Waterproofing

First coat of the waterproofing stuff went on the other day. The site supervisor was on site again today putting a second coat on. He's cracked it with the tradie as it was meant to be done early last week so he's decided to do it himself so that we can still go ahead with our slab early next week. 

Splashback tiles - got 'em!

A couple of weeks ago we received a phone call to tell us our splashback tiles have arrived from Italy and were in the supplier's warehouse awaiting collection or delivery. I opted to pick them up myself as I wanted to inspect them for any possible damage that could have occurred during shipping. These tiles aren't cheap so I'm a little paranoid!  So today we took the trip down to the Geelong warehouse to pick them up. All the tiles were in perfect condition so we were pretty relieved with that.

This tile looks different in different lighting and from different angles, which I suppose is why I love them so much. 

These tiles are called Intensity Auroa Texture in the colour white and they're made by Atlas Concorde. 

Here is a pic of the tile up on the wall in the showroom. You can see how it's almost like a mirror in some parts under artificial lighting. 

Once we got home I took some additional pics to show it in different lighting and angles. 

Here they are all packed up and waiting to be installed, which is still quite some time away. 

Whilst at the tile warehouse I spotted the tile that we chose for our wall tiles in the bathroom and ensuite so I took a pic to share as the other pic was of a tiny sample tile. I took a few different angles so you can see the texture/pattern. 

We spoke with the builder this morning. Our slab was meant to be done this week but we have had nothing but constant rain in Melbourne this week and it looks like it will continue all through next week as well. So we are waiting on the weather to clear before they can lay the drainage and pour our slab. 

Since the last update they have filled the cavities of the retaining walls with concrete. 

We also have a power box on site. 

Hopefully next update I will have some slab photos to share :-)

Retaining wall # 2

We have the second brick retaining wall built. This wall runs between the garage and laundry. The walls are due to be in filled with concrete this week. After that the drainage will be installed then the following week we should have a slab. Weather permitting!

We have had a wet few weeks in Melbourne, with record rainfalls a few days ago so I hope this doesn't hold the progress up.

On another note my splashback tiles have arrived very early from Italy. I pick them up from the warehouse late next week - I can't wait!

Here are some pics of the second retaining wall. The mortar is a little rough but I suppose that doesn't matter as it'll be hidden under the house. 

This pic shows the corner that they'll be continuing the brickwork along from - this is the bedroom side of the house. 

The second retaining wall as seen from a little down the block. The wall sticks out like that as that will be the workbench in the garage. 

The first retaining wall can be seen down the block with the newer wall to the right of the photo. 

Bricks started - retaining

Brickies were on site today laying bricks for the retaining wall between the store room and downstairs lounge room. 

The bricks we chose are Boral Barwon with rolled morter. These will look great once cleaned. They're a brown brick with black flecks and hints of bluey/purple patches. 

We also had our water tap installed today

I was impressed that the brickies were working today as it was raining on and off all day. There is rain predicted for the rest of the week but I hope it's not heavy enough to cease work. We will visit the site again later this week to see the progress. 

I'm started to get really excited now!! 

Foundations

A little bit has happened since my last post. We had the plumbing done for the lower level. 

We now have foundations poured. The bricklayer is starting the retaining walls this Monday. Some pics below of the progress to date. 

Foundations around the store room on the lower level 

Foundations mid way down the length of the house

The electrical and phone cabling running to the garage

This is a bad iPhone pic of our view at night from the rear of the house 

The site portable loo. I was very excited when this arrived. Lol! 

We've been pegged!

We were pegged yesterday. I just had to photograph one of the pegs! LOL!

Slab shouldn't be too far away!!

Plumbing selections

Today we took a hike down to Reece Plumbing in Heidelberg to select our tap ware, basins etc for our build. The staff were lovely and had a great sense of humour. Encouraged us to both get into the bath to make sure we'd both fit. Lol.

I'm rapt with the bath. It's so deep and I can imagine having a soak after a long day.

Some items we upgraded from standard so we are waiting to hear back from the builder for the total upgrade cost. Hopefully it's not too excessive!

Details of some selections:

Ensuite basins: AXA H10 400 above counter basin

Downstairs powder room basin: Ideal Standard Vessel above counter basin

Upstairs powder room and bathroom basins: Caroma Pearl inset basin

Basin wall mixer taps, shower mixer, bath mixer and spout: Phoenix Cruise range 

Kitchen tap: Mizu Drift gooseneck pull out sink mixer

Bath: Mizu 1700 Deep Soaker

Towel rails & toilet roll holders: Mizu Drift range