Before we go into the brief update we have to say that we have learned another valuable lesson.
Lesson #5: Be specific, be nosey (aka ask a LOT of questions!), and when things don't meet expectations negotiate getting them fixed!
We found in this last round of accomplishments that a few products didn't turn out the way we expected. Chalk it up to inexperience.
In one case we didn't know that the cladding was short by .5 of a metre and that there would be a join at the seams. In another case, when we asked for screws on our doors but we didn't know that the joiner would use surface screws instead of counter sunk.
The great news is we were able to negotiate (lock this into your head, repeat it with us "negotiate") to get this stuff fixed.
The bad news is we wouldn't have to be in the fixing stage for some of this stuff:
a. if we had been super specific, like draw pictures, (a skill learned way back in primary school, and often neglected by adults), and;
b. if we had been way more nosey and investigated the plus and minus tolerances of things like the cladding lengths, or asked the joiner about his standard method.
Put this lesson deep into your pockets right now, but of course, NOT deep enough to get lost or slip through that hole you've been meaning to get mended.
Now, onto the great stuff Stonewood is doing for us!
Here is the list of goings on:
-drainage dug - check!
-cladding up - check!
-gib and plastering fixed - check!
-coving and trim mounted - check!
-doors fitted - check!
And here are some pictures to illustrate
DRAINAGE
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| Drainage at the front of the property |
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| Up close of our sewer connection. |
CLADDING
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| The cladding(siding) is on its way, as well as the plastered chimney! |
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| Cladding on the backside of the house... so tidy! |
GIB AND PLASTERING
No - he is not a clown - he's our plaster guy!
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| The lounge. |
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| And up close of our plastering inspector...ha! (Gross - this fella was huge- probably about 2-3 inches long in the bod with even creepier legs!) |
COVING AND TRIM
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| Tim & coving in the corner alcove of our lounge. |
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| Doors onsite waiting to be installed |
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| Gavin opened the pocket slider and what did he find? |
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| A Mother in law! |
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| This door will be where Henry hangs out for snacks. (aka the pantry!) |
Hi, Jenn -
ReplyDeleteThis is Darryll, Leanne's brother. She recently directed me to your blog and I've been keeping a watch on your home-building project.
It's been great to watch things take shape. We built our new home here in Pullman, WA and moved in a year and a half ago. We have a single level that's similar to yours in many ways. In fact - that's one of the first things that Leanne pointed out to me when she mentioned your blog. Your latest entry showing the exterior siding and windows/trim is very similar to our exterior.
I am in the process of uploading the pics from our remodel onto my website - I'll have to send you a link when I get it done and you can see for yourself.
Anyway - Sounds like you guys are dong well and - as you said - getting involved and asking a lot of questions. My wife was also very good at this and it saved us a lot of headaches along the way!
God bless you and your construction! I look forward to your next updates. And - if you are about to actually give birth (I think it;s more than just a metaphor for your house building) congratulations on that, too! How neat that you and Jessica are having your kids so close to the same time! ...must be a twin thing...