Roof Finished

Long time between posts, but we are finally weatherproof with the lower roof sections being completed this week. It's been a challenge to get to this final stage on the roof as Monier (Rawson's supplier of product and trades) controls the whole process. Two contractors were provided the job, after a major back end stuff up last year. Two teams arrived and sorted out the top roof section without much of a drama in January.
Weeks have gone by after the last update. Our SS has struggled to get either contractor back to finish. In any case, after several weeks he managed to get them back to finish after alot of to-and-fro.

Suffice to say, the roof stage has been frustrating that it has taken so long. A site clean has also been completed and the site looks very smart and clean!

9/3 Garage and Home Theatre Roof (sans oxide coat)

9/3 Study Roof in progress

Our independent inspector (Stephen Ryan) inspected the site on Wednesday and provided his Frame report yesterday. I am working with our SS to focus on these issues at the moment. I hope that the rectification work doesnt contribute to delays of other trades and progress like plastering.
This does raise a question though. Would the contents have likely come up with Rawson's QA inspection conducted by Tyrrells? Who knows what would have been contained in their report and would i have been given a copy of their report?
This is certainly a grey area for owners.
Did i just invest in a report that is already part of Rawson's process?
I was not aware that Rawson conducted independent inspections on their builds. This is certainly an area that Rawson could improve on. I feel that Rawson could be more transparent to their clients by explaining the quality control / certification event.

Whats next?
Eaves on the lower roof sections are being completed today.
First stages of waterproofing / shower trays today.
Rawson's certifiers and inspectors will be going through the site next week as they complete their compliance (warranty) and QA process.



I'll post more on the subject of the Frame report next week after Rawson have responded to the rectification works.

Roof Progress

After a long break over christmas and new year we have finally got the roof tiled on the upper level. Despite initial advice early december, the roof job was delayed, being only complete on the 19th January. Its quite a relief to finally have some protection after the frames and floor have spent 4 months in the elements.
Onto the pics;

18/1 The crew arrive

18/1 The majority of the tiles have been installed

19/1 Second day

19/1 Ridge capping getting finished

This brings us to a major timeline event as our Site Supervisor has indicated that we are about 2 months from finishing now.
As we approach the next few weeks, we will have a carpenter lining the eaves and fixing the cladding on the upper level. A painter will also need to paint the eaves and cladding before the scaffold is finally removed.
As we are getting close to the final fitout stage, we are finalising plans for post handover works. These are ground floor tiling and carpet for the upper level amongst other things. I'll be posting separate items for these in the coming weeks for others considering these approaches themselves.

Brickwork 95%

Well it has been a tad over 1 month of labour on the brickwork and we have hit the wall (pardon the pun). Due to our original site supervisor deciding to go his own way last month, we have been without site level supervision assisting the brickies. The brickies have moved onto another job as they ran out of bricks, presumably due to the construction manager filling in between site supervisors.

We still have some remaining works to be completed;

• Stairs with concrete treads to the alfresco and laundry
• Lintel, sill and upper brickwork on the study window
• Alfresco slab face veneer and door sill

Despite these outstanding tasks, the brick cleaner has swept through the quiet worksite and scrubbed up the brickwork. We are very happy with the craftsmanship. This crew has been spectacular and i'm impressed with the speed and quality of the job.
Our earlier concerns about the colour/character of the austral bricks are long forgotten now!

The contrasting colour of brick and mortar is beautiful now that it has been revealed. The brick character is now visible in the detailed photos below. We are very chuffed with the result.

4/12 Man in action! (entry patio)

4/12
Garage 'workshop' parapet wall

4/12 Garage opening

4/12 Western elevation - Studio, laundry and lounge wall (note: missing steps)

4/12 Dining Room window detail

4/12 Rear view - Lounge window, alfresco (note: missing alfresco veneer, door sill and steps)

4/12 Western wall - from street view

4/12 Front facade - from street view

4/12 Eastern elevation - Kitchen window