This entire stage phase been executed quite quickly. Basically one week or less for each of the stages.
BASE STAGE: ground excavation, outline pegged, stormwater & agricultural drains installed. Excavators will clear 2m around the perimeter of the build area. This worked out well for us as the batter was removed more than we thought, saving us the work down the track when we construct our retaining wall.
SLAB STAGE: piers & beams secured, slab poured. We felt the house seemed so small at this stage when standing on the slab, but once the frames were erected it all of a sudden felt like a spacious house again.
FRAME STAGE: frame erected. We experienced a fair bit of rain at this stage but Plantation assure the timber used is designed to withstand long exposure to inclement weather. Frame, guttering and Colorbond roof all constructed fairly quickly. Guttering and roof are Monument Colorbond.
ENCLOSED STAGE: Installation of windows and door frames, gutters, fascia, roof cover, plumbing rough-in, brick layer complete, and external doors fixed. We had some dramas with our glass for the front door and sidelights. Again get as many samples as you can. We were shown Obscure glazing online as a glass option but didn’t realise it was a textured glass until it arrived. As this wasn’t what we wanted we have now changed it to Grey Translucent glazing which looks more like a tint.
Normally brick laying would be a part of this process but there has been a delay with Plantation Homes and their contracted tradies. To avoid holding up the rest of the build process works moved to the lock up stage and internal fixings began early.
FIX STAGE: Doors, architraves, skirting, cupboards installed including robe & pantry shelving, waterproofing to wet areas, and wall tiling. Given the construction is now at lock up stage the build looks a little stagnant from the outside, but all moving well internally. Still no bricks at this stage. Works contining internally.
FIT OFF: This is where it starts to get really exciting. The bricks have finally arrived. Internal painting, kitchen, laundry & bathroom cabinetry installed. More to come soon!
TIPS:
- Keep on top of the progress of the build, and make as many visits as you can to the site. It may feel like overkill visiting so frequently but it’s worth triple checking what’s been done so far – even if that means getting out there with the tape measure and level! Our shower recess was framed at an incorrect size, and because it was identified so early it was quick & easy to rectify.
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