Cars Tested

VE Jetta Tdi (appx $38,000 driveaway)
Slightly bigger than my Yaris
Very heavy but stable ride.
Firm ride, excellent for highway drive...

Fuel Comsumption =5.8 liter per km .........
2008 Mazda 6 Limited($35,000 Driveaway)
Basic model of the Mazda 6 series.
Good pick up
Bigger than the Jetta
Doesn't drive as firm as the Jetta

2009 Honda Accord ($35,000)
Size wise it sits between the Mazda 6 and the Jetta
5 speed auto
Lack safety feature, 2 front and side airbags
40th anniversary edition all sold off

After all the test drive, I wonder when I would be able to buy any of the above :P Both of us prefer the Jetta.....but its size can be a drawback........Dream on Kelvin dream on................

Weekend inspection

After 2 days, roof frames are up now. More pics below

Living + Kitchen

Lounge

Masterbed

Living + Kitchen

The BOSS seems to be satisfied with the house :)

Up up and away..........

Did my usual round after work to check on the house. Was told yesterday by Dave(SS) that timber for frame would be delivered by Wed or Thurs and frame would be yup by mid next week. I had the expectation that timbers wouldn't be up yet. To my surprise frame is up except for the roof frame. Now I could see the shape of the house slowly coming up. Come this weekend I guess the roof frame would be up

Front portion of the house. You could also see the window frame being delivered already.

Garage

Kitchen + Living room


View from the "Garden"

Slabs are UP

We have slabs now. The house is slowly coming to shape now. For months we have been waiting for something to happen and at least for now we have progress. It is actually a sight of relieve that thing have now move. Looking forward to the next stage.

Front view of the house
View from the Garden

Some progress

Decided to take to the wife to have a look at our place over the weekend. Suprise to see come progress since the last visit on Thursday.... It appear that the piping has been done now.....

Building Stages

Some information I got from the Consumer office pertaining to building stages of the house

Base Stage: Includes foundations such as concrete footings, stumps, pre-slab sand, pre-slab steel, concrete slab and sub floor for a timber framed floor prior to laying sheet flooring.

Frame Stage: This is when the masonry, wooden or steel frame has been erected and approved by a building surveyor.

Lock-Up Stage: When the external wall and roof are complete, the flooring is laid and external doors and windows are fixed (even temporary doors and windows). There is no inspection required, at this stage, by a building surveyor.

Fixing or Fitting Stage: When all internal cladding, architraves, skirting, doors, built-in shelves, baths, basins, troughs, sinks, cabinets and cupboards in the home are fitted into a fixed position. There is no inspection required, at this stage, by a building surveyor.

Final Stage or Completion: When the work carried out under the contract is complete in accordance with the plans and specifications. If a building permit was issued for works, the owner is given an Occupancy Permit or Certificate of Final Inspection.

http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/CA256EB5000644CE/page/Building+&+Renovation-Home+Owners-Building+Stages?OpenDocument&1=40-Building+%26+Renovation~&2=10-Home+Owners~&3=60-Building+Stages~

Finally!!

We've got site start!!! After all the frustration and wait for the last............3 months to be exact, this have started to move. I went to have a look on our land while I was on the way back from home. Called the SS and was told that slabs would be going in by the end of next week. Hopeful that things would go full speed ahead from now onwards.