Day 14 - Just slab it on!!

Metricon started working on our block two weeks ago. Since then we have seen a lot of excavation and piping but no sign of the slab!

Initially we were advised that the slab would be started today, however with Easter this has been delayed.  The weather probably didn't help either.

We are a little dissapointed as we were looking forward to having the slab down today.  I guess we have to wait a little longer.

In saying that I would have expected a phone call from Metricon during the week to tell us what was happening, but instead I had to do the chasing!  I sent an email yesterday afternoon asking if the slab was going to be done today and I got an email back today from our Customer Co-Ordinator advising that the company co-ordinating the slab preparation were "running behind".

So this is where we are at;

 

The drains have now been finished.

There is now some spoil on site which needs to be removed over the next few days.

The base preparation will begin next Wednesday.

The pour inspections will take place on Thursday or Friday.

Slab predicted to be poured on Monday the 15^th, awaiting confirmation

 

I have to say I am happy with the prompt and detailed response from Metricon, just not happy that I have to do the chasing!  But I guess it is something I will need to get used to!

 

We are yet to meet our builder but I am sure that won't be too far away.

 

Yesterday I met with a Landscaper to discuss landscaping ideas for the house (front and back).  I nearly fell off my chair when I heard how much it could potentially cost! In saying that I want to make sure we get it right.  We will have a fairly decent backyard when the house is finished so we are expecting to add decking and a kids area to play.

 

Will keep you posted on what the quote will look like...hopefully it won't be a 6 figure sum!

 

If anyone has any ideas or advice on landscaping I would love to hear about them!

 

 

 

 

 

Day 3 + A Peek at Coburg Hill Display's

Just wanted to share some pictures with you of the excavating job so far on the house.

Being Day 3 there has not been any huge changes however I thought you might be interested in seeing how the job is going.



Excavators hard at work this morning

Retaining wall being constructed

Bricks (Homestead Tan) were delivered on Monday



On the weekend we went to visit the new Metricon display centre at Coburg Hill (in Melbourne).  I wanted to go and see what new decor and designs Metricon had.  Now that we have started the building process I wanted to get some interior design ideas.

Also I wanted to take a "sticky beak" at the new designs!

The Coburg Hill project is huge...however the blocks are tiny! 

Below is a link to the Metricon homes currently on display at Coburg Hill;

http://www.metricon.com.au/melbourne/homes/metro

The display that I liked the most was the Metro 32. Got to be honest there are only 2 Metricon homes on display! 

Even though the blocks are small (I did mention that didn't I?), I really loved the open plan - especially the stacking doors leading to the outdoor area.

Below are some pics of the display....

We also went to see a Simonds Home display - their Masterpiece range. I have to say it was pretty dissapointing.  There was no living area and the BBQ area didn't even have room for a table!

It felt so cramped compared to the Metricon displays.

Above is an image of the Simonds Masterpiece home. 

http://www.masterpiecehomes.com.au/coburghill/#coburg_hill

Will post another update towards the end of the week with more pics!





Day 1

Today marked day 1 of the building process.

As planned the excavators started working on the block to make way for the slab. I was fortunate enough to be able to meet with our Manager for stage 1 of the building process. He was great. I drove to the site today and started to take a few photos. John (the Stage 1 Site Manager) came to greet me and take me through what was happening.

John is not going to be our Builder however he will be overseeing Stage 1 which includes the slab.

He advised us that they expect the slab to be laid by April 5 (which is 2 weeks away). We requested that the slab sit for 5 days before they commence work on the house. We have heard that it is worthwhile letting the slab sit for a few weeks (preferably) as this lets the slab settle on the site. Many have questioned this due to the advancements in concrete technology, but we thought there was no harm in letting it sit for a few days.

The only draw back we had today was when the excavators found a septic tank in the ground on site. Obviously they removed it however they have to charge us to take it away!!

John estimated the cost to be around $600. Seems that we may need to start shaking that money tree we planted a few months back!