Tag: Stages

Construction Stage 5 – Completion

After Fixing comes Completion

Its probably been a long haul but we are getting to the last lap now.

Nevertheless there is still a fair bit to do including:

  • Complete Plumbing

Internally install taps, mixers, shower fittings, shower screens, and toilets

Externally finish downspouts and fix external taps.

  • Painting, Internal and External.

Internal painting will be in at least two stages. The walls and ceiling will be done before fitting of electrical fittings while woodwork/doors may well be later in the process.

  • Complete electrical.

Fitting all the power points and batten fittings.

If you are having a high level of home automation this might be quite complex and involve various stages. This stage also includes bringing the NBN service.

  • Paths and Driveways

Generally this is the front path and driveway unless you ask for more. I find it is cheaper to do the rest separately after the move.

  • Carpentry Final Fix

Room doors and cabinet doors and drawers.

  • Internal floor Finishes

Timber floating floors, tiles, or carpets.

  • Clean Up

Outside all rubbish will be removed and the site left flat. Inside it will probably be whats known as a builders clean – Dust brushed up and surfaces wiped, but not polished!

  • Pre-Completion Inspection

See PCI posts and the PCI Guide to help you through this stage

  • Deal With PCI Issues

Normally this should take one to two weeks but could be longer if there are a lot of defects.

  • Install Appliances

This will normally include oven, hob and any other expensive appliances and the hot water service. Frequently this occurs on the day of handover.

  • Hand Over Day 

The keys at last!  Make sure you are insured from the morning of handover. Also see this post on Construction Locks

Good Luck with your New House!

 

Settling In has more posts about getting your new house just right

For more on stage payments see Progress Payments

 

How Many Construction Inspections?

Well I do my own inspections, so for my houses they have been at least once week. . . . . but if you are paying $4-500 an inspection for a professional you might want to consider the options below!

Just remember the fewer professional inspections the more you should take an active interest yourself.

Option 1

Five Inspections based on the Standard Progress Payments

  1. Base – Best to inspect before the slab is concreted to check:- The slab is in the right location, plumbing is in the right place, and site is properly drained to avoid the ground becoming waterlogged.
  2. Frame – This is the main structural component of your house. It should be assembled properly and according to the engineering details. The slab can also be checked for problems.
  3. Lock Up – Time to ensure that the outer shell of the house is weatherproof and the brickwork is satisfactory. At this stage check  if pipe work and electrical cabling are in the right places. You may also be able to check if  the insulation is correctly installed.
  4. Fixing – Waterproof membranes in wet areas correctly installed.  Architraves, skirting, doors, baths, basins,  sinks, troughs, wall cabinets, cupboards, bench tops, shelves, properly fixed in correct locations.
  5. Practical Completion (PCI) – The last chance to get mistakes and omissions sorted before Handover.

Option 2

Three Inspections

To save money you could reduce the number of inspections to the following three.

  1. Base – As 1 above.
  2. Pre-Plaster – As the frame is still visible before the plasterboard is installed this becomes a combined Frame, and Lock Up  Inspection.
  3. Practical Completion (PCI) as 5 above. 

Option 3

Some people might only be prepared to pay for one inspection and go for the PCI.

My thoughts would be the Pre-Plaster Inspection would be the one to choose.

This is a chance to pick up any serious structural issues before they are covered up.

The PCI Inspection really is more about picking up finishing quality issues than structural issues.

 

See the PCI Guide for advice and extensive checklists….only $4

 

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