Status Update #3

What's been happening so far?  Thought I might just give a quick status update:

So, we're currently in the middle of the so called Construction Stages.  The construction stages, to put things in context, consists of about five (5) build stages: base, frame, lock-up, fixing and home completion.  These stages, as you know, or will find out, also correspond to the the Payment Schedule: (Deposit - 5%), Base (20%), Frame (20%), Lock-Up (25%), Fixing (20%), Home Completion (10% + variations).

Base Stage is completed, hence invoice has been issued by the builder and we had 7 days to notify our bank and pay the contracted 20% of the build price. All done!



Well underway is Frame Stage.  We basically expect the following to be done at this stage:

• Wall frame and roof trusses
• Installation of windows and door frames
• Cleaning of site and removal of debris
• Independent Frame Inspection (builder's and our own)

We're about 65% through to Frame completion at this point in time.  The roof trusses for the ground floor (Outdoor room and Dining room) are, yet, to be put up.

Also underway is the Lock-Up Stage.  We're expecting the following to be done at this stage:

• Installation of fascia and guttering
• Installation of the roof covering (Roof Tiles, in our case)
• Insulation
• Completion of brickwork and external cladding
• Fitting of external doors
• Independent Pre-Plaster Quality Inspection (ours and builder's)

We're almost 50% complete at this stage.  When I passed by late this afternoon, looks like the fascia and guttering are done and some roof tiles been installed on the first floor.

After the (Frame and) Lock-Up Stage is completed, then we go to the Fixing Stage.  This is when they start doing things internally, most of the time.  We're expecting the following will be done at this stage:

• Internal cladding (or plastering)
• Architraves and skirting
• The stairs
• Installation of baths, basins, troughs, and sinks
• Internal doors, cabinets and cupboards
• Attached garages and front portico
• (We're not having any independent inspection to be done at this stage)

The last leg will be the Home Completion Stage.  It does look like that there are a lot of things that will be happening at this stage:

• Floor and wall tiling
• Internal and external painting
• Tap ware, shower screens, mirrors and splashbacks
• Electricals, light points and switches
• Heating and cooling vents
• Garage doors
• Internal door furnitures and door seals
• Independent QA Inspection (pre-handover checks)
• etc, etc, etc

Yesterday, we had our first of three independent QA inspections done by NHI.  Looking forward to their report, but we're hoping our build, so far, has passed with flying colours.  Watch this space.

Tomorrow, we shall meet with our SS again (regular weekly meetings).  I shall have more pictures of the progress for everyone to see.

I'm excited!!!