all the atrocious paint work on every surface. The more I looked, the more I could feel my heart racing.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Monday, 12:30pm</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The house now began to look it had been attacked by the <b><span style="color: #38761d;">green tape</span></b>. Add Howard's red stickers to the mix and it looked like a skin infection had surfaced on all the plaster, ceiling, doors and painted wood work.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Howard approached and said calmly he had to put a defect on the house. With a fraction of his red dots left from a new roll, he said there was no point. The whole dwelling had defective paint work.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He explained this doesn't happen often. Only a handful (I think he said three) of Eden Brae Homes had been failed at Final Inspection in all his years.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He has direct links to the owner and he would alert them. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I won't say anymore about Monday because I was obviously distressed at this news. We were expecting keys in two days. The entire dwelling's paint had to be sanded back and repainted. That doesn't happen quickly.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Tuesday, 8am</span></b></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I read through Howard's report. The level of distress gets worse. We see a picture of our roof insulation. Looks like they had run out of batts part way through the process, and decided that no more needed to be ordered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I call our CSA and get the Construction Manager's email address. Then send a comprehensive email at 9:30am including 9 specific requests. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">We expect a phone call from someone in Eden Brae that they're onto it.</span><br />
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<div style="color: purple;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Wednesday, 12pm</span></b></div><span style="font-size: small;">Nothing. Not one word in response from Eden Brae. We start to wonder whether they received the report from Howard and our email. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I ring Howard and he says they've got it. Apparently there are wheels turning in the background. We wonder what happened to their<a href="http://www.edenbraehomes.com.au/a/77.html"> customer service policy</a>. Their policy includes "outstanding customer service" but again, it's just another empty promise we had to accept.</span><br />
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<div style="color: purple;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Wednesday, 3pm</span></b></div><span style="font-size: small;">I receive an email from the SS. He says he will contact us Friday if the house is finished to have inspection on Monday. WHAT? This is completely different to the time scale Howard advised. He said it should take a couple weeks for them to sort it all out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The SS thinks the entire property could be fixed in 2 and a half days. Hopefully, this proves to Eden Brae management that he is out of his depth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">He should have called to discuss with us how the situation was being handled. Instead, his email did not address most of the concerns and requests we had brought up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">At this point I was</span><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>shaking with anger</b>. I haven't felt this upset for many years. This was our home that <span style="color: red;">FAILED FINAL INSPECTION</span>. Eden Brae Homes seemed oblivious still to its own customer service policy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Mr Coco tried to get in touch with the Construction Manager. Our CSA wouldn't put his through to his phone. She said she thought she had seen him but wasn't sure where he was right then.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">He had to tell them he was going to start calling every 10 minutes until someone in charge would speak to him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">They were stone walling us. Frustration reaches new peak.</span><br />
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<div style="color: purple;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Wednesday, around 5pm</span></b></div><span style="font-size: small;">Mr Coco finally receives phone call while driving home. It was the Construction Manager (CM). He tells him he doesn't believe Monday's Final Inspection was "the PCI Inspection". </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> PCI means "Practical Completion Inspection" i.e. Final Inspection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">He wants written evidence that our SS said it was the PCI Inspection. WHAT!?! No wonder they were stone walling. But seriously, is that the best they could do? </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">If the Monday, 11am appointment was not PCI. What exactly was it? Where in their construction process document does it show a stage for "<i>Pointless random inspections right before Settlement</i>".</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The worst part of this phone call? The CM was rude enough to have the loud speaker on and have people (legal advisors? the SS?) all listening in. He did NOT tell Mr Coco that he had done this until he suddenly asked our CSA to clarify whether a Settlement Meeting had been booked. She piped up "it was only a <i>tentative</i> booking".</span><br />
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<div style="color: purple;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Wednesday, around 10pm</span></b></div><span style="font-size: small;">Mr Coco and I are so angry at the situation we hardly speak to each other. It was too much to deal with. That level of terrible service leaves you even more devastated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">We send an email asking why did the CSA call me to book a Settlement Meeting on Friday 6th August, at 3:01pm (on my mobile phone call log) for Tuesday 10th August, if PCI was not scheduled for Monday 9th August. From this fact alone, it was obvious exactly what our Monday 11am meeting was.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">We re-stated our our famous nine requests and asked for an EMAIL response. No phone calls thank you. We need everything in writing from now on.</span><br />
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<b style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;">Saturday, 7am</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I finally sit in bed and write this blog while Mr Coco handles the boys' brekkie. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">We have received no response at all to our email. They seem to enjoy forgetting their own customer service policy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Our nerves and emotions finally settled, we can look at this situation in a new light. Paint can be fixed. It's not a structural problem. But major lessons have been learned. If you are still reading (OMG you're still reading! Well thank goodness because you're going to be wiser when dealing with your Builder than us..) here is the main things to take note off:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">1] <b style="color: blue;">Get everything in writing.</b> If someone from the Builder's office calls you, ask them to confirm your discussion in writing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">2] <b><span style="color: blue;">Request that your house be cleaned before inspections.</span></b> With all the dust and dirt around, many defects can be concealed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">3] <b style="color: blue;">Request that your house be cleaned before paint work begins.</b> At the very least vacuumed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">4] <b style="color: blue;">Use a torch and a mirror to inspect your property.</b> There are too many corners and spots that do not receive direct sunlight so make sure you have the right tools to find out if they've cut corners.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">After hearing from Howard that he's just inspected another EB property with a perfect paint job another lesson is learned.. your house finishes depend entirely on the skills of the tradesmen working in there. If you start noticing dodgy work, email a request to your Site Supervisor for an onsite meeting to discuss immediately.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Although, from our experience, you may not get an honest answer from them. They may try to bluff their way out of fixing the mess. Get your own Independent Inspector to play Bad Cop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">We are thoroughly in need of some time out of this fiasco. We're heading to Coogee for a 40th birthday celebration tonight and staying there for some long walks on the beach tomorrow<b>.</b></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-39522032535051597922010-08-04T21:43:00.000-07:002010-08-04T22:15:19.842-07:00Terrible tale of two cisterns and a missing key..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_6peJ28LQopZIQisoq5l2yzt3lvugQwkgW_8tBygA7kTrVUDDdks5xak3IAVtU5yrtbOu5aBmrLY5pWfxI2jPmVwgjTVDhP19V5cBZ-uviSEz4G3ghaPYQ_AuefbYfEgqA4GW-ZSjSGX/s1600/Picture+337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_6peJ28LQopZIQisoq5l2yzt3lvugQwkgW_8tBygA7kTrVUDDdks5xak3IAVtU5yrtbOu5aBmrLY5pWfxI2jPmVwgjTVDhP19V5cBZ-uviSEz4G3ghaPYQ_AuefbYfEgqA4GW-ZSjSGX/s320/Picture+337.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">My little one K on the way to his cousin's 1st birthday fiesta (and yes, I did forget to hem the sleeves on the traditional Indian "Kurta" he's wearing but I'm clueless when it comes to sewing)</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYSNGqKC0EUF0_dwvxKG3cYlFQnN8sYoKwZ-qzNt1R2FfYKxWW8Uo7WjKwmG8nOpaBynwlC2Cltn2zu-tvjFPxPOgG_7PktNWHT3Gg0NFz2kn4bcypqDlMieyEHtBLjHX7blV_Z61enJ6/s1600/Picture+332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYSNGqKC0EUF0_dwvxKG3cYlFQnN8sYoKwZ-qzNt1R2FfYKxWW8Uo7WjKwmG8nOpaBynwlC2Cltn2zu-tvjFPxPOgG_7PktNWHT3Gg0NFz2kn4bcypqDlMieyEHtBLjHX7blV_Z61enJ6/s200/Picture+332.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0UxRE8PSHtZ2FsaPRmze9pPdxyjnrRDch1liiCs-tIvXJJom6Lx96LRO50m1MFTHnYhghERflW4NN5O7wvAw7RR9CQQmwUCBkXSpteRUaOLMHn_x1RIxOA5tsR51gMWOSGA8eJISi2lZ/s1600/Picture+334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0UxRE8PSHtZ2FsaPRmze9pPdxyjnrRDch1liiCs-tIvXJJom6Lx96LRO50m1MFTHnYhghERflW4NN5O7wvAw7RR9CQQmwUCBkXSpteRUaOLMHn_x1RIxOA5tsR51gMWOSGA8eJISi2lZ/s200/Picture+334.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Not so bad at kids' fiesta food I must say! That's a mars bar slice topped with strawberries and marshmallows on the left. On the right are vanilla cupcakes with simple butter icing. I actually PIPED icing on =P Disposable piping bags are amazing!</em></span></div><br />
After frantically packing almost everything left last weekend, the rental house suddenly is much easier to keep clean. We have so much STUFF. Hardly any of which we need. Watch out ebayers, because a moving sale is going to pop up in a couple days.<br />
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Waking up to a pristine house everyday this week was a little disconcerting after years of cleaning a room, then minutes later, seeing toys miraculously invade our living area (which hubby and I like to keep clean and neat). <br />
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This morning, not much after 6am, my boys managed to climb up the bunk bed, grab the container with their train set (packed up but not yet boxed), dump the contents in big son's bedroom.. and slowly see it toot toot throughout the house. Train tracks underfoot. That's much more familiar than our minimalist home.<br />
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So what's the deal with the terrible tale? Well, being a bit dramatic here. I believe I'm more than entitled to since we were expecting to get the keys tomorrow morning. <br />
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Nope, not going to happen. Family helping with the move, flooring installation, real estate agents, independent inspector.. they all had to be called and rescheduled.<br />
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The plumbing company delivered and installed the wrong wall cisterns. Wrong toilet = No final payment cheque delivered to Eden Brae. Of all things.. its the toilets that are holding us back.<br />
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It's been a frustrating week as I expected the house full of tradies for the final push to site completion. Instead, it was dismal, raining and empty for most of the week. I wondered around the house on Tuesday after dropping the boys of at preschool. I was there alone for almost an hour. Usually I love being in the house. But it was completely irritating seeing so much had to be done and there was no one there doing any of it.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We're aiming now for Final Inspections to happen on Monday and have re-booked the Key Handover meeting with Eden Brae at 11am Wednesday. Expecting more delays.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Not sure what I'll be feeling when I'm finally holding those keys. It's such a surreal experience this whole "dream home construction" business. 18 months of our lives and wild emotional spikes have gone into this.. </div><br />
I'm not sure I'll remember I have keys for the first few weeks.. I may continue to sneak around hoping for unlocked doors or open windows to get inside. My poor neighbours. <br />
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Now, my last word is going to be about driveways. If you're building, please, PLEASE don't forget to add one to your contract with the builder. A lot of our neighbours didn't, and not only is it nasty moving in and living without a driveway in terms of mud and dirt. But also it's a huge expense to think about when there's so many other (all large!) expenses at this stage. Ha, every new home owner knows the two words that bring on nausea and sweaty palms.. RETAINING WALLS *shudder* More to come on that pleasant topic in the coming weeks. <br />
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Thank goodness Hubby (AKA Mr. Coco) insisted a driveway which connected to the Porch was included in with the house build. He's the practical one!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe-GaflZhjyVp-_CzKPb1D61pkvn9-_1UoXokJxlp9oyE2Q_DNgghKwj12kwwAOJaUUnAriWNJUGLm9tUZo-Av8vzpMDXbxejV5VbdGwSegclwloid66lkQg1vwY-wSgRo2kM-8FI_y-X/s1600/Picture+375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe-GaflZhjyVp-_CzKPb1D61pkvn9-_1UoXokJxlp9oyE2Q_DNgghKwj12kwwAOJaUUnAriWNJUGLm9tUZo-Av8vzpMDXbxejV5VbdGwSegclwloid66lkQg1vwY-wSgRo2kM-8FI_y-X/s320/Picture+375.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Driveway ready to be poured but it rained, and drizzled, threatened to rain, then poured, weeks of waiting then gloop! this morning driveway magick'd at 7am</span></em></div>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-81335532935168731932010-07-28T05:14:00.000-07:002010-07-28T05:30:32.986-07:00It looks like a rectangle, Mum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioa8aTzgX9rnRg_SdA1gsRrU_tPPl709lxZv3KiKWpczxl6GUrCJ7nHeH-6uz1rlHIBG4tvj_da7dc95njDWlQpiVyLV2Kw1Gj2r4onCmVDN44Bx_MlPYbvk2MF_CSSpqnMxy0gRUpq-Qo/s1600/Picture-197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioa8aTzgX9rnRg_SdA1gsRrU_tPPl709lxZv3KiKWpczxl6GUrCJ7nHeH-6uz1rlHIBG4tvj_da7dc95njDWlQpiVyLV2Kw1Gj2r4onCmVDN44Bx_MlPYbvk2MF_CSSpqnMxy0gRUpq-Qo/s320/Picture-197.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Exploring our local parks and testing out a new scooter</i></span> </div><br />
Ask a 4 year old his opinion, and he's going to tell you exactly what he sees. I asked my Chomper what the house looks like and he responded with the title to this post.<br />
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The house can be seen now without any obstructions to the view. Fence? Gone. Portaloo? Removed from site. Our tradies have no restroom to use so I'm expecting those trees still standing on our neighbour's Lot may also be gone shortly.<br />
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This last week has been disappointing. I expected a huge rush of activity and major headway towards the finish line. It seems to be creeping along painstakingly slow. The major holdup are the cornice people who have not shown up for over two weeks. Our bathrooms and alfresco are nude without them and have yet to be painted and accessorized (no towel rails and worse! no bath tub installed yet). We are scheduled to have our Handover Thursday week (keys baby! you know what Handover is of course.. but I just l-o-v-e saying, thinking, typing "k-e-y-s" whenever I get the chance).<br />
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And with a large list of items still left to complete, our Site Supervisor is about to have a much larger list as of midday tomorrow.<br />
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Our SS has decided to skip their usual process with us. We have so many variations that he wants us on site at 10am tomorrow to have the PCI inspection to highlight anything amiss. Usually Eden Brae waits until everything is completed before scheduling this in. So far, our SS has listed the following items booked but not complete.<br />
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Toilets, Bath, Taps, Towel rails installation<br />
Drive way & Porch pegged and meshed but not yet concreted ( due to rain )<br />
Shower screens and mirrors booked for Friday <br />
Hot Water System install<br />
Spot cleaning brick work <br />
Painting<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHTAbtbmdFplOXDovJGN6b2BT-SoGFOfvFrY4BhWNKtHjjYZXXsSUr0oduN07qTg0tror3jjF4acU-5hiMKgIoqN2a7-n5uAlJHMuscW2WkYJoteMdnQiJ8REnGIQq4233Gbi_r2nM57I/s1600/Picture-038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHTAbtbmdFplOXDovJGN6b2BT-SoGFOfvFrY4BhWNKtHjjYZXXsSUr0oduN07qTg0tror3jjF4acU-5hiMKgIoqN2a7-n5uAlJHMuscW2WkYJoteMdnQiJ8REnGIQq4233Gbi_r2nM57I/s200/Picture-038.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
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Also the timber cladding in our Alfresco looks atrocious. <br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> <i>Photo taken of Display Home shows what it should look like</i></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6kNR0FB11ENdaUspXzm6I624PaKWK0I8IRQaUb_eAzdR1i45AsUjKxZ1pd-dtWvFo-UvSGhGCbRiJzxPTnAbakVT7NVfNSJLfZUIeGEzxL7An3peCvyY0jgbHAsv_LVU8NZ9ldTj7eGx/s1600/Picture-068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6kNR0FB11ENdaUspXzm6I624PaKWK0I8IRQaUb_eAzdR1i45AsUjKxZ1pd-dtWvFo-UvSGhGCbRiJzxPTnAbakVT7NVfNSJLfZUIeGEzxL7An3peCvyY0jgbHAsv_LVU8NZ9ldTj7eGx/s200/Picture-068.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><i>Photo taken of our Alfresco early last month. The roof is now there but the cladding hasn't been touched since.</i><br />
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I have asked Howard, our property inspector, to be with us for this inspection. His services costs $595 but at least we have his critical eye and construction knowledge. Perhaps I should take Chomper too. He'll definitely see everything from a whole new perspective. Possible suggestion from him: more mud, less house please.<br />
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He may be happy to see that tomorrow morning, there may be a curve to complement The Rectangle. The driveway is ready to be poured! Why that's suddenly so exciting is still a little cloudy. Maybe something to do with my sleep deprivation (my 1 yr old boy Bear-Ba has a ear and throat infection and sleep is a distant memory of what happened last week).<br />
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When my laptop gets itself together (overloaded with movie files of my adventurous two which need to be archived to DVD) and let's me preview my fresh-from-construction-site photos, I will upload them here. No guarantee I will be awake when that happens, so maybe have to wait till a future post. <br />
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HA that's odd! Welcome back laptop. I was just talking about you. Here's a pic of the outside.. Good night (here's hoping sleep happens in this house tonight). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7gmvQrxxRTgF6islafcoETzimTw865xGN3GgkoHpayw2vRTOyqu4MceAlkw6V4vxMF6ET8yiClRcCj_aZ9dnHRlFKGzZl1yo2XZq_cDr8MpS-539gFqOyPlV1z9G_RRBPLpcWOu0RXQy/s1600/Picture-375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7gmvQrxxRTgF6islafcoETzimTw865xGN3GgkoHpayw2vRTOyqu4MceAlkw6V4vxMF6ET8yiClRcCj_aZ9dnHRlFKGzZl1yo2XZq_cDr8MpS-539gFqOyPlV1z9G_RRBPLpcWOu0RXQy/s320/Picture-375.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>not so sure about that white garage door.. we'll have to park outside to disguise it =P</i></span></div>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-50888267246693924712010-07-19T05:54:00.000-07:002010-07-19T05:54:22.944-07:00Lights.. Camera.. KEYS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCQij8I2H3qsW05aYAqyZryVjQGFvoVh-_t-Hw534BiMb-srtOzbEYVzmxzDC0wQ3TBERyw8G_3-7uqLKGkhx0e44EjBcKjmaMvW-MMq13fr9947FCaQ7skCz3T_eB9XxjYclGKEnsNg8/s1600/Picture+201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCQij8I2H3qsW05aYAqyZryVjQGFvoVh-_t-Hw534BiMb-srtOzbEYVzmxzDC0wQ3TBERyw8G_3-7uqLKGkhx0e44EjBcKjmaMvW-MMq13fr9947FCaQ7skCz3T_eB9XxjYclGKEnsNg8/s200/Picture+201.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>We are overwhelmed. Yesterday my son blew out four candles that were sitting atop his grandma's latest cake sensation (<i>sun</i>sational!) at our soon-to-be-local park on Pebble Cres. Lovely location and fabulous family & friends hip-hip-hooraying with us. This morning, he continued opening presents while we received our own big news package.<br />
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Our final inspections are locked in for 29 July with our settlement meeting (KEYS!!) the following week. More than being excited, I just feel relieved. Everything will be better being inside our own place. Can't wait to be out somewhere, and then remember when I leave, I'll be heading to OUR home and be able to zoom up our driveway and have big sighs and a grin stepping in the door.<br />
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Like most of the world's population, we were hit (several times with big financial bruises to show) by the global financial crisis last year. Just having the weight of not paying rent and the mortgage will be a huge load off.<br />
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I finally gave the landlord 4 weeks notice today.Anyone want to help move? Haha. We're almost packed up.. just have the essentials out. Also there's no stairs involved this time. Moving will be a breeze compared to the last one.<br />
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Pics of paint colour choices (thank you!! to the colour experts at CCD Studio who designed our colour palette)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i3p4TG5JmjxZ1jjnXzyocmZQnATxnvFL0tXAtLlnvFQEtbtLjNUhkHx7gZXXBz31ulUpp8xNw7stkFz_BnBtnTjap8ZstgngVzI8GNpIi6Lx3jJhlc1FJ-3seGEn_ZobcGUkhxlzpwy3/s1600/Picture+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i3p4TG5JmjxZ1jjnXzyocmZQnATxnvFL0tXAtLlnvFQEtbtLjNUhkHx7gZXXBz31ulUpp8xNw7stkFz_BnBtnTjap8ZstgngVzI8GNpIi6Lx3jJhlc1FJ-3seGEn_ZobcGUkhxlzpwy3/s320/Picture+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Taubmans<i> "Whitehouse"</i> used in above in the Family room and throughout most of the house including all trims</span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8N8U9QpK6pFHH_uMNr9SVTJIv2sRCtD69vAlOY5QflnZLDTg7lUzrBiFBCz-__zpdT0TDmkf1THjHM2ErHRCLAMoJ-pSpeo0tI15EOgMo3XldiCPEQK6cNp6inWZsn_ZIO17k0tr-o5s/s1600/Picture+191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8N8U9QpK6pFHH_uMNr9SVTJIv2sRCtD69vAlOY5QflnZLDTg7lUzrBiFBCz-__zpdT0TDmkf1THjHM2ErHRCLAMoJ-pSpeo0tI15EOgMo3XldiCPEQK6cNp6inWZsn_ZIO17k0tr-o5s/s320/Picture+191.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Taubmans "<i>Foxtail</i>" on render, Colorbond "<i>Dune</i>" on gutters, Colorbond "<i>Surfmist</i>" on windows and garage door, PGH "<i>Smoke</i>" bricks</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We received a quote from the electrician used by Eden Brae for an additional powerpoint $42, and a separate circuit for the induction cooktop was $460! WHAT THE?!?! <br />
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He mentioned no extra cost when I met him at the house. I assumed it was part of the electrical plan. You can imagine the sparks flying from my ears when hubby told me we owed them over $500. <br />
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Hubby called an electrician friend to find out what price would be considered reasonable. Then went back to the company who sent the quote.<br />
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When hubby mentioned "excessive quote", they quickly changed tack and said it was a mistake. They had included the cost of installing the cooktop in the quote. The quote stated in bold writing installation was not included. Just an excuse to backtrack out of admitting they tried to rip us off.<br />
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Quote to be resubmitted shortly. Will see how much it drops.. a lesson for all. Always ask tradies if they're almost too helpful to get things done whether they'll be any additional costs. Also call up and demand more competitive prices if you get a ridiculous quote.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Nothing will dampen our spirits now. We have a date with a beautiful new house.. hey home, be with you soon xx</div>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-50275791008815596892010-07-09T05:54:00.000-07:002010-07-09T06:08:52.071-07:00Why would I know what grout colour to use?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXI91ekt5KT19Qvm2QdfdmYL36tf-ViwFMw1DmyVBEPp7Bnwz5H8DQy_YKxPxJ3UMA6KylX1bCd2nuXaJJkcM53f_cYupWjZ-FI5xVCtZwnxQT8XR8w8g4xNVGbgEVXAWTVREGGawxbixX/s1600/Picture+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXI91ekt5KT19Qvm2QdfdmYL36tf-ViwFMw1DmyVBEPp7Bnwz5H8DQy_YKxPxJ3UMA6KylX1bCd2nuXaJJkcM53f_cYupWjZ-FI5xVCtZwnxQT8XR8w8g4xNVGbgEVXAWTVREGGawxbixX/s320/Picture+015.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Anyone dealing with Di L0renz0 take note. Take note of the grout colour choices you make for every tile selection you make. Do you think you will remember this detail in 6-12 months after your tile selection appointment? If you do, you should work for Di L0renz0. Because nobody there seems to know. Or record this detail.<br />
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If you do record your grout colours, make sure you carry that piece of info with you everywhere. You never know when your tiler might see you driving past, flag you down and ask what grout colour to use around the bath, on the floor, on the walls and the splashback. Of course, if you're like me and have different tiles in different bathrooms, prepare for a grout grilling. <br />
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Not only have I had the tiler ask me about the grout, but also which tiles go where, in which room and what layout. Why Di L0renz0 bother to book in tile selection appointments I dunno. I should have just selected everything directly with the tiler. I felt bad for the tiler coz he seems to get rushed from one job to another only to discover holes in their paperwork which means he's got tiles but no grout. Or tiles with wrong grout. Or lots of grout but not enough tiles.<br />
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If I didn't work from home, I would never have met the tiler.. whom, at the moment because of the confusion, I make a point of seeing almost every day. We may have ended up with a ridiculous combination of muddle ups. Or still be waiting on tiles selected 8 months ago but which are residing in their birth place in Italy. We compromised and decided to have no feature tile (instead of wait for them to me shipped) in the Ensuite to minimise the delays.<br />
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My advice.. if anything goes awry email details to Di L0renz0. One, you have a record. Two, they respond faster. Three, you can forward their responses to your Site Supervisor so everyone's on the same page.<br />
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To end on one more grouty detail, here are more pics I took today. Spot the tiles with missing grout... which is on order.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySmNobDvlPq85yNafei3ahb61ljjzMWdZ9Wi44X57WyLpTuXPZ5FR_dCRN5bTl80qV3QDlmdYXFW4HX_uxyB5sGCR5oGc8MWjPe35SKqkxwu9_ydlDIWIOW2-PfBSB7hyQVrOeTOV72gc/s1600/Picture+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySmNobDvlPq85yNafei3ahb61ljjzMWdZ9Wi44X57WyLpTuXPZ5FR_dCRN5bTl80qV3QDlmdYXFW4HX_uxyB5sGCR5oGc8MWjPe35SKqkxwu9_ydlDIWIOW2-PfBSB7hyQVrOeTOV72gc/s320/Picture+013.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>WC - white skirting tiles to be replaced with floor tile (on order)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2vImyYC7-DtQOofSm0HQznRocCk_7ay-F2Cdsk-qOEgfBkY5TyiOZj0JsGbhw_r9VDd7rDxoc10O9EDrLoVvyhSwX6bHEYJcXPSIzsbrX7Gl9n4MzUPx34_LtI5C-BHXhiyHu8F6q3Ux/s1600/Picture+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2vImyYC7-DtQOofSm0HQznRocCk_7ay-F2Cdsk-qOEgfBkY5TyiOZj0JsGbhw_r9VDd7rDxoc10O9EDrLoVvyhSwX6bHEYJcXPSIzsbrX7Gl9n4MzUPx34_LtI5C-BHXhiyHu8F6q3Ux/s320/Picture+016.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Bathroom</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OM-TJYCtJHQUVumsbZj5KpHzV4mpAkaMSrAxO4Shtxy17r83Rh7auo8lTogZwsjrTAKtSo5l2PXWMa2BcjS7lJj5x9Sfq1HYfCZ4hfWmHfnHUYXYV5L4e0NFbXbaOmtv_-KgF6SEl_cB/s1600/Picture+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OM-TJYCtJHQUVumsbZj5KpHzV4mpAkaMSrAxO4Shtxy17r83Rh7auo8lTogZwsjrTAKtSo5l2PXWMa2BcjS7lJj5x9Sfq1HYfCZ4hfWmHfnHUYXYV5L4e0NFbXbaOmtv_-KgF6SEl_cB/s320/Picture+017.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Bathroom shower recess</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdr6EAlXyyY4kbpO2Tf7RJ1nF3CP0Cv8EcbmHkxyRVJtgkmQb8aoyPrTyuYJxcn7Ry153yga4yB8NtiG0gnagBllXXThamFrnWTpngmvPVZXcLyzJQM4lxofQbnot9t-nyi5xDPwG8eYck/s1600/Picture+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdr6EAlXyyY4kbpO2Tf7RJ1nF3CP0Cv8EcbmHkxyRVJtgkmQb8aoyPrTyuYJxcn7Ry153yga4yB8NtiG0gnagBllXXThamFrnWTpngmvPVZXcLyzJQM4lxofQbnot9t-nyi5xDPwG8eYck/s320/Picture+021.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ensuite </i><i>shower recess (floor tiles will look black when cleaned)</i></div>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-84409846431545257792010-07-07T19:55:00.000-07:002010-07-07T19:55:41.086-07:00A question for you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vfwMZkLf36heTOHmP8EGG0B-1d7fRH1IGA8H9YlLl21Neze6rMzg-iHUiRbRmbZv-KJFVcknIEkaeYtZVB8nfaIih-R-w2UP9-HKtwKjaFR0wkigi_onMeWHXVcDcN_MNumUDOzaCLpW/s1600/the-end1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vfwMZkLf36heTOHmP8EGG0B-1d7fRH1IGA8H9YlLl21Neze6rMzg-iHUiRbRmbZv-KJFVcknIEkaeYtZVB8nfaIih-R-w2UP9-HKtwKjaFR0wkigi_onMeWHXVcDcN_MNumUDOzaCLpW/s320/the-end1.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><br />
There is a slight timing issue I need advice on. We are renting at the moment and will have to break our lease early. What I find worrying is that we need to give our landlord enough notice to get new tenants otherwise we'll be paying rent potentially until October. OUCH.<br />
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So when do I tell the Property Manager about breaking the lease early? We will be immensely screwed if we give them a date, they get tenants and BAM the whole key handover process blows its projected mid-August timeline.<br />
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We're thinking to give them a conservative date of 30 August to be out of here. But it that conservative enough? Is there potential for us to be begging for shelter last minute? Any offers of accommodation for our lovely, loud, food throwing, tantrum ridden family of four who have 2 boys under four for a few weeks? Anyone?cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-73450072652105879422010-07-07T19:43:00.000-07:002010-07-07T19:43:58.535-07:00Rendering continues today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZkP3qekJXmF86phlgB0nUqZ89JG7AaG0X2hbhAI3JE0nWhPScLhLqpoQl_Ye2Wlk-rJec9t-rmYwKi9LCB7bNmHB46mjiVMuinhe6CrNiQ8GVjJsit1CLZzRVQe_3g1dbciADb_EIvUQ/s1600/Picture+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZkP3qekJXmF86phlgB0nUqZ89JG7AaG0X2hbhAI3JE0nWhPScLhLqpoQl_Ye2Wlk-rJec9t-rmYwKi9LCB7bNmHB46mjiVMuinhe6CrNiQ8GVjJsit1CLZzRVQe_3g1dbciADb_EIvUQ/s320/Picture+003.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Dark clouds are circling this morning. But when I drove past just now, the render company was on site again.<br />
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Those godawful red bricks should have disappeared for good by this afternoon. Not that I mind red bricks.. but having them next to grey brown and white trims is wrong. Add to the mix the sky blue wood yet to be painted. eerggh! Yesterday, we had one of the Fugliest Houses on the Street. Hopefully our place earns more cred by this afternoon =)cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-18105163440176382142010-07-06T20:21:00.000-07:002010-07-08T21:13:39.409-07:00At the edge of celebration<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuCthkfrymB5yd2NtZgQ77WJaz003-5TeRBJpLiRCWSfyFhYEIs7G2J002tmTdN2TAi-VBQW1x7rOSwcUOhUSDy1-Pr5z9IH9kk1iV6f_gnaMWbhf_hPHK42R775PHTu8gE5JlfS2moI8/s1600/Gordon-Ramsay.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuCthkfrymB5yd2NtZgQ77WJaz003-5TeRBJpLiRCWSfyFhYEIs7G2J002tmTdN2TAi-VBQW1x7rOSwcUOhUSDy1-Pr5z9IH9kk1iV6f_gnaMWbhf_hPHK42R775PHTu8gE5JlfS2moI8/s320/Gordon-Ramsay.png" width="252" /></a></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Could the keys be placed in our fingers this month? Probably not. There seems too much on the To Do list.<br />
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This is going to be type and run because there's so much left to do today. Tick Tick. Its passed midday already..<br />
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Well our bulkhead in the kitchen has managed to stay in place. Our inspector looked at it and wondered.. and I never thought of even looking at supporting beams till then.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2SgdYtlU0wdcDEN1D6Q9yaePAlIlafDQQlCh4-aKcVrL12rZ9ZovuTZQuNp_TE94RrQTmB9TY2qlKanq9Xl9xqK08nm4qhm_CxVWLfZmGXBe7TRgWI_TkIl9yEGXhDiRhH9nLUJh8QcO/s1600/kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2SgdYtlU0wdcDEN1D6Q9yaePAlIlafDQQlCh4-aKcVrL12rZ9ZovuTZQuNp_TE94RrQTmB9TY2qlKanq9Xl9xqK08nm4qhm_CxVWLfZmGXBe7TRgWI_TkIl9yEGXhDiRhH9nLUJh8QcO/s320/kitchen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Kitchen</i></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Quick round up of last few weeks. First and foremost, I ORDERED FLOORING!</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After months of research and indecision, numerous samples taken home, stared at, and then disregarded, it all culminated in a weekend in flooring showrooms. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We were at the right place at the right time and were so lucky to meet Tom and his team at <i>Carpet Choice</i>. Two words.. <b>Phenomenal Service</b>. If you are like me and need to know everything and then some, seek out Tom. He has patience, experience and honesty (happily points out the negatives in products) that we found immeasurably helpful in making such a big decision. Best of all, the quote we got was by far the best price (and I checked online international and national floor companies - our budget required lots of shopping around). Happy to pass along Tom's detail (message me). </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A recap - we're having tiles in Bathroom, Ensuite and Laundry. Every other room (about 180m sq) needed a flooring option that was either going to be Hardwood (discounted because of our tight budget), Vinyl (discounted because it looks flat and 1 dimensional in such a large area also its coldness being direct stuck onto concrete) and finally Laminate.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We eventually decided on <i>Armstrong's Forest Select</i> laminate in Spotted Gum. Beautiful 2.2m long planks which I can't wait to see in our place.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I really don't know why it takes me so long to make these type of decisions. My poor hubby got shown about 5 products which he agreed on, got used to the idea of, and then BAM! I dropped another flooring option in the mix.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Other news is the tilers have been busy for a week and have almost finished. Someone at Di Lorenzo dropped the ball and forgot to order our Ensuite feature tile so its still sitting in Italy. To DL's credit, they responded quickly to my concern about the wait time and hopefully we will have an alternative shortly. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The painters started mid last week and have undercoated almost everything. Our living area looks gorgeous just with the undercoat. We were concerned it may be gloomy in there because of the double storey homes around us but with the greyness of the plaster board gone, and white everywhere, it looks bright and cheery.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This morning I drove past and the render company was there prepping the red bricks on the facade. We have been waiting for this for weeks.. a few worried neighbours cautiously asked about our "design feature" red bricks but seemed much more relaxed when they heard they will be soon out of sight.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here are some progress pics which I sneaked while chatting to the tiler. Note that there should be a set of drawers in the Ensuite cabinetry but this was somehow missed so that cabinet will need to be replaced. This was after Eden Brae and the kitchen company tried to charge almost $500 for the drawers. Of course, we pointed out they should be standard as they are in the Display Home. They eventually (and I stress "eventually") agreed and the week after, we noticed the drawers in the Ponds display home were changed to cupboards!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq7-P46nz9zt_C2eMcg44V-jO4iiGSdxEDjZ4rcZz3WUtQ7GMLviG6_cGTzv7MGZ-HcRA0Dbuld7LuGtPgE2IT6lafUcJgRRjG7fiCmp8KUZvf6m6RjmzasWA662mUw5D8ssiMPypA_T8/s1600/ensuite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq7-P46nz9zt_C2eMcg44V-jO4iiGSdxEDjZ4rcZz3WUtQ7GMLviG6_cGTzv7MGZ-HcRA0Dbuld7LuGtPgE2IT6lafUcJgRRjG7fiCmp8KUZvf6m6RjmzasWA662mUw5D8ssiMPypA_T8/s320/ensuite.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i>Ensuite</i></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgof_5qdQyM4JG5PJuhL5_3fULcO8S8Gu_RJ-1LFV-rXeL5Fsh2z-C8vS8d0YWJwidtrdtBCzfWrb-QY5CDT6M7pArz3GEhTVHW7Wl9QHw1tp7jSu3RhAN3SktHjjNQt54Ic_DU0KuQDwA2/s1600/kitchen-island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgof_5qdQyM4JG5PJuhL5_3fULcO8S8Gu_RJ-1LFV-rXeL5Fsh2z-C8vS8d0YWJwidtrdtBCzfWrb-QY5CDT6M7pArz3GEhTVHW7Wl9QHw1tp7jSu3RhAN3SktHjjNQt54Ic_DU0KuQDwA2/s320/kitchen-island.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i>Kitchen island</i></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkBm70-Wcakcs7cftDlXy43PjJmeO9jkRWhV2f3pySw0uOxOcGdEZO7Pwl_2zJqVOLp7WIjlKdp73n0id6_rtS88yWAsA4qA84oLmBndlNE9ddI3lN8IQ7gtCWBheHpKLGQxX0lw3Wn8s/s1600/laundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkBm70-Wcakcs7cftDlXy43PjJmeO9jkRWhV2f3pySw0uOxOcGdEZO7Pwl_2zJqVOLp7WIjlKdp73n0id6_rtS88yWAsA4qA84oLmBndlNE9ddI3lN8IQ7gtCWBheHpKLGQxX0lw3Wn8s/s320/laundry.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i>Laundry</i></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzmPrL3ZXis9tDTOR3dxW0Whu2CUGgaPYNYrZs-PBNTJCPbpHy065zSvUDdojGcaPGVFVC9VJzy4poPkTNt_qHlCUnzNEB_KLEvwTVxj4tc6K8OpuRhWxzIMruoMbFupHO_cDCH8kW9xo/s1600/living-area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzmPrL3ZXis9tDTOR3dxW0Whu2CUGgaPYNYrZs-PBNTJCPbpHy065zSvUDdojGcaPGVFVC9VJzy4poPkTNt_qHlCUnzNEB_KLEvwTVxj4tc6K8OpuRhWxzIMruoMbFupHO_cDCH8kW9xo/s320/living-area.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i>Living Area & Alfresco</i></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-3235481830499301502010-06-16T22:57:00.000-07:002010-07-06T19:25:51.848-07:00Kitchen island is in!Late yesterday afternoon, it must have been after 5pm, the kitchen island (2900mmx1000mm) was delivered.<br />
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We can only see it through the dirty windows and there's bubblewrap over the benchtop so it's hard to gauge exactly what it looks like.<br />
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It isn't exactly what I wanted.. laminate dates the kitchen. We're planning to remove the laminate benchtop and replace it with Caesarstone waterfall edges when we do put in the back wall of kitchen cabinets next year.<br />
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Eden Brae consented to only doing minimum cabinetry which we used to get the island done. Creative cooking (using only an electric wok, George Foreman grill, microwave and toaster) will be required to make do without a cooktop and oven until then. Our gorgeous Smeg 70cm oven will be winking at us from the box but we can't install it till we can afford all the cabinetry, benchtop and backsplash along that back wall.<br />
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In the island we've put 90cm soft-close servery drawers. We put them to the right of the dishwasher for quick unloading. Cutlery, everyday crockery and cups/mugs will be in those drawers.<br />
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I can't wait to scrape scraps from plates at the sink with a bin drawer to the left and the dishwasher to the right. *bliss* No more trails of water and goop on the floor from sink to the bin.<br />
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Still no pics.. forgot the camera again this morning. But more good news.. construction is currently 2 weeks ahead of schedule and my SS is try and push it further ahead.<br />
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At the moment, if all goes to plan, we may get the keys at the end of next month.<br />
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JULY! YAAAY!! =Dcocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-58909295893301249892010-06-16T00:39:00.000-07:002010-06-16T02:01:47.456-07:00Bathroom finishes begin..The carpenter was not kidding when he said he'd be locking us out today. We are well and truly relegated to Peeping Tom status.<br /><br />When I pulled up to the front, I saw garage door and front door hung and I realised immediately that we hadn't remembered to take a key over the weekend (they stick them to the doors). How ridiculously silly.<br /><br />Anyway, too excited to ponder this any longer, I peeped through every window and I spotted bathroom cabinetry, basins and waterproofing done. For the first time, I feel quite confident that I'm going to achieve the look I wanted in the bathrooms. The main bathroom I wanted relaxed elegance but the ensuite I went all out to try to get the hotel luxury look. I can't wait to post pics up but I'm ecstatic about the handles I've chosen. They turn cabinetry into statement pieces. Hopefully a good statement! Anyway I know I'll be going to the bathrooms just to stare at those handles... I no longer believe building a house is conducive to good mental health.<br /><br />Photos to follow =)cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-19455843335975263502010-06-14T18:13:00.000-07:002010-07-06T19:26:49.265-07:00Cornices going in todayJust a quickie.. I drove past this morning to see the plasterers finishing off and the cornice people getting started. Tomorrow the carpenter is booked to come in and hang all the doors and put in the wall skirtings.<br />
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We are so lucky (so far..) to have our SS "SH" who started with Eden Brae with us as one of his first projects. He is flying through and scheduling all the trades to roll in smoothly after each other with not much gap between. There are not many days that I remember seeing no one on site.<br />
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We were due to get keys mid August but at the moment, the build is ahead of schedule.<br />
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A note if you're pre-construction, make sure you go through your variations and describe in detail how you want the variation to look and exactly where it should be. We've learnt the hard way. If it's not in the Final Variation Contract then you have no power to negotiate. Of course, you can ask your SS but it will then depend on them and your relationship to them, whether they want to action your request.<br />
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Attention to detail will save you money and disappointment if the builder says no.cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-75479153411052493972010-06-14T01:03:00.000-07:002010-06-14T03:24:32.796-07:00Scheming..<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEJoiEPDPXsd0qbYJAczLl7kfYwnd51Ew8KJQMhukXMN1cs82UghMhVoAA58sX26NQdWkoMiYB_oFRoTvLKC33Z9zowcDV6pSEZl19hurn_hqmUFZ38cUZwnw6mv4TWGIvAsoFIE1Xhxa/s1600/candle+lanterns.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482553715543327618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEJoiEPDPXsd0qbYJAczLl7kfYwnd51Ew8KJQMhukXMN1cs82UghMhVoAA58sX26NQdWkoMiYB_oFRoTvLKC33Z9zowcDV6pSEZl19hurn_hqmUFZ38cUZwnw6mv4TWGIvAsoFIE1Xhxa/s320/candle+lanterns.jpg" border="0" /></a> Candle lanterns lighting up the garden path..<br /><br /><div align="center">Here are some gorgeous rooms and fittings I've found along the way during my late night online design fixes. At the moment, these pictures are the closest I get to retail therapy. My eyes say "Aha, yes please!" But our budget says, "NO WAY". Flooring and retaining walls are snapping their fingers to keep my attention on the essentials. Along with my husband who puts brakes on quick smart as soon as I mention the words "sale" or "oooh look at that pendant light". But for all of us who like beauty, there's always room for a little dreaminess..<br /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482552204759111442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lgpfUoSKhyqGHhMa8gog7uz334e67aziu_PWweLLxXsdB-FPQx8VAry2OcBC4StriwQ3SdR6VcQjZClUsKfXAaDqqKvhBuwZIOIKQg3c06FSD3GIysdwv-BzZ6RJsVopatT5OclZ7HWB/s200/silent+gliss+panel+glide+around+corner.bmp" border="0" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNFL2f5OjUAftLYJ3paqATohyi31iFuMyLSk4-0RaO3VkBO6qmIFGFXfhiU3_0d1mwQgBEkWgALic-bNXJ3qM18mJRYIH1TWJNhYQjh82044JiSshuBQm1-3FT8j7WENFt5PNABhJ9tki/s1600/vintage+lanterns2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482552224926389234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNFL2f5OjUAftLYJ3paqATohyi31iFuMyLSk4-0RaO3VkBO6qmIFGFXfhiU3_0d1mwQgBEkWgALic-bNXJ3qM18mJRYIH1TWJNhYQjh82044JiSshuBQm1-3FT8j7WENFt5PNABhJ9tki/s200/vintage+lanterns2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482553429860420386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHud6pDTTBY9TVQhVIsQCJhTNXXnbTDAJwPGANaLTVm8-of1ELkYXoldRtKXf8PywBCXtpaQyeQMaJEd1SbA_wdq1bc8kCeHXFAUf2SdiDWotM_gas-vshh-M84iNAWVrx6-gvtSE6ZgW/s200/white+elegance.jpg" border="0" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4chlCMWpw8MIbMQVmzCr943xDZNgxLy2a8cpq2nLND4OeBkmAbp0xQotqfPjZC8x4N527XU-T8Hhk18tRrd68BFykGISssOclh62sGP5osFA-7T1wiLKL6zQsf4DLH19L1gdBAGbf0Cgx/s1600/ss_100963521.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482552216270586690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 167px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4chlCMWpw8MIbMQVmzCr943xDZNgxLy2a8cpq2nLND4OeBkmAbp0xQotqfPjZC8x4N527XU-T8Hhk18tRrd68BFykGISssOclh62sGP5osFA-7T1wiLKL6zQsf4DLH19L1gdBAGbf0Cgx/s200/ss_100963521.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4B92sYq1q8jJtShq79YVJ3lqICoGt_iqLKYBuhiXgb9aYd3m3sPkGbNV_VRuXvcfTIYPS9xiSabkohWbLU8Jnwq7GmygCDO80OoVYMvWu_1Uu4Ar5dINNwMl2VFVGwraWgaRD4pxBAep/s1600/b665e65f-0524-4d7b-bed1-1a40f679c0f9_493x693.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482550174730673474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 142px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4B92sYq1q8jJtShq79YVJ3lqICoGt_iqLKYBuhiXgb9aYd3m3sPkGbNV_VRuXvcfTIYPS9xiSabkohWbLU8Jnwq7GmygCDO80OoVYMvWu_1Uu4Ar5dINNwMl2VFVGwraWgaRD4pxBAep/s200/b665e65f-0524-4d7b-bed1-1a40f679c0f9_493x693.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8r1BQ_GGO_hlrZ2gkPMh0k5wFytf8tfBVy2PBOssSoKfBaXd1YAYriyHULQHs0CrD9qeS5CnzMNizax8tOKuOJN2knI8kxnkuktrPGxhSyyDwOKRtyDdPg6aoC4yzMy-VmRXNRiZ0_x5/s1600/ss_100557861.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482552209313783986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8r1BQ_GGO_hlrZ2gkPMh0k5wFytf8tfBVy2PBOssSoKfBaXd1YAYriyHULQHs0CrD9qeS5CnzMNizax8tOKuOJN2knI8kxnkuktrPGxhSyyDwOKRtyDdPg6aoC4yzMy-VmRXNRiZ0_x5/s200/ss_100557861.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52Pr2pfWWKDsX74l8_Wkrdynq6eWEe6mynG1IAbxFBnSgxFyC1mvMytI-EE39ws_-kmsL-qbRpAhKy-cCtNJQ__L_pU5tDQ87GGwNdxQ4Ou9uya7I7wVXlHkqh1rEn2NxKVxL7IxKh9nF/s1600/artisan+touch+ceiling+rosette+eye+level.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482550162229804050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52Pr2pfWWKDsX74l8_Wkrdynq6eWEe6mynG1IAbxFBnSgxFyC1mvMytI-EE39ws_-kmsL-qbRpAhKy-cCtNJQ__L_pU5tDQ87GGwNdxQ4Ou9uya7I7wVXlHkqh1rEn2NxKVxL7IxKh9nF/s200/artisan+touch+ceiling+rosette+eye+level.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKt40rTByJKk1os7fHHnhnn0FN_VZXakeC83w0iRw9GyeDci4bcko2rIx_NlBoZeuE-WnkqrMG3FZ5vZXiyiZDGv-fVQm-8_KHYvaQhWdPDVmNU94nPwH_jTTxWYCH8vs6h2Krjo2c_uqE/s1600/atelier.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482550170658041682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKt40rTByJKk1os7fHHnhnn0FN_VZXakeC83w0iRw9GyeDci4bcko2rIx_NlBoZeuE-WnkqrMG3FZ5vZXiyiZDGv-fVQm-8_KHYvaQhWdPDVmNU94nPwH_jTTxWYCH8vs6h2Krjo2c_uqE/s200/atelier.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5DGBfVIdYOHXghAG4INSQKk-PW_sDgTrGNf73VJ0pNDggiL93U7x56-Ssp48ByokhhIznguuOM14Pq3ONWDhrDpwSglpAi3SFf3Lj8Exa5u8SKw3P34t494xzXqpJnhepUuI_wfNahK-/s1600/pretty-contemporary-laundry-room-design.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482550192130927362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 175px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5DGBfVIdYOHXghAG4INSQKk-PW_sDgTrGNf73VJ0pNDggiL93U7x56-Ssp48ByokhhIznguuOM14Pq3ONWDhrDpwSglpAi3SFf3Lj8Exa5u8SKw3P34t494xzXqpJnhepUuI_wfNahK-/s200/pretty-contemporary-laundry-room-design.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482549857895552274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8dMwx-ok-vFAQ42MMni9xHrJ2oyw5A978LJSTyTEk5a48zeoit8nQs_VI8olI69A-zMbY0hbwLAJEtj1maMA8GOD9sD4txD0-TaJLp4Lt0mwDuEneZQm0wtusDoKy_ySu_IHcKxyLve0/s200/0408_191_2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJxJ4Js_xapdP0x0ztI6K8HKlHCGg4aPXEAtphkZXBV7EI0uwUtP0XR6tFpxSyp-AoKYN_6wpIrMRpsUycxfdwIv9DFTIxBnL8SUQUQX8GX_82QS4tZuDQprrlhhbrMK_JUPvTX8ayRaH/s1600/1208p112_top_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482549867878793010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJxJ4Js_xapdP0x0ztI6K8HKlHCGg4aPXEAtphkZXBV7EI0uwUtP0XR6tFpxSyp-AoKYN_6wpIrMRpsUycxfdwIv9DFTIxBnL8SUQUQX8GX_82QS4tZuDQprrlhhbrMK_JUPvTX8ayRaH/s200/1208p112_top_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsrIww_GBklD4SsRvkHYHlWm7AiUfquIamclnaakOBJDjj5_PjngO5pIW-syfxQWLhYRUZK9AvIq_IZl90q2YM8Iv06C6rcD75I1Lh3LJZfTapVYJ11nXkwcKRovJuCmqVyLjerGnKzB5/s1600/3_HiveLampsPU.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482549854555565490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsrIww_GBklD4SsRvkHYHlWm7AiUfquIamclnaakOBJDjj5_PjngO5pIW-syfxQWLhYRUZK9AvIq_IZl90q2YM8Iv06C6rcD75I1Lh3LJZfTapVYJ11nXkwcKRovJuCmqVyLjerGnKzB5/s200/3_HiveLampsPU.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5U9f9xybPP_O6XKTbOCDqcaoAeT9dDII_zB7jQzhQHG4JzZg4meO72L8ao6tH4xZv08-vf9vOsRFaaVb_iO8OHn-UpyJxFKSrVABoUEEVxELu4gsVgNcbdwv150fqhsyccpYQLXJHUAH/s1600/9_TriboaBayDeskPU.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482549845560183010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5U9f9xybPP_O6XKTbOCDqcaoAeT9dDII_zB7jQzhQHG4JzZg4meO72L8ao6tH4xZv08-vf9vOsRFaaVb_iO8OHn-UpyJxFKSrVABoUEEVxELu4gsVgNcbdwv150fqhsyccpYQLXJHUAH/s200/9_TriboaBayDeskPU.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482549838129543186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 142px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6_IP2Vui1mG6bOcMJWyyzgfQaW7x2W6peBPkSE9Ydg4EZdknv_9oOsVrXNWjkLKmbdQMagioz7lmPnB6gWiO-AjJYaL9C-BgJeL41afRF56Q6P402YV2LA0OqkvfKiF_bs57YF7jhi9_/s200/0ce098fb-b868-471b-9776-6ecfc8496aee_493x693.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />some of my fave online shop finds:<br /><br />Soft furnishings<br /><a href="http://www.comeinside.com.au/">http://www.comeinside.com.au/</a><br /><a href="http://www.biancalorenne.com.au/">http://www.biancalorenne.com.au/</a><br /><a href="http://www.weaversoftheworld.com.au/">http://www.weaversoftheworld.com.au/</a><br /><a href="http://spencelyda.open24x7.biz/catalog/">http://spencelyda.open24x7.biz/catalog/</a><br /><a href="http://web.mac.com/publishertextiles/Publisher_Textiles/cushions.html">http://web.mac.com/publishertextiles/Publisher_Textiles/cushions.html</a><br /><a href="http://www.sallycampbell.com.au/quilts.html">http://www.sallycampbell.com.au/quilts.html</a><br /><a href="http://swingz.com.au/swingz/pages/kidzswingz"></a><br />Furniture<br /><a href="http://www.replicafurniture.com.au/">http://www.replicafurniture.com.au/</a> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.frenchdressing.com.au/">http://www.frenchdressing.com.au</a><br /><a href="http://www.milandirect.com.au/">http://www.milandirect.com.au/</a><br /><a href="http://www.plantation.net.au/sales/">http://www.plantation.net.au/sales/</a><br /><a href="http://www.mostlymirrors.com.au/">http://www.mostlymirrors.com.au/</a><br /><a href="http://www.mattblatt.com.au/">http://www.mattblatt.com.au/</a><br /><a href="http://www.vintageglamour.com.au/">http://www.vintageglamour.com.au/</a><br /><br />Windows<br /><a href="http://www.frostandco.com.au/">http://www.frostandco.com.au/</a><br /><a href="http://www.silentgliss.com.au/">http://www.silentgliss.com.au/</a><br /><br />Lighting<br /><a href="http://www.micaunited.com.au/">http://www.micaunited.com.au/</a><br /><a href="http://www.alexearl.com.au/">http://www.alexearl.com.au/</a><br /><a href="http://www.bernabeifreeman.com.au/">http://www.bernabeifreeman.com.au/</a><br /><a href="https://www.designerchandelier.com.au/">https://www.designerchandelier.com.au/</a><br /><a href="http://www.mattblatt.com.au/">http://www.mattblatt.com.au/</a><br /><br />Outdoor furniture<br /><a href="http://www.kellocktrading.com.au/thai/limestone_pots1.html">http://www.kellocktrading.com.au/thai/limestone_pots1.html</a><a href="http://www.alexearl.com.au/lighting/">#</a><br /><a href="http://yardware.com.au/index.html">http://yardware.com.au/index.html</a><br /><br />Kids<br /><a href="http://www.rondeauindustries.com.au/shopcmn.html">http://www.rondeauindustries.com.au/shopcmn.html</a><br /><a href="http://swingz.com.au/swingz/pages/kidzswingz">http://swingz.com.au/swingz/pages/kidzswingz</a><br /><br />Art<br /><a href="http://www.momentsinart.com.au/">http://www.momentsinart.com.au/</a> <a href="http://bespokepress.com.au/prints.html">http://bespokepress.com.au/prints.html</a><br /><a href="http://www.bluethumb.com.au/">http://www.bluethumb.com.au/</a><br /></div>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-36713514162740295452010-06-13T12:31:00.000-07:002010-07-06T19:27:38.434-07:00Multiple rounds of inspections<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXnCqagkshkMuh1irKkP9XWkMYPb1XHhEA1PlPhn3HmzZQof9zQscrlj6_V3mWYiqewCMs79bzNqOM-zdTdn7askkHmnZ8js_TRA3_k6lp76Xvz6egQI-I9V2AVXdCCdlhuL_mQ8M3vYZ/s1600/HK1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482360992689442866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXnCqagkshkMuh1irKkP9XWkMYPb1XHhEA1PlPhn3HmzZQof9zQscrlj6_V3mWYiqewCMs79bzNqOM-zdTdn7askkHmnZ8js_TRA3_k6lp76Xvz6egQI-I9V2AVXdCCdlhuL_mQ8M3vYZ/s320/HK1.jpg" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
We had three inspectors go through a couple weeks ago. Eden Brae uses Tyrells as an "independent inspector". There is a fine line though because of course they are paid by Eden Brae and only look for certain issues like problems with the frames. Apparently they don't do a thorough inspection of everything. They are given a brief and they stick to it obviously as any other contractor of Eden Brae's. Tyrells found a few basic things which was fixed within a day by our Site Supervisor himself. Missing nails, shaving off a bit of frame here and there. That was about it.<br />
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<div><div><div><div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxKU_QM-aVyV_4RPECvkbmUwcUSxQUwIaiE560aE4AZkS6xqCIgrxHgyHXJK3HECoewkmUBJsrK_YUbb9H4ZRG5BFY71TfTGw5hI4yFphrJiLq1y36CMYm7ziKSm0HSfiN1_EFl5EFK9Q/s1600/Picture+066.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482357987422148482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxKU_QM-aVyV_4RPECvkbmUwcUSxQUwIaiE560aE4AZkS6xqCIgrxHgyHXJK3HECoewkmUBJsrK_YUbb9H4ZRG5BFY71TfTGw5hI4yFphrJiLq1y36CMYm7ziKSm0HSfiN1_EFl5EFK9Q/s200/Picture+066.jpg" style="float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>The round after was the council inspector. We got lucky and had the most pedantic of the inspectors who went through the place with a fine tooth comb. This time our SS (who expressed his frustration to me about this while I held back a smile) had to call back some of the brickies to redo some of the facade. The brickwork under the cladded wall areas did not have an adequate flashing (water proofing?) installed </div><div>He also asked for Eden Brae to get the frame manufacturers engineer to inspect and certify the beam supporting our huge 4.2mx3m bulkhead. Along with numerous other bits and pieces. By this time, the wall insulation and plasterboard had been delivered but had to be put on hold for almost a week because the council inspector came back out to check all issues were fixed to his standard.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Our inspector Howard from H&K Ryan was the final building professional to go through the place. I attended this inspection and found it interesting how people in the trade could look at something and immediately pick up issues at face value. It was a flag that said that if any building had major issues, the SS would almost certainly know and should have done something about it before getting to inspection stage.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Howard was worth the $595. Our SS was on top of the build and he found only a few things. For the piece of mind of having someone with 20yrs experience in the trade tell me the building was of high standard was more than worth the expense. How would we know otherwise? </div><div><br />
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</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxEnl2CbU7xHh3Mu-UjbGj_GrW8FBgycKOUQs1yLfN5DvyC5qgaymOcGwBITvhwZw4Au4vJY3NNQA49tZlav_SXqV5sXMD205H_XKcvoDgqgb3nrU_XLYNKcj7jD3lylP3rhM4gk_6wQ9/s1600/HK4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482358052686131874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxEnl2CbU7xHh3Mu-UjbGj_GrW8FBgycKOUQs1yLfN5DvyC5qgaymOcGwBITvhwZw4Au4vJY3NNQA49tZlav_SXqV5sXMD205H_XKcvoDgqgb3nrU_XLYNKcj7jD3lylP3rhM4gk_6wQ9/s200/HK4.jpg" style="float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>He picked up one major issue that would have caused a hot water pipe to blow in the Guest room in years to come. There was no insulation (separation) of the wall frame brace from the copper pipe. </div><div><----The pipes were behind a couple posts in the frames so was missed by the other inspectors. </div><br />
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Other defects include a missing weep hole and the rear French door unit needs an angle fitted above. I was incredibly irritated to hear that one of the brickies had purposely put a brick rear (rough side) facing at the back of the house. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1d3Erqni8uscLfvP8aY2RsWgpq5rbLUDnmmvOV1khI_HBvhcQy_6j5YrPmpI6pCCVrpJkGOSexehPGgLU1F2KiyXJ194aj9D54HsBhNjXEPkSOLLUs4yy8hQkd7f2SmyPOOOZ33If74Ay/s1600/HK3.jpg"></a>Howard said some of them do this as a signature. The brick can be replaced but the risk of the mortar colour being different to what's already there which leaves us no alternative than to just leave it as is. </div><div><br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wfzmXKh3UtTWZDyIZbvNA3nUMOGdbNwvQJjdvHUuvdgDo0KNNIgHKo0wqo9lj0_Adr6b4y8O2Oo4bInoF15N_io1JlwZy9yyqfsJ_etlUu47p1K244LOcrtjVY5bn9fkqzXrtAvpTelj/s1600/HK2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482358014684976258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wfzmXKh3UtTWZDyIZbvNA3nUMOGdbNwvQJjdvHUuvdgDo0KNNIgHKo0wqo9lj0_Adr6b4y8O2Oo4bInoF15N_io1JlwZy9yyqfsJ_etlUu47p1K244LOcrtjVY5bn9fkqzXrtAvpTelj/s200/HK2.jpg" style="float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><---- Missing weep hold under window frame.</div><br />
<div>Howard stayed for a chat and answered all my questions and also gave me some landscaping advice since we'll have a massive retaining wall bill and need decent drainage as the water features and wading pools are plentiful after the massive deluge we've had in the last couple weeks. He said to call anytime to ask questions and he was even happy to drop in and offer advice for any work we do after handover. Which was lovely to hear as we'll need as much help as we can get to make sure our own subbies do the right thing.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZwC246iCsEmB5yiWJUdOoHNH1fCKYNnvuUqDHvkn9YLfYp71tFuBzZhjdITwPLdiM4sJPAI5pQVA1nbATExUL4IRvjdH7MEBJMAn434btST0M_zlKA-ILASC5zhaoX6FLtqGzUTsCJS2/s1600/Picture+064.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482363444425520498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZwC246iCsEmB5yiWJUdOoHNH1fCKYNnvuUqDHvkn9YLfYp71tFuBzZhjdITwPLdiM4sJPAI5pQVA1nbATExUL4IRvjdH7MEBJMAn434btST0M_zlKA-ILASC5zhaoX6FLtqGzUTsCJS2/s200/Picture+064.jpg" style="float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 150px;" /></a><---- Our alfresco swim up bar</div><br />
<div>Now that inspections are done, our insulation and plasterboards have gone in (will post pics soon - I couldn't work a camera at that level of excitement). Seeing the house was beyond overwhelming. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I think I had the energy to pack up our rental house, get everything on a truck, offload it all into the garage at our home (Our Home! love being able to say that) and then unpack the entire contents. Let the building spirits be on our side. We want the keys. NOW.</div></div></div></div></div>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-57250058468062492622010-05-30T22:21:00.000-07:002010-05-31T04:07:20.593-07:00Construction progress - dirt to lockup stageExcavation started mid March and now, at the end of May, we have a slab, frames, windows, roofing, gutters, bricks, electrical, eaves, and most of the facade complete. We're about to have the Tyrells inspection as well as our own independent inspector check everything. It doesn't look (with our novice eyes) that there are any major issues so crossing fingers, toes and ears, we can get through lock up stage and see that light at the end of the construction tunnel.<br /><br />Here's a visual diary.. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-doL0csQccYtOZLgVfrIs1hXoUTfYV1VveWqLHBi_e-i61RuSp_ebcImbTQdOD88OOwPeQqDPRErHKdYTkyT-vT8qDV7VtjkR_q4IasCrNLf6XRcRKa1rFv7k3EpMrEfRtfJEGIYN5Ds/s1600/Picture+308.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477358184375653282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-doL0csQccYtOZLgVfrIs1hXoUTfYV1VveWqLHBi_e-i61RuSp_ebcImbTQdOD88OOwPeQqDPRErHKdYTkyT-vT8qDV7VtjkR_q4IasCrNLf6XRcRKa1rFv7k3EpMrEfRtfJEGIYN5Ds/s200/Picture+308.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirW1PkuyaBTys-SL3LWRjwzQOI38InLMFWYZ5BdrOVF7DiEtV4BTT440Nh6J0zTp_dS0Bq65xzcIIHz7eUalSB7hU6RAVNicLHL9CtlL_-8QnAWkHXvKlqNNbtduh14fJYtCsSc3H3iwUT/s1600/Picture+349.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477360617247432306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirW1PkuyaBTys-SL3LWRjwzQOI38InLMFWYZ5BdrOVF7DiEtV4BTT440Nh6J0zTp_dS0Bq65xzcIIHz7eUalSB7hU6RAVNicLHL9CtlL_-8QnAWkHXvKlqNNbtduh14fJYtCsSc3H3iwUT/s200/Picture+349.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlHuVgb_DxouL18SEZ1if5-QGRESzgRNU6l9wGAnZgpSMuTtGKFPn2gavP5ESuNl5GOVRgUt76OMtB79FFzjagQI_GCikuouYoAQfeYH9ptxXMO9yiUGw8pnR6HIXYzRTR6DlOhE5Wwoe/s1600/Picture+455.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477360626150078930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlHuVgb_DxouL18SEZ1if5-QGRESzgRNU6l9wGAnZgpSMuTtGKFPn2gavP5ESuNl5GOVRgUt76OMtB79FFzjagQI_GCikuouYoAQfeYH9ptxXMO9yiUGw8pnR6HIXYzRTR6DlOhE5Wwoe/s200/Picture+455.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTorTX-4tll5XqMYW0CFDLPNtO8qxGDWS-oUQucjeFHWlXLgH1qI3ChRc5pVphqoYDyBcbOWDGG9K5uJ4YNjgcfkQCIMna1rjZk_pe5HXNbe5C6eQYPuNqd7a75DI63yTcfeSVF9z8lBS/s1600/Picture+487.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477304548025213026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTorTX-4tll5XqMYW0CFDLPNtO8qxGDWS-oUQucjeFHWlXLgH1qI3ChRc5pVphqoYDyBcbOWDGG9K5uJ4YNjgcfkQCIMna1rjZk_pe5HXNbe5C6eQYPuNqd7a75DI63yTcfeSVF9z8lBS/s200/Picture+487.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKPyFg6zK9aEgggHJ3GncQ66tz3slyE-5PpPKTUCGR1wOfgO_Qs001Loopp8hg7MpQNGFdFJp26NiLX0FjZXBPpg0w6e337BI8wcdLEzY1ijCKSl_fiCYJJkjeiknESGUKoM70Fc9lyPE/s1600/Picture+556.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477304563392626194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKPyFg6zK9aEgggHJ3GncQ66tz3slyE-5PpPKTUCGR1wOfgO_Qs001Loopp8hg7MpQNGFdFJp26NiLX0FjZXBPpg0w6e337BI8wcdLEzY1ijCKSl_fiCYJJkjeiknESGUKoM70Fc9lyPE/s200/Picture+556.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ud-mbl1DN2KIGM0paDVp4P4hnu1MgdaTShnoEc2FFr2-0n7D06NOiqr5R9Wu9B161h6DStiEiV_GqmlYmIft33MTWsJaI3P2kPZ_6YzdrpPPmWfOSbRx_ZgE-QY-dlFOi735mzj12Y5J/s1600/Picture+648.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477304568403778818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ud-mbl1DN2KIGM0paDVp4P4hnu1MgdaTShnoEc2FFr2-0n7D06NOiqr5R9Wu9B161h6DStiEiV_GqmlYmIft33MTWsJaI3P2kPZ_6YzdrpPPmWfOSbRx_ZgE-QY-dlFOi735mzj12Y5J/s200/Picture+648.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vjqDhAUc5EORsirkqU6PSbsoeMYAvbsBsnwZSssai6FP9Tdadnc7muFp9Pzkkh8q3-sy42u355-LoFgP1y4EtsyNOKCed_qv7JOO3SxMEkM5rrg6AQ4H_j202fEKMykhP1WTDb8al53X/s1600/Picture+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477304578734396706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vjqDhAUc5EORsirkqU6PSbsoeMYAvbsBsnwZSssai6FP9Tdadnc7muFp9Pzkkh8q3-sy42u355-LoFgP1y4EtsyNOKCed_qv7JOO3SxMEkM5rrg6AQ4H_j202fEKMykhP1WTDb8al53X/s200/Picture+006.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZ-bu2dtxksJGxwAKayY6dvMdIwnjCaVupUxBJCMIlQxuVYJyTQuzTJg_zl_-Rs5yhiUlLa6_abivm4j7PqVdUwWCv3ywTeyHuDvaRDnxSwR_JtBGGLmhcCjR_AlyPF6aOPSfIx2v1afi/s1600/Picture+116.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477304586056377794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZ-bu2dtxksJGxwAKayY6dvMdIwnjCaVupUxBJCMIlQxuVYJyTQuzTJg_zl_-Rs5yhiUlLa6_abivm4j7PqVdUwWCv3ywTeyHuDvaRDnxSwR_JtBGGLmhcCjR_AlyPF6aOPSfIx2v1afi/s200/Picture+116.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-63601661048223671132010-05-30T18:53:00.001-07:002010-05-30T22:21:20.075-07:00Another month, another flooring option<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZYDp8plObOoWstCw_vu6B5bVeHoku1Y0z_aqgw1pX6h8cjdi3E8vGWfhLvavUmQsvRmGaRobN-ivWRY3b-0N5stiLmUMAJ9UqTRrlceQ5MitxuI2xVT0F4l441fqcTnHVUHud9-t0H78/s1600/0908p111_lang_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477271559380848066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZYDp8plObOoWstCw_vu6B5bVeHoku1Y0z_aqgw1pX6h8cjdi3E8vGWfhLvavUmQsvRmGaRobN-ivWRY3b-0N5stiLmUMAJ9UqTRrlceQ5MitxuI2xVT0F4l441fqcTnHVUHud9-t0H78/s200/0908p111_lang_1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Last month I was sure. Well not sure, but convinced. May brought another option and "Yes to laminate" became "Maybe not".<br /><br /><br /></div><p>After reading about vinyl (specifically Karndean on the homeone forum), I was curious but not so much that I thought I should go check it out. After all, my last vinyl experience involved a curling-at-the-edges-streaky-brown-on-checked-cream-and-blue eye sore that we had to put up with as renters. That was a Bunnings $24m tragedy that I wanted none of in our home.</p><div><br />When I spotted the Karndean stall at the Home Ideas exhibition, I made a beeline for it to check out why other people were so rapt by it. Then stood back amazed at how close it looked to the real thing. We spoke to the salesguy, got some pricing and some interesting comparison tips that I hadn't thought of. I was expecting it to be more expensive than the Quick-step range since it has to be installed by a tradie, it wasn't.<br /><br /><br />Anyway, if you're struggling and obsessing like me, here's a quick list of why we've now discounted laminate as an option.<br /><br /><br />1] laminate is aqua phobic<br />Like me, laminate doesn't like to sit in water. It reacts the same way that I do when I can't touch the ground in a pool, it swells up (me with fear) and warps (uncontrollable panic seizes me). I've found small pools of liquid on the floor so many times that our young boys like to deposit from the bottles and other toys, so unless we permanently attach a mop to their back, we would be replacing boards almost every month.<br /><br />2] expansion and contraction<br />Laminate contains fiberboard so with humidity, there will be movement. The vinyl salesguy mentioned something that woke me up to this more. Have you noticed when there's an air-con or heater running, and you walk on laminate you hear that crackling sound underfoot? It's caused by the quick change of climate that heating/cooling brings.<br /><br />3] price<br />Both are on par (if you get laminate professionally installed). Around the $70 mark for professional installation of the high quality laminates and vinyl products (although you can get much cheaper options).<br /><br />4] warranty<br />15 years on Karndean's Van Gogh range<br />25 years on Quick-step's Largo range<br /><br />5] sound<br />Vinyl is directly stuck onto the concrete slab so it sounds solid like a hardwood floor. Laminate doesn't absorb sound well and will sound hollow but you can get an acoustic underlay to improve this ($5+ per square meter)<br /><br />6] wear<br />Both products are very hardy. Vinyl is almost impossible to scratch though (I tried with a fork). A lot of stores use Karndean's woodplank vinyl including Woolies and Coles in their fruit&vege sections particularly because of its fantastic durability.<br /><br />7] the Look<br />Laminate lacks the warmth of real timber floors. It suits an ultra modern home because its very clean looking with hardly any character of natural hardwoods. A very kind installer took a photo of Quick-step Largo as there is hardly any displayed at flooring stores to get a real feel for the product. Here's what it looks like in a residential environment (fantastic for minimalist Zen-like spaces):<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43Hpq3OkujxW1X-8ocZ3-TKMg3S5JC4K7OsY3sRo7by6oegRKKyXx7N4rZT5GFc6iJC1d_WQFgNzrMtFvFPkhVIvk5VzqC7W41zOiNPv0035GcdOnT4m68UIkFAt0uArbw7XrkhrOan9Q/s1600/largo+natural+oak2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477267332120858130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43Hpq3OkujxW1X-8ocZ3-TKMg3S5JC4K7OsY3sRo7by6oegRKKyXx7N4rZT5GFc6iJC1d_WQFgNzrMtFvFPkhVIvk5VzqC7W41zOiNPv0035GcdOnT4m68UIkFAt0uArbw7XrkhrOan9Q/s200/largo+natural+oak2.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K8yWh7U3DRxPh7Fxsx-Qe81LZhILJtrcpDRCeBH3d5k9e2somMQqI9F7Sc0aTT7UzzXTMkEZ18UlWmwwX_FbmxUx1jeTJsu4iOBYR2c3mW4HOBXT1ClYkZIAr0Wk0XhWExtu_n4-nuOf/s1600/largo+natural+oak.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477267324492619890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K8yWh7U3DRxPh7Fxsx-Qe81LZhILJtrcpDRCeBH3d5k9e2somMQqI9F7Sc0aTT7UzzXTMkEZ18UlWmwwX_FbmxUx1jeTJsu4iOBYR2c3mW4HOBXT1ClYkZIAr0Wk0XhWExtu_n4-nuOf/s200/largo+natural+oak.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I've gone for white walls, ceiling and trims so I'm relying on the flooring to lift the home with the gorgeous knots and lines of natural timber.<br /><br />Vinyl wood planks have all the character I'm looking for without the expense and maintenance issues of hardwood. I have to say though we borrowed a 1m sample board of the vinyl we like for a few days. Two of the visitors we had didn't guess it was vinyl (but physically recoiled when we told them.. afterall vinyl has had a bad image for years). And they both had assumed it was the real thing.<br /><br />8] installation<br />Laminate can be DIY but vinyl has to be installed by a pro (approx 4 days for 200 sq meters). One important thing to note is that vinyl can simply be stuck right up next to the skirting boards (because it doesn't expand and contract). Whereas laminate needs to be under the skirting boards with a suitable gap for movement. If you already have skirtings installed, you'll have to get them taken off and possibly touched up (the paint) after reinstallation. More $$ and time to factor in. Yet another thing to think about is the difference in thickness of the product you choose with other flooring that it meets, impact under doorways, kitchen kickboards, etc. AAAARGH! It never ends.<br /><br />June is about to hit. Here's hoping another flooring option doesn't. I'm over researching and would love to move on to another obsession. Like rangehoods. </div><div></div>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-59091382227684473272010-03-22T21:27:00.000-07:002010-07-06T19:28:51.678-07:00Flooring - the Hair Greying Topic<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-B3S4u5A8Erb70XgEnn6ZZniQTIT8xq17Dz1VWGIRkkzfJnCmEdeCOycn8hQoUVr7BrdeF6CU2wF49PYD0vEBvPh0WK6Mk_KqhKovkqtCjfS-rCzjWsFy0MR6X5IrjZ8NKqZimPEw1OG/s1600-h/1109hgtopfifty29_516.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451694526356525218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-B3S4u5A8Erb70XgEnn6ZZniQTIT8xq17Dz1VWGIRkkzfJnCmEdeCOycn8hQoUVr7BrdeF6CU2wF49PYD0vEBvPh0WK6Mk_KqhKovkqtCjfS-rCzjWsFy0MR6X5IrjZ8NKqZimPEw1OG/s200/1109hgtopfifty29_516.jpg" style="display: block; height: 158px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">I had no idea how difficult flooring would be. Didn't really give it much thought because apart from tiles in the bathrooms & laundry, Eden Brae</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> are not doing any other flooring for us.<br />
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<div><span style="font-family: arial;">All we know is we like the look and warmth that timber provides (American Oak, pictured above, is divine). I can't have carpet anywhere because the dustmites brings on hayfever. Also with two young boys who find ingenious ways to make a mess (just cleaned strawberry drooled in a trail from kitchen to dining room a few minutes ago), carpet was definitely not an option. </span></div><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: arial;">Luckily we are living in a place that has tiles. So easy to clean but the grout between them changes from green to brown all over the place so they look awful. Tiles are out because of the grout issue and also they lack the warmth I want.</span></div><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: arial;">Hardwood flooring looks beautiful. For us, this was our initial plan, until we saw prices and also the problem of getting it laid quickly after handover (afterall, we want to move in ASAP). Most hardwood needs to acclimatise for several weeks and then we need 200+ square meters of the stuff so the cost of the product plus laying put it outside our budget. I've also seen the effects of humidity in Sydney.. my parents had a few meters of their beautiful floors suddenly buckle last year.</span></div><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;">Strandwoven - Natural & Coffee</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1z7vKrMl6CVsD8ulZFsJGZQXzpuPPZdg0YRA-mxrfVmgMl_R97BdEoLgtrP0iSQiaCSB2NNtwvY9WfoGePIoZ9eYd8tSRYZK92oCDOazdBeNSGtgg9hL2gdhE3CpnMRNfZaK8fQVei8g/s1600-h/bamboo_natural+strand7.jpg"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451682337660566402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1z7vKrMl6CVsD8ulZFsJGZQXzpuPPZdg0YRA-mxrfVmgMl_R97BdEoLgtrP0iSQiaCSB2NNtwvY9WfoGePIoZ9eYd8tSRYZK92oCDOazdBeNSGtgg9hL2gdhE3CpnMRNfZaK8fQVei8g/s200/bamboo_natural+strand7.jpg" style="float: left; height: 133px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhLkIgudaDS9HnDv4nbz1xIpKDNcWO4AilfrVfRqUpViiWy_y_8EcF_HyXYgDQITNMez9rWzA5gaZcfUt2nH_FkI2jAIVs41AV9JHyvRDYDH3si6iQBKEtqbZUug02Qsg6LDVVMbEBWOF/s1600-h/coffee+strand+woven+bamboo.JPG"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451682343182016402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhLkIgudaDS9HnDv4nbz1xIpKDNcWO4AilfrVfRqUpViiWy_y_8EcF_HyXYgDQITNMez9rWzA5gaZcfUt2nH_FkI2jAIVs41AV9JHyvRDYDH3si6iQBKEtqbZUug02Qsg6LDVVMbEBWOF/s200/coffee+strand+woven+bamboo.JPG" style="float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 133px;" /></span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />
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I found out about strandwoven bamboo flooring and it seemed the perfect alternative. Cheaper ($60 - $120 depending on who you go to). Incredibly hard so seemed impressively durable. Faster to install if you get it prefinished. Ability to sand back as per traditional hardwood floors. Bingo. Flooring finito. </span></div><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Until I started digging further and further and the more I read, the less it seemed a wise choice. Its a product that comes out of China and the issue there is you never know what type of quality you're going to get. Also the resins and chemicals used (especially in strandwoven) could be toxic. </span></div><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: arial;">Another problem was that the look never really appealed. I thought the coffee stain would be OK but after we borrowed a large sample board of the stuff and took it home, I just couldn't shake the feeling it wasn't right for our house. Images of installations that I found online ranged from looking quite good to teeth gratingly terrible.</span></div><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;">Largo - Natural Vanished Oak Close Up & Room View</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B8wSy7o4yME4POvDEgVQT1hrvYwg6UuiBmXrqNoSFDVSqQnT6mthtW_DzG8Sa31Qx3SPB_1gA1CTagPwm7A7rIfrMNvftN-Mvtpu4KT5xnhQZKyQy860ovl4NBTouh4a4MELf0cvOvfF/s1600-h/natural-varnished-oak-largo.jpg"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451682348447328994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B8wSy7o4yME4POvDEgVQT1hrvYwg6UuiBmXrqNoSFDVSqQnT6mthtW_DzG8Sa31Qx3SPB_1gA1CTagPwm7A7rIfrMNvftN-Mvtpu4KT5xnhQZKyQy860ovl4NBTouh4a4MELf0cvOvfF/s200/natural-varnished-oak-largo.jpg" style="float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzgzGgwv3Q0TO3m6lIrtsgrTm3P0tZZ7tPUs7KHI1see6TAjpIKUwYyYTyDP71X9iB5E4pWUiPOCG2xxD1dYdtGHxzHNzI1C0J84_KC4dKGfxut7seylU-G3erhcjTaPMr7mNpGh_CFK0/s1600-h/natural-varnished-oak-largo-h2.jpg"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451682354532379794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzgzGgwv3Q0TO3m6lIrtsgrTm3P0tZZ7tPUs7KHI1see6TAjpIKUwYyYTyDP71X9iB5E4pWUiPOCG2xxD1dYdtGHxzHNzI1C0J84_KC4dKGfxut7seylU-G3erhcjTaPMr7mNpGh_CFK0/s200/natural-varnished-oak-largo-h2.jpg" style="float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 142px;" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
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Now we're considering laminates. The top of the line Quickstep Largo range looks beautiful. I've been quoted $49 for materials only and we can install it ourselves since its the click lock system. Heart racing moment when I saw they had an American Oak finish (ha! what has home building reduced me to?!?).</span></div><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: arial;">It was decided and topic was closed until 10pm last night when I chanced upon a forum that mentioned a vinyl alternative "Karndean". This product apparently looks like hardwood flooring but is obviously cheaper. Doesn't sound hollow like laminates. Durable. But it does cost more than Quickstep (the product is more expensive plus it has to be professionally installed).</span></div><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: arial;">AAARRRGGGHH.. anyone who has either Karndean or Quickstep Largo please contact me. I need the value of your experience with these products</span>.</div>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-82480868089665504522010-03-22T16:29:00.000-07:002010-03-22T17:09:38.059-07:00Dreamy eyes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVYeqF1SpwsBou1dyTIHUIojKNkAp2D0AMG_XFh3ld9xtysfq-Q4WcTA_DGRSO9zEEaYOPmqNTXHAv1o4RrfvTebo7utEqJk6cTn9YusBOOaJ9GBUJjzHbd1xJj3tEZirBKgN1p3mrJr7/s1600-h/0408p163_nat_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451614130271086274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVYeqF1SpwsBou1dyTIHUIojKNkAp2D0AMG_XFh3ld9xtysfq-Q4WcTA_DGRSO9zEEaYOPmqNTXHAv1o4RrfvTebo7utEqJk6cTn9YusBOOaJ9GBUJjzHbd1xJj3tEZirBKgN1p3mrJr7/s200/0408p163_nat_1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">Now that the slab is down, I can see where exactly each room is, it's outlook and also how TINY everything looks. I'm meeting the Site Supervisor this afternoon with tape measure and camera to ensure all is per floorplan. I've been told that its normal for the slab to make the rooms look small. But being a detail freak, I need to make sure. </span><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">After all the time spent on paperwork and endless emails to correct/change things, I can finally look through my collection of inspiring rooms to refocus on the interior design. Here's my favourites to date..<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Master Bedroom</span><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wbpSfaSU09_Eq1T325F1tI-gGMdRWR8K_rGMV2ouSTDiXcVRYf4rJuKtdOKklXZ4Um7KmHOq1fRlc-nu6eNiv-Z5zhONcOQhiIrGY5UebmB7VOuJJ5gjNb2fNO7OFAtzV6Yf9XFBDp8f/s1600-h/Rolfe-12.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451607118106480466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 164px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wbpSfaSU09_Eq1T325F1tI-gGMdRWR8K_rGMV2ouSTDiXcVRYf4rJuKtdOKklXZ4Um7KmHOq1fRlc-nu6eNiv-Z5zhONcOQhiIrGY5UebmB7VOuJJ5gjNb2fNO7OFAtzV6Yf9XFBDp8f/s200/Rolfe-12.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliHI0KSwTEDgyPBwrtXn1zPkDEmAyMDOqZSvssOG1IxHhh0KKGw4YfubAwEGXeDOPnE0Ayv9zGpns_wLKyGUKum4bONSAmyc2ECF7knuV0hSPIBUfK6hsDjWaN8xTFi0CePKdx4V6I06H/s1600-h/upholstered+velvet+walls.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451608875605336786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliHI0KSwTEDgyPBwrtXn1zPkDEmAyMDOqZSvssOG1IxHhh0KKGw4YfubAwEGXeDOPnE0Ayv9zGpns_wLKyGUKum4bONSAmyc2ECF7knuV0hSPIBUfK6hsDjWaN8xTFi0CePKdx4V6I06H/s200/upholstered+velvet+walls.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbd-p8NuwIdfTf9Ck0A8ioqLTV_0vWrd6uIsz-393P67SdDFdvHSzyXcCwxWCVj8FwUYbct-zyeOp_kDRaAJnGRAfnkGQCiAt4UwcFLSvg2Uvtp34jBKeGJb_QzB_UYZsY0mONnLAwNE_/s1600-h/ss_100671325.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451608867250258610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbd-p8NuwIdfTf9Ck0A8ioqLTV_0vWrd6uIsz-393P67SdDFdvHSzyXcCwxWCVj8FwUYbct-zyeOp_kDRaAJnGRAfnkGQCiAt4UwcFLSvg2Uvtp34jBKeGJb_QzB_UYZsY0mONnLAwNE_/s200/ss_100671325.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">Boys' Bedroom</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKF8T3DreX65tZn7Js-fOqIsCgYXLGKHKKgJw-s2CegK5vIz5eEdeKe2MALQPYyFqmmSwUMCXo6JganfH0KdL1LU6gsZLJ9y5qbsGd4VUuiwBI60DEiXgZkR0NeqYtTU3vo6vA6xLEtS48/s1600-h/4bedside+tables+lined+up+for+storage.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451609708239136754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKF8T3DreX65tZn7Js-fOqIsCgYXLGKHKKgJw-s2CegK5vIz5eEdeKe2MALQPYyFqmmSwUMCXo6JganfH0KdL1LU6gsZLJ9y5qbsGd4VUuiwBI60DEiXgZkR0NeqYtTU3vo6vA6xLEtS48/s200/4bedside+tables+lined+up+for+storage.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLu9P9qhZnWGoCtR9NnK2OWZfu316ysPKHZ6wEQkdeElq1203lq1swxRiIAPbMasCJuDW4RD78kQjxW3J205j-kkv8pGb9XRTwzVDzFkcyNmVTdxSuXYKUfJzO9Z8HTQ3dIePxsbmvBGDn/s1600-h/khaki+wall+blue+orange+accent.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451609694479308610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 167px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLu9P9qhZnWGoCtR9NnK2OWZfu316ysPKHZ6wEQkdeElq1203lq1swxRiIAPbMasCJuDW4RD78kQjxW3J205j-kkv8pGb9XRTwzVDzFkcyNmVTdxSuXYKUfJzO9Z8HTQ3dIePxsbmvBGDn/s200/khaki+wall+blue+orange+accent.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBScklCep-fSjEiRCPl9tog0X25OGjFhxHFpwfD4VOGfgc8FEJJuhyphenhyphenzlH6IZWJDUVhCM03Ih4cdw8zlBpyLd_agVhazJbayjp2ACKf4ukk6JmvGzv5SgOkPGDYKvvNaF6qTY0Q3eIcP_L/s1600-h/ss_101207489.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451609700120017682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBScklCep-fSjEiRCPl9tog0X25OGjFhxHFpwfD4VOGfgc8FEJJuhyphenhyphenzlH6IZWJDUVhCM03Ih4cdw8zlBpyLd_agVhazJbayjp2ACKf4ukk6JmvGzv5SgOkPGDYKvvNaF6qTY0Q3eIcP_L/s200/ss_101207489.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Landscaping</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNS-0R1uGdkzAuY0LBhA4iB5vyFtQ-sQOyamgzbrkBmIcNXJMGOmlgtKGIpyk5txemJxQGBlT034NJcB3LAlbD02XU1oV9ckUJICohGTEJmNCt2c_cL9UqHAcVuocs33tU9JGB1IiIOU5/s1600-h/randwic3_2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451612780883117426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNS-0R1uGdkzAuY0LBhA4iB5vyFtQ-sQOyamgzbrkBmIcNXJMGOmlgtKGIpyk5txemJxQGBlT034NJcB3LAlbD02XU1oV9ckUJICohGTEJmNCt2c_cL9UqHAcVuocs33tU9JGB1IiIOU5/s200/randwic3_2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FapRTuSsE40jUQVirwx2USud-SD3KjvdbGQOKlo8tQIHMTm4Sz2dCuJ10guj-1nJ04esaKP3CPVkQpD0Lqo0D4DSknk5LaV-SKhhLH7fU3lr2FnK3zy0ktvbcvHs70Qf1HUDt7w0dmBJ/s1600-h/randwic3_3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451612777293644050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FapRTuSsE40jUQVirwx2USud-SD3KjvdbGQOKlo8tQIHMTm4Sz2dCuJ10guj-1nJ04esaKP3CPVkQpD0Lqo0D4DSknk5LaV-SKhhLH7fU3lr2FnK3zy0ktvbcvHs70Qf1HUDt7w0dmBJ/s200/randwic3_3.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdViGpvppbHsxBUIsKQMRgPo4dBxaThSDg7FIFLk9ockefwLIrZ66rdj0Uokp8OGc81meO5bXpovLSj609hMaIdcSwRxXFwOSZuzLbRVJg9JdL-lv88ZMp5rNIYHrQ61Uz3I4TzuaVORYo/s1600-h/0408p163_nat_1.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-55385665178685063132010-03-22T04:07:00.001-07:002010-07-06T19:29:19.429-07:00Final floorplan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtoEmbRkPpI_URXxAk3UJxOUwpN6KVmSs_qrf11_N9yfFi0XR8FlPsCIRg1jlxfJgrCQkn7A9vhMJ97YaQE7tBquDRZ3TEDAo1oSJunpMmXwvQJZFPjkFEmhjwPw7KhI3Sx-fJKCviDDw/s1600-h/floorplan.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451413368399327970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtoEmbRkPpI_URXxAk3UJxOUwpN6KVmSs_qrf11_N9yfFi0XR8FlPsCIRg1jlxfJgrCQkn7A9vhMJ97YaQE7tBquDRZ3TEDAo1oSJunpMmXwvQJZFPjkFEmhjwPw7KhI3Sx-fJKCviDDw/s400/floorplan.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 277px;" /></a><br />
<div>Major changes to original floorplan</div><div>* used Eden Brae promotion for extra square meters</div><div>* added the "guestroom" at the back of the house which will be used as the boy's play/media room</div><div>* extended the laundry out to meet the garage wall and removed door and jamb between mudroom and laundry</div><div>* relocated LP to laundry</div><div>* added a wash basin to WC</div><div>* removed the small "media room" that was in the middle of the house with no windows and used the space to extend the kitchen & family room and add a walk in pantry </div><div>* removed the pillar to the alfresco area so have uninterrupted view to alfresco and garden</div><div>* raised the ceiling height</div>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-32184621489552237712010-03-21T21:57:00.000-07:002010-07-06T19:29:59.653-07:00Construction has begun<span style="font-family: arial;">It's been more than six months since my last post. In between we've had months of thumb twiddling time as we waited for a start date and made the last of the changes involving the finer details. </span><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: Arial;">No more am I allowed to ponder any detail. Well not true. I am. But it's to my detriment as I can't make any further changes.</span></div><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpY7knFCWSRXIM8JsWCD1GFeiaUsnvRZKpmBQzte-IOOIr2JvhM8J-YktTNztT0RYpkIFqUQ2OqvMAj7I_hVfslRhClaribMykbKpfcO-EDo4luJGRE0CFymG-sxDdoq8HCYC6HfLhB_Fr/s1600-h/a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451365356717328562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpY7knFCWSRXIM8JsWCD1GFeiaUsnvRZKpmBQzte-IOOIr2JvhM8J-YktTNztT0RYpkIFqUQ2OqvMAj7I_hVfslRhClaribMykbKpfcO-EDo4luJGRE0CFymG-sxDdoq8HCYC6HfLhB_Fr/s200/a.jpg" style="float: left; height: 123px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>Long story but finally dirt has been excavated (Mar 8th), piering done and plumbing pipes went in (Mar 11th) and concrete poured (Mar 15th). </span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsswrVEk5Ps2uP5OCm0J7ZMmnjfLfZH6x06ayuYRNpmWRVXPz2doYbggdPP1hNg-vNW8D6C9k_FWv2a7fh7_2lWlU5s1hXTUKk8eWKKSnyP8gmQIwv3gKgygKA2JL_0Gcc_HWlaBNmVa1H/s1600-h/a.jpg"></a><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Four days later drainage pipes were in and more excavation with more soil used to fill the front of the house and driveway. Was a shock to see heavy machinery on the slab only four days after been poured. Spoke to the Site Supervisor and he said that this was normal and there was no choice because of the fencing around the block and limited room. Frames should be delivered later this week and already we've had a replacement SS. So much for that bottle of JD we gave the first one. Wonder if I should call him and ask if its already been opened haha.</span></div><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Moving back in time..</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;">We had a new Customer Service Administrator appointed to us late last year and she has changed my perception of building. We would be pre-construction if we'd still been lumped with the previous CSA. A new dawn arose when our phone calls were answered. Emails were responded to the same day. Correct information was sought and then passed to us with progress reports along the way. Astounding.</span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We were really dealt a Joker with the first CSA. Months were wasted on incorrect information and lags in communication. The average time between us getting a response from email/phone call was two weeks. Even then at times the information was not correctly researched so was either misleading, incomplete or ridiculously far from the mark. We ended up going up the management change to resolve the "Kitchen Saga".</span></div><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCt8Wbg06JQBzkkCQuyAznqH4Vc9BaDEFu6mwplOqz4-Ps1YxdSWdDfMW12rVpxle6yeq8C0Vm0GNleO6j50-3bkXAApDPX96o_Xxflv4DrRqpHzwd6oT5Sbpvgy5zzLwLOsMZu-VrXUcH/s1600-h/modern-kitchen-8b-640x843.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451371481806590082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCt8Wbg06JQBzkkCQuyAznqH4Vc9BaDEFu6mwplOqz4-Ps1YxdSWdDfMW12rVpxle6yeq8C0Vm0GNleO6j50-3bkXAApDPX96o_Xxflv4DrRqpHzwd6oT5Sbpvgy5zzLwLOsMZu-VrXUcH/s200/modern-kitchen-8b-640x843.jpg" style="float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 152px;" /></a> <br />
<div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Too painstaking to go into the details about it but eventually we were told we could not relocate the standard kitchen cabinetry into the Walk in Pantry and Laundry even though originally this was ok'd. We had to go back to the drawing board and weeks passed dealing with Home Option Kitchens, the council and Eden Brae</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">. All the kitchen cabinetry ended up being used for the island bench with a 90cm set of soft close servery drawers, dishwasher allowance, double bowl sink, and bin drawer. We still had to pay a design fee and a few hundred for the two tone colour choice and hardware upgrades.</span></div><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: Arial;">After handover, the rest of the kitchen will be installed. Possibly Ikea flat pack although their cabinetry won't accommodate our 70cm oven. We've used a</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> high end kitchen company to help us with the overall design (ended up similar to the kitchen pictured). They all do free design consultations so I made the most of this service. You should too if you're building. Does take time (I spent around 4 hours at one appointment). They ask the right questions and have the technology to show you a 3D image which HOK couldn't. Also HOK make minimal effort, charge exorbitantly and even lumped a design fee on the quote which I found laughable. Our HOK meeting lasted 40 minutes and that was stretched out because I asked lots of questions.</span></div></div><div><br />
<div><span style="font-family: arial;">Back to the future..<br />
</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dVprxSOptlSaFjySEC2OTV0Bs98IVDecnq1orCRjvWJFR8lJr-btNqq5VBCR1OhrUwuJUKP0Q4q8GStAroOmvsYyQcqnG1JqGe5CiyIeiEAJmc2SpHTvcJtNZgSMgWKNCXPgIAEMJQYc/s1600-h/Picture+278.jpg"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451396686264806850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dVprxSOptlSaFjySEC2OTV0Bs98IVDecnq1orCRjvWJFR8lJr-btNqq5VBCR1OhrUwuJUKP0Q4q8GStAroOmvsYyQcqnG1JqGe5CiyIeiEAJmc2SpHTvcJtNZgSMgWKNCXPgIAEMJQYc/s200/Picture+278.jpg" style="float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 150px;" /></span></a><span style="font-family: arial;">The moment of seeing a bulldozer on our untouched block of dirt was indescribable. WOW moment lasted all day for my 3yo who finally got close to the construction machinery he talks about everyday. All those days of blurry eyed checking of contract details, hours of online research, squeezing things into the budget that was already bursting at the seams and tear-your-hair-out miscommunication with the builder that took weeks to resolve, all melted into the background.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
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Afterwards we played in the excavated area where our boys' bedrooms would be. We now</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> can take the back seat, and watch the home we have in our minds appear in pieces at a time. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
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And try not to look at any more floorplans so I don't get the urge to plead for another variation. Never mind the </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Eden Brae</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> charges. Divorce papers may be served.</span></div></div>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-60922602479542546372009-08-22T15:11:00.000-07:002009-08-22T19:07:37.705-07:00Weekend developments<span style="font-family:Arial;">Yesterday was very productive. The morning was spent looking online at appliances and using shopbot.com.au, I found and bought a Smeg 70cm oven at a bargain price. Having saved us $2000, I was chuffed at my morning's work and thinking how we could reallocate those funds. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">We got everything together, and drove to my parents who were looking after the boys while we tried to get through my long list of To Do items.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-Pp-sGLfdCOq7fmR-ICjZvjTEMbiXAiTsNwOu5XYNlh-5-FvC6Nzp6On9wxXyA0wSg9FdQCfCdngTMfumjNuZkVC1WOjev545x907K7XEYxg0nsi1cYNC0_1snrWaiFJOCbHizNdXNNG/s1600-h/Picture+196.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372919043013252210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-Pp-sGLfdCOq7fmR-ICjZvjTEMbiXAiTsNwOu5XYNlh-5-FvC6Nzp6On9wxXyA0wSg9FdQCfCdngTMfumjNuZkVC1WOjev545x907K7XEYxg0nsi1cYNC0_1snrWaiFJOCbHizNdXNNG/s200/Picture+196.jpg" border="0" /></a>First stop was driving to addresses the brick company had given me to look at finished homes that had "smoke" bricks. It was a worthwhile exercise because we realised that the brick had a grey tint and the dark roof tile colour we choose was way off mark.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Very happy with our choice of brick.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I had asked Eden Brae Homes to give us addresses of homes they had built so that we can drive past and see the finished product. Their display homes have so many upgrades, they are not a true indication of what they provide. We got a quick email back saying they cannot give out addresses of past and current clients for privacy reasons. We were not asking for people's names and tax file numbers! Strange that the brick company took the time to look through their records and were happy enough with their product to provide the details.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Our next stop was at a kitchen showroom, Dan Kitchens. We received very little help and were told that they didn't do just island benches because they might be associated with the rest of the kitchen which wouldn't have the same standard as theirs'. In other words, they wouldn't make enough money to warrant doing the job. Apparently (cue smug expression), "nobody does kitchens like Dan". Right. We were hoping nobody else would give us the same shoddy service as Dan. </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY91WOOgvsI5YURMytOWT_RqNSETenbNQFLZ27v9pnDspO6SyjoxFtIRXEs3FpYCh5qR8NijQAh1QbAK5cRHu-ax8D1ZkHClcaHgEn_UMZIXMa3CZ9068qDq_dbmTN3ycG7pLrJ7PLj-UV/s1600-h/Picture+216.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372921997582120226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY91WOOgvsI5YURMytOWT_RqNSETenbNQFLZ27v9pnDspO6SyjoxFtIRXEs3FpYCh5qR8NijQAh1QbAK5cRHu-ax8D1ZkHClcaHgEn_UMZIXMa3CZ9068qDq_dbmTN3ycG7pLrJ7PLj-UV/s200/Picture+216.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Dan did however have beautiful kitchen drawers with an amazing spice rack insert.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">We drove to Castle Hill and dropped into Creative Kitchens. We received polar opposite service and had an hour with the owner who gave us complete attention and excellent advise that changed our view of Eden Brae's associate Home Option Gallery. They had treated us like a production line instead of asking us key questions to find the correct layout and product choices for such an integral element in our new home. We also learnt that the island benchtop design they came up with was not properly supported for its length and weight. Then it came to pricing. All prices quoted were, at the very least, 50% less than prices quoted at Home Option Gallery. Their massive margins meant our limited budget wouldn't stretch very far to get the right design for our lifestyle.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Important tips from Creative Kitchens were</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">Drawers 90cm and over should be avoided or have extra support for the weight</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">Corian is softer and scratches easier than Essastone but has no seams and is a warmer surface</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">All composite stone companies like Essastone, Caesarstone etc make the same product and you use their colour palette to choose who to go with</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">The convenience of a drawer for plates, cutlery and cups next to the dishwasher</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">Have Essastone edge mitred if over 20mm otherwise you get an ugly line all the way around</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">Drawers cannot be retrofitted with soft close runners</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">Any light coloured stone benchtop is dangerously easy to blemish with kids around</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">The convenience of a bin drawer next to the sink</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">Importance of supporting stone benchtops at the right spots</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">The wrong and right shades of white in kitchens</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">In one hour, we learned how far off the mark our choices were with Home Options Gallery.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">Next stop was at the Saville display home to walk through again and make sure we hadn't missed anything. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">If we hadn't spent those hours looking around, there would have been a fair few regrets. It makes me happy but also nervous about how little time we have left to make the right choices.</span></p>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-56190720753641701092009-08-15T01:49:00.000-07:002009-08-20T14:00:18.085-07:00Colour Selection appointment - after effects<span style="font-family:arial;">It has taken a week to want to sit down and write about the colour selection appointment. I would call a 4-hour sitting ludicrous for any meeting duration. I don't know what term to use for our 7-hour stint with no lunch break.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I was already blurry eyed after staying up till 1am (the complete opposite of a great idea) with a bottle of red with Mum and then waking up at 2am and 6am to feed Baby K. We had stayed over the night at my parents since Mum was babysitting the boys. Thank you Mum xxx If I had had to take them to the meeting, it would have lasted 10 minutes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;">At 9am, I managed to get myself together and show up to The Appointment on time and with two armfuls of folders, scrapbooks and colour swatches. Hubby Cheezel was with a client so showed up at 10:30am. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The meeting started off well with a quick rundown of the day's schedule (which included a lunchbreak but that went M.I.A. when we began to run behind schedule). It involved</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>a)</strong> <strong>Exterior finishes</strong> (entrance door profile, entrance door handle, entrance door colour, entrance door glass type, as well as the usual brick, mortar, gutter, window frames, downpipes, meter box colour, etc etc etc). </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAb2F0Ja3Bk2ysThvFVvFLS5unPH0Ihyphenhyphen7DfayeMx9UTOdeuLwKiorkMqN2ui8g8IMrAqQIF5etrNR8mCc5nwtgFwSMvf1hNbUyrtfS3EK07oDeaQKKc90l2s4659igCNqdZe8iHtLA96ka/s1600-h/bricks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371991113565735762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAb2F0Ja3Bk2ysThvFVvFLS5unPH0Ihyphenhyphen7DfayeMx9UTOdeuLwKiorkMqN2ui8g8IMrAqQIF5etrNR8mCc5nwtgFwSMvf1hNbUyrtfS3EK07oDeaQKKc90l2s4659igCNqdZe8iHtLA96ka/s200/bricks.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I spent about 30 minutes on building up a colour scheme around a dark brick colour (PGH's "nutmeg") but changed my mind after spotting "smoke". </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It took probably an hour to choose the door colour because the consultant we were working with simply handed me a huge bundle of colour cards that had 8 shades of every colour in Taubmans' entire range, and expected me to choose one colour from the 1000s in there. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLpQVf_yxKL96J6JHRVchKgHaI0uCfT1xkUhq2j5AUeugiHAR1JxvlbgdTiR7n3So6D7dsy4HNwE117EsaopvyBsofNuvRMz02ZAfvkaT9grJtfF7vr-bwRdYIQGcFh_bN8oRYL15ehYj/s1600-h/PMAD104_GLCL_main.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371991979720448466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 118px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLpQVf_yxKL96J6JHRVchKgHaI0uCfT1xkUhq2j5AUeugiHAR1JxvlbgdTiR7n3So6D7dsy4HNwE117EsaopvyBsofNuvRMz02ZAfvkaT9grJtfF7vr-bwRdYIQGcFh_bN8oRYL15ehYj/s200/PMAD104_GLCL_main.jpg" border="0" /></a>Cheezel and I agonised and umm and argghed while the consultant sat with a blank/bored look. We wanted a bold, bright welcoming colour so ended up looking for a bright firecracker red. Amazingly, Taubmans don't do bright reds so we were handed another bunch of colour cards (!) for Bristol's range. At this point, I was irritated with the consultant's lack of knowledge and her insistence that we go for what "most people get". She also did not have all the samples and colour cards to adequately display our choices. We ended up choosing Corinthian's "Madison" with translucent glass panels. We settled for Bristol's <em>Hi-C Red</em> for the external door face and frame.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>b) Kitchen layout, design and finishes</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The kitchen layout is a galley style with a 4100mm bank of cupboards against the wall housing an induction cooktop with rangehood. There is also a 2900mmx1000mm island bench housing a double sink. We have dropped the ceiling over the kitchen with a 300mm bulkhead to separate it from the large living area. There will be no above counter wall cabinets (may put them in at a later date) but I will be putting in floating shelves for display objects and a clock etc. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I cook a lot and I'm sure my boys will be doing their homework on the island benchtop when they're older. The kitchen will be getting a decent work out. </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbpt9V606g7Yo7Zt_D830l6RJ26_tdNJbM9FWfJ0xNvP-9RaAobdWBSZy_Yk9R_b1mXVfcu6UFZgRpbiZ149YhjHJArHKubvxUtEIxrmUDA1gJkU2JayqzN12SqPuiR3gym_RhB7L7_8y/s1600-h/Open&Inviting.png"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371994269842904450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbpt9V606g7Yo7Zt_D830l6RJ26_tdNJbM9FWfJ0xNvP-9RaAobdWBSZy_Yk9R_b1mXVfcu6UFZgRpbiZ149YhjHJArHKubvxUtEIxrmUDA1gJkU2JayqzN12SqPuiR3gym_RhB7L7_8y/s200/Open&Inviting.png" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">We chose laminated kickboards in brushed aluminium to match appliances, the island benchtop to be in Essastone 40mm (see picture) with stone slab end to one side, and white laminated cupboards and drawers. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>c) Interior finishes (internal doors, paint, )</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Our internal doors</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> will match the wall colour. We've chosen Taubmans "Living Proof Silk" paint (3 coat) which is a $1000+ upgrade but you can wipe it clean without taking the paint off.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I chose 3 colours to anchor our house around : a warm white, coffee, and a pale/egg shell blue. From the Taubmans range, those colours translate to "Ocean Pearl", "Coffee Break" and "Angora Blue".</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>d) Plumbing</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">At this point, I had one or both my hands on my head at most times. Choosing two shower heads almost tipped me over the edge. Cheezel was offered and accepted an apple from the plumbing consultant since he hadn't even had breakfast and it was 2pm.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvW6CK9sZqhlMtrl65SGeXrzcwZ9z6VOV3uJPllWFJ3UKsNeLLbBNvhQMUuNZx7IAjo2KEOlNVmyXK6Wun9EOYVu7eosjPx2fdlHI0PR6xsaMx8egd0s6n-1NzfdqnKiX5Q52z47t-Hl8m/s1600-h/thumb-jpeg-800px-24bpp.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371998385794992098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvW6CK9sZqhlMtrl65SGeXrzcwZ9z6VOV3uJPllWFJ3UKsNeLLbBNvhQMUuNZx7IAjo2KEOlNVmyXK6Wun9EOYVu7eosjPx2fdlHI0PR6xsaMx8egd0s6n-1NzfdqnKiX5Q52z47t-Hl8m/s200/thumb-jpeg-800px-24bpp.jpg" border="0" /></a>Square, above counter basin we chose for ensuite (we're having twin basins *bliss*)</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We also chose toilets with concealed cisterns. We have not chosen tiles yet but I want them large format in a charcoal colour. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I vaguely remembered being asked about towel rails. At that point, I nodded mutely and would have agreed to a pit toilet if asked. If you don't know what a pit toilet is, don't look it up on Wiki especially after eating.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">On a prettier note, here's the bathroom colours I'm going for (I love the use of art in the bathroom):</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sW05cfzJtjTUvI-rfKcFXZWiQXHtHj7EU3aqruSgEG8egPptfUop0Buv-hbQlcEk49TFdfAqmtFZ8X_N4Ya1FBU3YXTLUbkzLC3I3uj7nDMC3KPHmdwSdX5lW9h37PR7o2aFI_qgi4VY/s1600-h/1208p080_top_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372023978450878082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sW05cfzJtjTUvI-rfKcFXZWiQXHtHj7EU3aqruSgEG8egPptfUop0Buv-hbQlcEk49TFdfAqmtFZ8X_N4Ya1FBU3YXTLUbkzLC3I3uj7nDMC3KPHmdwSdX5lW9h37PR7o2aFI_qgi4VY/s200/1208p080_top_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>e) Blinds</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgl8wnrsCsEY8CfNGIRiHYCI2uPv5D0UsiHB8PHssMPNycaFIMyEG5XhjdhzTLwgRSX0-uY6ZKMWbWkSoP25Oo_2kLytGZv-nc5LZhnZca_27u8_5kuLJUMceEZCgIa5xMpmcxzLXFo3tk/s1600-h/warwick+fabric+valerie+stone.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372002419093938914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgl8wnrsCsEY8CfNGIRiHYCI2uPv5D0UsiHB8PHssMPNycaFIMyEG5XhjdhzTLwgRSX0-uY6ZKMWbWkSoP25Oo_2kLytGZv-nc5LZhnZca_27u8_5kuLJUMceEZCgIa5xMpmcxzLXFo3tk/s200/warwick+fabric+valerie+stone.jpg" border="0" /></a>I prefer soft furnishing windows so curtains are the go (eventually.. we're going to have no window treatments in most areas for a while). At this appointment, I clicked off my brain and went into standby mode. The blinds consultant asked questions and Cheezel answered. No one was home over my side of the table.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">After talking blinds, we went back to the original consultant to choose cupboard handles and other bits and pieces and almost ran out when she printed out our selections and asked us if it was all correct. Hmm quick glance pretending I was reading was all I could muster. I handed it back knowing I'd be able to review it all and change my mind. </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Now that, I CAN handle.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">If you are also building a house, I highly recommend checking the manufacturer's website for every item you choose. Some of them even have pricing so you can easily see if it's worth going direct to them instead of the builder. We were told our window frames couldn't be white because Stegbar's colour range is very limited. I was very disappointed to have to choose beige. I wanted absolutely no beige in the house. Yesterday, after looking at Stegbar's website, I learned that their colour chart is actually substantial and they have exactly the same colour ("surfmist") that matches our Colorbond garage door. Bye bye beige.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I came across Taubmans colour consultation service while browsing online and immediately the idea appealed to me. When I emailed them for details, they came back with magical words saying their designers will select every colour required internally and externally even on non-paint finishes like Colorbond gutters and aluminium windows etc. I called and confirmed this on the phone because I thought I misunderstood the email. Nope, they are willing to help as much as required for a total "look". All this for $150! Granted, I have not seen their qualifications or any colour schemes they have come up with. I'm willing to throw in the money and spin the wheel to see what shade of white pops out.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I've emailed them an itemised list with colour charts for every option on every conceivable finish we need to decide on. Also included photos of special features we've added, furniture we have, how every room will be used and my sources of inspiration. They will review it all, call me to discuss everything in more detail. Apparently that should be enough for them to give me a complete colour scheme for every r</span><span style="font-family:arial;">oom with a detailed run down on where each colour is to be used. They will also give me brushed out DL sized painted samples of each colour they recommend, so that I can hold up the sample to the wall and see what it would look like instead of having to paint out samples onto the wall.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Sounds truly like a godsend. If I get a colour scheme that mixes mint green and peach in the family room I will reconsider my original colour palette and be happy with my own colour blindness. I mean colour choices.</span>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-17501862403633715602009-08-05T20:25:00.000-07:002009-08-05T20:50:26.216-07:00Colour Selection - BEFORE<div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Being given the colour selection pack at the last tender appointment was like Xmas morning for me. My husband glanced over and knew how I much I wanted to walk out of there immediately and rip it open. Only he would know how much I wanted to have some quiet, one-on-one time with brochures. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Opening it up and glancing through, I was disappointed with the lack of detail in them. There was no reference to what the "standard" items were and the "upgrades". We made a trip to the Home Options Gallery on a Saturday which was also disappointing for the same reason. Also, there was such a limited display. Being a "gallery" was using the term a bit liberally. The staff there had no idea what we were entitled to and kept to the line that the "colour specialist" or the "kitchen selection" meeting would be where we'd get the detail we needed. Unfortunately, we'd have to wait until the actual Colour Selection Meeting. Apparently, in 6 hours we are meant to see the options available and decide on everything from mortar colour, bathroom tiles in two bathrooms, roof tiles, kitchen layout, benchtop material, shelving and storage, cupboard colours, water heater, internal doors, external doors, gas outlet locations, an electrical plan, wall colour, ceiling colour, cornice colour, etc etc etc.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">WHAT? How can anyone do this and be remain happy with their decisions. For that matter, how can anyone sit for 6 solid hours and not give in to the first/easiest choice after Hour 3?</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I have been preparing for months for this but even I am going to be drowning in the ocean of choices. On a happier note, I've settled on a colour theme. All the colours in the beautiful room below will feature in our home.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Cn4nP7BwnuahL2di5qa7JpIOJCacpW5v4NoB-cDPEoDt9IYWcZ5PNWMVavvDCMY2tcSbhHbe5CQeoTSYsua3-DpJJAzjA9-6uWIdSRtfZCFJZ0SALoZSbWqONPIAvm8TrgZ5CmujdjbM/s1600-h/ss_100096936.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366691677201621554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 235px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Cn4nP7BwnuahL2di5qa7JpIOJCacpW5v4NoB-cDPEoDt9IYWcZ5PNWMVavvDCMY2tcSbhHbe5CQeoTSYsua3-DpJJAzjA9-6uWIdSRtfZCFJZ0SALoZSbWqONPIAvm8TrgZ5CmujdjbM/s320/ss_100096936.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Keep an eye out for my next post to see how the colour selection meeting panned out.</span></div>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-18193528762237484702009-08-05T18:55:00.000-07:002009-08-06T04:06:02.651-07:00Finding treasure<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6e8nCviqe8mlkbrMPPx4PL2JLBZoXL9cN1uBJv7pjsZ6tVKRuzx2Xlko936Ueh_4xOOruPvFHsThccDaKZBqE3IMNPn0JQ0bpRZxftkUF0N6rFLuMZBLS9wigXpfhrP4kMH6CEAkB9lZI/s1600-h/BANDOO_PENDANT.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366665365563189890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6e8nCviqe8mlkbrMPPx4PL2JLBZoXL9cN1uBJv7pjsZ6tVKRuzx2Xlko936Ueh_4xOOruPvFHsThccDaKZBqE3IMNPn0JQ0bpRZxftkUF0N6rFLuMZBLS9wigXpfhrP4kMH6CEAkB9lZI/s200/BANDOO_PENDANT.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br /></span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The more I look into interiors and styling, the more expensive furnishing our home is going to be! I've come across some industry secrets that have allowed me (and our budget) to make our first purchase for the house. Its the pendant light pictured above that will welcome us home when we walk in.<br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I have always bought furniture without thinking about important factors like room size, lighting, colour, and the overall look and feel of the room its going in. I have NO background in interior design. I was brought up in a home that had odds and ends, hand-me-downs, and generally "essentials only" which my mum would stretch the budget to buy usually on sale at retail outlets. We would all then marvel at how much money was saved.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I have to fight back the urge to buy things simply because they are on sale. Really fight. To do this, I have started plotting the furniture we own and want to keep on the house floorplan. Painstaking yes I know... it involves measuring every item first. It has allowed me now to immediately picture each room and discount things I come across which I previously may have purchased. And later regretted.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Also, lots of my free time is spent with magazines, books and online trying to figure out what I love. I am closer now... I know what I don't want! I'm onto my second scrapbook and have picked up flooring samples and colour charts and have been inspired walking into a beautiful store. My husband has agreed that my birthday present (next month hooray!) is going to be picking an item from that store. It is going to be the longest day for him.. being with me while I choose ONE thing. </span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We have a beautiful dining table that I still love even though it's from Ikea. I have found four perfect chairs (low profile with clean lines to not detract from our home's biggest "wow factor") on an online auction and am on the lookout for armchairs that will sit at the head and foot of the table. I will have to reupholster the chairs from the auction and maybe also white wash them. </span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXT6pNFA_aDUtXykdw2AgOsXRdLfkO5h-NOyJ8BEbs_TqNJkkSRQivx_WQRUGqZwFtScl92NksvDDHpRYtC5IxOquzDKQnKsktMcvZXWkzMoJJkXC22PKkGV83ulNmOYm5wxjW3Ivbkyq/s1600-h/3848016.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366676896078078898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXT6pNFA_aDUtXykdw2AgOsXRdLfkO5h-NOyJ8BEbs_TqNJkkSRQivx_WQRUGqZwFtScl92NksvDDHpRYtC5IxOquzDKQnKsktMcvZXWkzMoJJkXC22PKkGV83ulNmOYm5wxjW3Ivbkyq/s200/3848016.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUP4ZqlfWDmisMqJGDbFhs29WUMD3mJTWPvtSB_Y8Czo9eSUSmH5oYuKTYK4SKLPmoeSuXpGf-OyzoW-Ep95shUlF5J-9SiqjqQ_smG1gE5M-8er5tNnYCkQkaMOG5kKIcdRAD6aTkldS9/s1600-h/BANDOO_PENDANT.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></a></p><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Now its back to working on my list. <em>Items we have versus what we need</em>. This will help keep me on track to spend on essentials first. The <strong>right</strong> essentials. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">But I have my eye on this beautiful provincial glass canister. Essential? Definitely not. So far, I've talked myself out of buying a couple. Progress? Yes.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEOPl6plgCOfsQcSBKIjqDRXRlmgm8ALklJpzdb4SEmEQ-DiR7EvFKMysot3vcZ1eyJ8OA2-IzgRnoDhUpnX9ZR8GL02h8iPsaDRqAQCragjRdPTUABcxZGDrf6H0wj77tcOmdHKy77iw/s1600-h/158-luxeware.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366698859940408194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEOPl6plgCOfsQcSBKIjqDRXRlmgm8ALklJpzdb4SEmEQ-DiR7EvFKMysot3vcZ1eyJ8OA2-IzgRnoDhUpnX9ZR8GL02h8iPsaDRqAQCragjRdPTUABcxZGDrf6H0wj77tcOmdHKy77iw/s200/158-luxeware.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div></div>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-381684299672386448.post-21774127430864135242009-08-05T16:24:00.000-07:002009-08-06T15:41:47.699-07:00Journey so far<p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtV3j7V6DGXPzXYCWlEmO6peqaU0NQFb3WWfyhFULUPHxkQWvyqE-pxR_3XhpUGnh-3jfe1Aqg5CH6U1fq8vVX_tDMiq_y95Y5KyPp7Z8Dp3x4n-XNqtIXhayoFvhfByY3KCH_oYaA6t8v/s1600-h/saville.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366702874782110322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 126px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtV3j7V6DGXPzXYCWlEmO6peqaU0NQFb3WWfyhFULUPHxkQWvyqE-pxR_3XhpUGnh-3jfe1Aqg5CH6U1fq8vVX_tDMiq_y95Y5KyPp7Z8Dp3x4n-XNqtIXhayoFvhfByY3KCH_oYaA6t8v/s200/saville.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aAdeYYX4FNJIPDydE454z2s0aqiOJGdFj81mucsysFlab7q09xpZruQZNhdRaSsD-gBU4JuLdZsduCRINg4mDn7_TRX5z2llaaDefA-ivlMnTEEr20V3zc1I0R_BQWFshqmsoFiDOxta/s1600-h/hero-1216094665_Saville_TP.jpg"></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Building a home is like having a toddler. One day you feel like you're in charge and then the rest of the week, you realise that you're not.<br /><br />I'm dealing with both. There's also seven-month-old Baby K on the scene. My toddler, B-Boy, has just turned three, so technically, he's now a "pre-schooler". There's no use explaining that to him though as he's still likely to have a meltdown because someone else is on the swing he wants.<br /><br />I digress.. back to building and meltdowns on a grownup scale. We decided to build in Sydney's north west early this year after realising what we <em>wouldn't</em> get in Sydney's eastern suburbs for the same amount. Quite quickly, we decided on Eden Brae Homes as our builder and eventually settled on the "Saville 27" floorplan. I say eventually because I'm not great at sticking to decisions. I have a tendancy to keep looking for something better. We did have a decent look at several builders but the <em>Saville 27</em> floorplan suited our needs best and that's what won in the end.<br /><br />We went into the first meeting with an EB's sales consultant early on Easter Sunday thinking that it would be an hour or two. Four hours later, we called my parents who were babysitting and told them to have lunch without us. It was our first taste of the time and effort involved with building a home. Tummies grumbling, we went over the floorplan and realised the real potential of the Saville. We added a "playroom/rumpus" at the back that would have French doors leading to the garden, made selected rooms larger with the extra 2 sq meters promotion offered at the time, extended the laundry out to meet the garage, added a wash basin in the WC, and raised the ceiling height. At that early stage, we thought we had done a brilliant job with customising the floorplan. HA! That was round one of who knows how many before the final plan was signed off.<br /><br />We initially thought we'd have a contract signed by the end of June. That's only just happened a few weeks ago (end of July). The delays have been incredibly frustrating but there have been several weeks added to the process because of the extensive list of "variations" we have requested. If we had decided on the standard design, it would have been a much faster process.<br /><br /><em>Many</em> hours were spent with tape measure and "how-to" research via internet to try and pin down my ideas on paper. We provided facts, figures and pictures in simple terms via email and then again, face to face with the builder. The translation was lost and the "tender" document was full of discrepancies. Hard to imagine why when they were provided every detail to get it right. Instead the next iteration started with fixing up items from the previous. This process was long and time consuming. It involved a lot of time spent going over the tender and making sure that nothing was missed. In a way, my frustration provided more drive to get the floorplan exactly right. One thing led to another and eventually we ended up with a better floorplan. The longer I had to think about it, the more it evolved. Suddenly one of the rooms from the standard floorplan was deleted entirely and my dream kitchen was born. </span><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We had stuck a copy of the floorplan on our fridge and it seemed everytime I glanced at it, there was a new improvement to make. I sent weekly emails with my ideas to our EB consultant (the lucky guy) and then changed my mind several times over. Eventually, we worked off one "variation" document that reduced all the confusion about what we were going ahead with.</span></p><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Eden Brae just wanted us to sign. There was pressure but we wanted the correct floorplan. We have seen people walk into a project home builders office, see something they like, and sign a contract without reading it. We are the other extreme. We took a tape measure to the <em>Saville</em> display home and cross-checked it with their floorplan. There were discrepancies and due to our thoroughness we ended up with more for our buck.<br /><br />The Product Review website gave us a heads up in regards to what to watch out for. There are many disgruntled people who have built with EB. As with most other builders. Also, reading blogs mapping building experiences from start to handover gave us a picture of the process involved. So with eyes open we researched, we put ideas forward, we read every detail of the tender and went through it the next day again with fresh eyes. You get the picture. Building involves lots of due diligence which if not done, will lead to disappointment. We want to know what we are getting. Down to the last millimeter.<br /><br />So with contract signed, we're onto the next stage. Colour selection appointment is next week and its something new to focus on. How to make so many decisions and not change my mind afterwards? I'll let you know when I figure that out.<br /></span>cocohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574232459930765875noreply@blogger.com1