Week 17 & 18: Brick Laying (week 10 & 11)

Much to my disappointment, these past two weeks are considered week 10 & 11 instead of week 17 & 18 of building. It took almost 1 month for brickwork to start since delivery of bricks in late October. I've called up the pre-start lady from Celebration Homes to ask what was the delay and also to request for the expected date of completion. To my horror, she replied that the completion date will be end of March 2014 which according to my calculation is way more than 26 weeks as per agreement by the Builder. She clarified by saying that week 1 of building is only considered when the slab goes down. So technically the preliminary stages of earthwork from removal of vegetation to leveling of the ground are not considered commencement of building which does not make sense to me at all. Hence, it was approximately a 7-weeks delay due to the previous horrible weather in Perth. On the other hand, Celebration Homes also mentioned that there was a shortage of brickies/brick-workers in Perth during this busy period of time. Well, according to the fine prints in the contract, builder will only considered commencement of building process when they say so. So, I guess there's no way around this to seek for compensation. 

Oh well, I shall not ponder on the compensation as I am a very happy girl this morning. Finally some bricklaying has started with one side of the wall erected. This is getting exciting for me again. I guess I shall be patient with Celebration Homes and let them do whatever they have to do. 

Messy work-site

Internal part of the house

Internal part of the house

Another view of the house internally

I hope it's fine with the gaps between the bricks. Maybe it's some bricklaying technique which I am not aware of. 

The external area of the house. I love the dual shaded colour of the bricks. Just in case you wonder what bricks I've picked, it's the "Jurien" bricks. 

a close-up view of the bricks

Yes, exciting times now. Hopefully it shouldn't be too long before we start seeing the shell of the house =)

Week 14-16: No Progress (week 7-9)

Bricks are still sitting on the concrete slabs. 10 more weeks to week 26 which is promised by Celebration Homes that the building process will be completed. 10 weeks to erect a house? Hmm...I wonder that's possible?

Week 13 : Bricks Delivered (week 6)

Bricks,Window and Door Frames have finally been delivered to the site. I wonder when the brickies will be around to commence work? Definitely got my excitement going again..

Week 9-12: Man Hole Installed (week 2-5)

The construction process has not progressed much  for quite a while now. The excitement has definitely died down a little for me. Still waiting for the bricks to be delivered.

Good to see that the 2 man holes have been installed underneath the ground.

Week 8: Slabs Down (Week 1)

What can I say?  Conslabulation! *beaming with delight* It's definitely a significant milestone in house building. I am so stoked to see the concrete slab finally installed and it shouldn't be for too long before the house is completed, I am hoping end of January.

I wonder if this is considered a good job or not? I'm just going to trust Celebration Homes on this. 

I think this is what they call "manholes" Correct me if I'm wrong. Definition from Wikipedia is " A manhole is the top opening to an underground utility vault used to house an access point for making connections or performing maintenance on underground and buried public utility and other services including sewers, telephone, electricity, storm drains and gas" 

2 man holes required for this tiny house. 

Next stage will be brick delivery and bricklayer commencement. 

Week 7: Footings

Parents are here to visit and looks like they've brought me some good luck. Finally some progress with the construction.

Seems like a very tiny platform.

footings are now set in and ready for the slab to go in next (pending on the weather again)

Consecutive rain for 7 weeks and looks like it's not going to change any sooner. This is by far one of the wettest winter I've witnessed in Australia. 

Week 4-6: Still Raining

Week 6 and still no signs of consecutive sunny days. Hence, no progress with the construction. My anticipation and excitement is gradually wearing thin.