Waiting for life to begin

Sunday 6 May 2012

3 Month inspection! Bah!

Hi everyone, again another post where I start off saying 'Sorry it has been so long'.

When I look back at my last post, not much has happened since then, other than settling in to my lovely home.

Only 2 things have happened.

First and most important, my lovely boyfriend has moved in. I love having him here when I get home from work. He is wonderful and very helpful, cooking tea most nights and hanging out and bringing in the washing. I have a need to be organised and he helps me do that even on the toughest of days at work. He is so caring too!

Anyway, back to the house stuff.

The second thing is that I've had my 3 month inspection. Over the first 3 months in my house I wrote a list of things that needed fixing, that weren't right and that were missing. This list looked very long. Although, now I wish I had of added more, like the carpet flattening in walking paths, the state of the yard after handover and the amount of rubbish buried under the soil, the crack in the front footpath left by their trucks.

Being the organise freak that I am, I make copies of the house plan and marked on them where paint defects were, where cracks/gaps were appearing, where nail heads were showing, etc. I also colour coded the different heights (near floor, on wall and near/on ceiling. By now I hope you understand why I used the word 'freak'. But if I still haven't convinced you, I also wrote down descriptions of where the paint defected were and kept that for my reference (eg knee height, chest height, etc).

The Inspector, Rowan, came about 2 weeks after I handed in my 3 page list and maps. He commented on how detailed I was. We went through the list and I showed him around the house pointing defects out. He stayed for about an hour, although he only stayed for about 20mins for the people across the road. He managed to reduce my list down to 2 pages by adding all the paint defects together. He said the Site Manager would come around and we could go through all the paint issues including corner cracks in architraves, skirting boards and corners of walls. He did dismiss a few things with excuses. One thing he dismissed was the water pressure in the bathroom shower saying that the flow was within the standard. After his inspection, I had a guy come over and test the shower flow and commented that it was better that any water saver on offer, so something else may be wrong. I then called the Simonds Ballarat office and got onto my Inspection Case Manager, Nicole. She was very helpful and added it to my list of things to fix (thank goodness).

Just pausing briefly, I'd like to mention that I wouldn't have Nicole's job for the world. Imagine all the complaints and anger customers she would deal with... Wow. Therefore, knowing that the defects in my house are not her fault, I made it my mission to be myself and not the Housezilla (instead of Bridezilla) that she normally deals with. In fact, I decided to not let myself get upset and stressed about the whole house thing. My philosophy was 'As long as it will be fix and I don't have to pay, we're good'.

Anyway, back to it...

So after the 3 month inspection in JANUARY, I waited... and waited... and waited. I finally called to see when things would be organise and fix, remembering my philosophy and staying calm. Nicole and I orgainsed a few times and dates for things to get fixed.

First the carpet guy came and fixed the nails in the carpet. He was also meant to fix the wooden floor but couldn't so he organise another guy to come and glue the wooden floor back down.

The other items were organised for my next lot of holidays in April. The site Manager, Martin, came and looked at the things that needed fixing. He started fixing nails in the roof and organised a painter to come the next day. The painter, Yardly, has been wonderful. He began fixing all of the issues I had on my list.

In the meantime, we found out that a tile had not been secured properly and water had been getting into the roof, creating a bulge above the kitchen sink (breathe and remember to the philosophy). Thank goodness I had marked that there was a defect in the paint above the sink. I didn't realise that it was a bulge until the ceiling had been repainted. Martin fixed the tiles and called a plumber in to check the air conditioner and the solar panels. Then Martin told me that part of the ceiling will need to be replaced. I handled that very well!

The only thing that has made me stress has been the state of the house after Martin cancelled the painter until the Plasterers have finished. Poor Yardly had to leave the mess he had made (plaster dust mainly). The furniture in the lounge and study is pulled away from the walls, and their is no point putting it back because I'll just have to move it again for Yardly to finish. My boyfriend reminded me there is nothing to stress about; things will get fixed and better their be a little bit of mess for a short time than a collapsed ceiling in the future. I love Mick!

The Plasterers are due on the 11th of May, which can't come soon enough. I cleaned up as best I could, trying not to vacuum the plaster dust up (but 2 weeks later, the vacuum was out and the dust was gone. I can't wait and look at that mess).

Now, looking back at all the things that have happened, it is a lot and there is still a lot of things on my list that needs fixing. And the saga continues...

Sunday 8 January 2012

Busy, busy, busy

Sorry it has been a while since my last blog. I haven't forgotten about all of you. I've been extremely busy settling into my new home.

It has been just over 3 months since I moved in. Simonds have a 3 month inspection so I have written down every single thing that is wrong. It was a long list although I love my home. Mostly there were still complaints about paint (the painter don't know how to patch up a wall and left bog marks in a few places), there are some cracks forming in skirting boards and architraves, one of the downpipes doesn't work, some of the fly wire isn't sitting in properly and a few other things.

I have spent a lot of time thinking about what to do in the garden. I thought it would be easy working with a blank canvas, being able to do what ever you what, where you want, but it isn't! Too many possibilities!

But I have made some decisions;

First I wanted to close in the yard so my dogs are safe.

I didn't want colour bond gates (sorry but they remind me of public housing). When the fence guy put up the side fences I got him to dig (with his post hole digger) four extra holes for my gates and concrete in four 100ml gal posts. Then my wonderful step-dad measured up and built some frames and together we screwed on the wood.

Originally I wanted Merbua, but after finding out the price, I couldn't afford it.

One of the guys at Bunnings (my new favourite store; sorry Spotlight I'm finished with you) suggested Forrest Red Hardwood. It is an alternative to Merbau and a bit cheaper. It was also on special in their catalogue (so watch out for their specials; I saved over $1 per metre!) It worked out the be $4.05 per metre.

One of my goals are to stain the wood with a Merbau oil in the next few days.

Stay tuned for those photos.

Secondly, I needed a letterbox. Thanks to my dad (and again Bunnings), I got this one. I love it! We also got numbers that just stick on. My mum, neighbour Penny and I concreted it in using instant cement. Go girl power! And we even used a level!

Thirdly, I wanted some grass for my dogs and to keep the dirt down so I could put up my clothesline. Sounds easy, but in order to get grass several things had to be done. I decided to get a guy in with a bobcat to save my back. I got a few quotes. The one I picked delivered dirt and spread it out fairly level while still allowing the rain to run away from the house. The dirt was $15 a cubic metre, which is a lot cheaper than $45 from the local sand and soil place. I know the dirt I got isn't the best quality, but it is what I can afford and I did most of the back yard with about 12 cubic metres. The day the guy came to to the fence was the day the guy came to do the ground. What a busy day (for them anyway, I just made coffee and snooped by the windows).

Then for the next few days mum and I raked and planted grass seeds.

I know there are a few weeds (yes from the soil) but nothing I can't handle. I will have to re-seed some patched after summer. And my clothes can go out on the line without being covered in dirt!

I have started a garden but I haven't finished yet. I have a few plans that I will do during Jan so post up more photos. I'm also looking into the cost of concrete and pavers for my outdoor area near the siding door (but I have to save for that).

Tuesday 8 November 2011

Window coverings

I have finally finished purchasing the curtains for my new home. With the recent sales on at Spotlight since I moved in, I have saved 40-50% off my whole house window coverings! If you are not a Spotlight member, join online for information on sales and extra discounts.

So, as promised, here is a detailed description of my window coverings; prices, styles and tips and tricks!

My Main Bedroom faces the road, so I was a little worried about privacy. I got 'Day and Night' roller blinds (colour stone). They provide really good privacy with the 'Day' blind, and at night the 'Night' blind is block out, and they go really well with my paint (Off White by Haymes). I have 3 windows. The bedroom cost a total of $282.74.

I also used these blinds in the other 2 bedrooms at a cost of $107.37 each.

Both Day and Night Blinds down

Just Day blind down.

In the Dining room I have a 3 panel sliding door that opens up for 2 whole panels. I decided I wanted panel blinds. I bought the panel track from Spotlight for $139. I had to get the 300mm track. Because my door was a total of 277mm inside the frame, my dad cut down one side. The instructions to cut down and alter direction of blinds are inside the packed. I looked at getting the panel blinds made so I could pick the material but it was too expensive. I bought these ones, again at Spotlight, for $24 each.

So a total of $307 for the door.

In my Lounge room I have 2 stunningly big windows. On the plan this was great to let light in, but in reality I had trouble getting blinds that big. The window on the left has 2 blinds. The window on the right has 3 blinds. I didn't want a gap for the light to shine through. Spotlight suggested that I put the gap where the frame is, but this still creates a gap. My dad cleverly thought of overlapping them. It does mean that the cords that pulls them up and down are different, but there is no gap. I loved this idea and it works really good. Check out the overlap photo to demonstrate. I bought the sheer curtains off eBay for a bargain. $20 for all white sheer curtains and rods. I also have a spare in the cupboard.

The total for blinds and curtains in the Lounge is $174.

In the Bathroom, Toilet and Ensuit I decided to hang wooden blinds. Dad cut off the ends so they fit nicely into the window frame. I took an off-cut to Bunnings and got them to colour match it. Even though my blinds are white, there are many types of white! I painted the ends so that they will last longer as they are in water areas and I didn't want the wood to swell in the future.

The total for all 3 rooms was $253.

Bathroom

Toilet

In the study, I wanted different sheer curtains. Again, Spotlight helped out. I bought 3 and used one on the small window next to the front door. I love how shinny and metallic they are in the sunlight.

I also overlapped the blinds in the study to block out the light and prevent the gap issue. The front door curtain and study blinds and curtain cost a total of $140

So all in all, I covered my windows for under $1400! I'm really happy with the end result. I am very glad that I had my dad to cut down blinds and put them up. It wasn't that difficult, but it is whether you know what you're doing and can measure accurately.

Next step: The garden!

Saturday 8 October 2011

Positives, Negatives and Recommendations

I've been in my new place for 3 weeks now. It is wonderful having a brand new home, although not relaxing yet. I still have a lot of hard work ahead of me, even after all the boxes are unpacked.

Negatives/Things I didn’t like	Outcome	Recommendations
Before signing you need to know what is included and what isn’t. Eg toilet roll holders, towel holders, floor covering (and if it is included, how many squares they give you).	I added things so that I could just move in and be comfortable (eg toilet roll holders, towel rails etc) I had to pay extra for all my floor coverings because my house was bigger than the squares they gave you.	The price at signing isn’t the final price. Ask the consultant to take you around display homes and point out extras and what’s included. Different companies include different things, that is why some are more expensive than others.
The crossover (driveway from footpath to road side) will cost close to $2000. Hidden cost!	I paid extra for my driveway but it didn’t include the crossover. I knew this but didn’t expect my crossover to cost $1750.	Write out a list of extra things you need (not want). Include crossover, curtains, moving trucks, rates, water bill, fencing, top soil, letter box, etc. It helps if you’re on a strict budget like me.
At the Gallery, I didn’t go silly and upgrade everything I wanted. I thought about what I couldn’t live with and without. I only upgraded a few things.	I upgraded carpet, bath size, laundry cupboards, front door, changed some tiled areas to wood, heating lamps in bathrooms, doors on WIR and ensuit, remote control garage door, privacy locks to bathroom, toilet and ensuit, and pot draws and extra cupboards in kitchen. My only thing I upgraded just because I really wanted to spoil myself was my 3 panel siding door. I justified it because my kitchen doesn’t have a window and I wanted more natural light.	Upgrades cost money so think about if it is worth the extra cost and remember the hidden costs like fences, curtains, crossover and bills. (Sorry to be a party-pooper. I too would have loved lots of upgrades.)
Unfortunately the standard carpet included in Simonds package isn’t the best quality. It is like outdoor carpet in my opinion, and the choice in colours was very limited even in the next few categories.	I upgraded my carpets to category 2 which also included an upgrade to the underlay. It wasn’t the exact colour I wanted but it looked good with my couch cushion.	Expect to pay extra for carpet especially if you like to walk around your house with no shoes on. Take a couch cushion or samples of your own stuff to Gallery. With my new couch I wanted it to match (or not clash at least) with my carpet.
As part of my special package “$22000 upgrades for just $5000” I added my carpet and wood but Simonds also limited it to 50m2 for carpet for $4500 and 50m2 for timber floors.	Of course my house went over in 50m2 for carpet and 50m2 for timber floor, of which I paid extra for (UNEXPECTED COST). I asked them to re-look at the figures to bring the cost down. They increased the carpet in one area which reduced the wooden floor area and therefore brought down the costs because wood is more expensive than carpet. I think he reduced the wastage too. I didn’t like the carpet guy at the Simonds Gallary. He was rude and seemed to be in a hurry to leave. He kept confusing me with prices extra area and upgrades to floor.	There will be costs you’re not expecting at the Gallery. At the end they will go over all the choices you have made and you can take things off then if you need to.
Regional Areas pay more for extra items due to freight costs.	At the Gallery, the price of things like an upgraded door cost extra to freight it if you’re regional. I still don’t understand why when they were sending you a door in the first place, really you’re just changing the one they send.	Hidden costs for regional areas!
The National Tiles Range is limited in Ballarat. They have the standard Simonds range which is good for floors and skirting boards but are limited in upgrades for feature tiles.	I went into the Ballarat National Tiles several times and asked them questions. I was original disappointed about the feature tile range as I wanted a deep red feature tile for my kitchen because I wasn’t able to afford red glass splashback. After several visits to look at my options, I found a lovely tile. I took my time to imagine what it would look like with the rest of the house (using my sample colours that Simonds gave me at the Gallery was very helpful). The guy was very helpful when I finally went in for my tile appointment. It ended up being so cheap to upgrade my kitchen tile and I was able to add a feature tile to both showers. Everything just over $300!	Go in and look at the tile range before your appointment. Ask questions and start making decisions before the appointment. If you can, go in to the Gallery in South Melbourne before your appointment too. I wasn’t able to do this. They have a Gallery in Geelong. My neighbour across the road went there for her appointment.
I asked the SS to keep the left over bricks and he forgot.	My left over bricks were scraped up with the extra dirt. I reminded them about my bricks and now they will replace them (although this is taking a while).	Ask the SS and email your Customer Relations Officer (CRO). Keep your emails as evidence just in case. It is better to use email to communicate as it leaves a paper trail, where conversation doesn’t. Ask to keep left over bricks and tiles. It doesn’t hurt to take photos of leftovers.
I asked the SS and the CRO if I could keep the left over tiles and they have disappeared from the garage.	After my tiles were finished I noticed the left over tiles and asked if I could keep them. I took photos of them. They agreed and said they will be left in the garage for me. But sadly they were missing during my final inspection. After a few emails they are now supplying me with a few more new ones to replace the missing ones.	Maybe take them after the tile job is finished.
The standard paint is only 2 coats. This is a tinted undercoat/sealer with the colour you picked and one top coat!	I questioned several people at Simonds before finally agreeing not to upgrade my paint to 3 coats, thinking it was sealed and then coated with 2 coats of paint. I even spoke to the Painter himself who said he does 2 good coats and there wasn’t a need for a third. He was wrong. At my final inspection 98% of the problems were with the paint – nail holes and bog showing through/different texture, overspray from the roof, glossy overspray, patches. Very disappointing. Lucky for me I have a wonderful uncle who is a Painter by trade and runs his own business. He’s philosophy is to do a wonderful and professional job the first time and word of mouth is the best advertisement. He will re-paint next year when I can afford the paint.	Get 3 coats of paint if you can afford it! Ask if you can go in and do the sealer before the painting. That way the paint won’t soak into the plaster and their 2 coats will cover better. I tried to organise to go in and do the sealer but the painter was ready before I was and they said he was starting the next day.
Cleaning of the yard. Finally when your house is ready they clean the yard with a bobcat and flatten out the yard.	OMG! Never did I think they would just grade the lot: rubbish, off cuts of bricks and tiles, wire, plaster board and dirt. It is not until you start to dig or rake that you find out what a poor job they did cleaning/clearing the yard! Plus the ground is so rock hard with clay it makes doing anything to the yard very difficult. On a tight budget, I didn’t put money aside for bobcats and top soil (silly me). So it will take me awhile to did it up with a shovel. Poor back, and many blisters L	I’m not sure what recommendations I can make, other than putting some money aside for your garden. Top soil cost about $40m3 (plus $25 delivery) and you need 5-10cm in depth, so 1 cubic metre will cover 10-20m2. Maybe asked the SS to clean the rubbish up before the digger comes in, or do it yourself then you know it has been done (and put it in their big bin).

Positive	Outcome	Recommendations
Regional areas (like Ballarat) get free flyscreens for all opening windows and sliding doors.	I upgraded my sliding door in the dining room to a 3 panel, and even though the documents said flyscreen not included, it was because I’m regional!	I had to ask about flyscreens for my sliding door at the Gallery interview. So don’t be afraid to ask questions.
I budgeted $5000 for the fences. I looked on the internet and in local papers for fencing companies. I called around and asked for quotes then compared them.	By shopping around, my fence cost was just over $3000.	Shopping around (even over the phone) will save you money! Ask around too because the cheapest isn’t necessarily the best. For the fencing guy I went and inspected a fence he had just built in the same estate. One of my next door neighbours is also going to build his himself to save labour costs, so if you know how (or know someone that does) do it!
If you hesitate and think about things when you first look at display homes, the consultant will offer you extras to get your business.	I started at Metricon with my heart set on a design, but after asking Metricon questions and worrying a little about hidden costs, I looked into Simonds and changed my mind. The Simonds consultant knew I was seriously considering Metricon and offered me more. I began my process in February but got the December special offers which included a free air-conditioner and 900mm appliances as well as the “$22000 upgrades for $5000”. This was instead of a free IPad for February. Apparently around Christmas you get the best deals!	Shop around at the different building companies. Don’t sign anything. When you are certain about the design and the company, go and have another look at the other companies again. Ask the other companies questions, especially about what is and isn’t included, standard range and upgrades, special deals and extra things they can throw in to get your business. Don;t be afraid to walk away and think about things at any stage before signing. The sales reps will contact you and try hard to get you back.
I thought about design verses practicality.	I upgraded to a solid wooden front door. It does have a small side glass panel next to it that I can look through. I’ll have it tinted in the future so I can look out but others can’t look in. I moved my kitchen island bench to the wall so that people (including kids) couldn’t walk through the kitchen. I reversed the pantry and the fridge hole so you don’t have to walk into the kitchen to get a drink. I put doors on the ensuit and WIR. They face the front of the house and into the bedroom. It seems silly not to have doors on them and I hate looking into my WIR and seeing the mess of clothes. Also I don’t want anyone (including my partner and people walking passed) to see my in the shower or on the toilet. I added wooden siding doors to an open extra lounge room and made it a separate room for my study. I can now close the door and hide my mess of papers and books. It can also be used as an extra bedroom in to future if needs be.	Look at your house design and think about people on the footpath. Lovely glass doors (whether they be designer or not) lets people look right into your house. I hate walk through/walk around kitchens. I want to be able to put a child gate up and protect kids from the stove. Now you only go into the kitchen to cook or prepare food. People can get a drink without getting in the way of the cook (me). Again, think of the people on the footpath! Let’s not put on a show for them. Closing doors on your WIR makes the room less busy and hides any mess. Closing in an extra lounge room makes the room more practical. Double doors doesn’t take away the welcoming effect either.
Spotlight have wonderful window covering sales!	On approaching my handover date, I was worried about not having window covering. Thanks to Spotlight’s huge sales over the last 4 weeks I have most of my window covered. I’ll take photos and explain in more detail soon. So far I have spend $850 and I only have 2 bedroom windows and my sliding door to cover.	Wait for sales! Spotlight and Lincraft both have great deals. I saved 40% to 50% off though sales. You can also make customer orders if they have a sale on but don’t have the right size. It takes longer but at least you get the sale prize and exactly what you want.

Next I will blog about window coverings: cost, procedure, recommendations. Soon I promise!

Sunday 18 September 2011

Keys!

It's been a very, very long weekend. So much has happened and I have aches and pains to show for it.

Yes! Hand over is complete!

I'm so tired so I will just give a quick recount. I promise to write more later (after I recover).

Friday, at 9 am, I went to the bank and picked up the final cheque.

By 9.45am, I was at my house doing the last inspection before handing over the cheque and receiving the keys. I had to ask for this inspection. Simonds just wanted me to go to the offices and hand over the cheque by I insisted I wanted to inspect the work had been complete from my final inspections. Every thing was completed, thank goodness. I don't know what I was going to do if it wasn't. With all my belongings packed, I was ready to move.

By 10am I was at Simonds handing over the cheque and signing the last of the documents. I received lots and lots of keys (20 copies for the windows, 4 for the sliding doors, 4 for the main doors, 3 remotes for garage).

By 10.30am I was dropping off the first load from my car. 4 trips later I still haven't finished but most of my stuff is here and more than half unpacked.

I'm sore, tired and sore. A long weekend but I'm so happy. (I'll write more in a few days - Tired!).

Friday 9 September 2011

Upcoming Handover

I'm counting down now; 7 days left.

My current house is covered in boxes and newspaper.

My handover is next Friday.

I have organised my bins via the council.

I bought wooden blinds for the bathroom, ensuit and toilet,

and 'day and night' blinds for my bedroom at the front.

My Customer Relationship Coordinator (CRC) and I have

been emailing back and forth organising the last details.

- missing feature tiles being replaced.

-missing bricks being replaced

-a scratch on my ensuit bench top being replace at 3 month maintenance inspection

-final date and times for house inspection and handover of cheque and keys.

So next weekend is the weekend for sore backs and exhausted bodies, of loosing essential items and everything not going to plan.

I am the kind of person that likes everything to be organised and follow the plan in my head.

I've thought over this move (and over again) making sure nothing can go wrong.

Boxes are marked with room and items.

Emergency boxes of essential items are packed and ready to go first

(toilet paper, tea-towel, tools set, picnic set, emergency energy food, bin bags, bath towel, face washer, soap).

Still so much to do and only 7 days left to do it in.

Good thing I have excellent time management strategies (here's hoping anyway).

Saturday 3 September 2011

Final Inspection!

On the 2nd September, I had my finial inspection.

My SS showed us through and spent lots of time as mum and I went through.

He was very understanding as I nit-picked any blemish on the paint.

My advice - two coats of paint is not enough!

Before the painter started I met him and asked if I needed more than two coats. His advice was that he does a good job and it covers well.

I say again - two coats of paint is not enough!

If I had of had 3 coats there would have only been one or two things my SS would have to fix.

99% was paint issues.

Other than paint there was an oil stain on the driveway, a few doors that needed adjusting, a light that had blown, and some tiles that need to be added.

But enough talk; time for photos!