Day 31 - Foundation Masonry

We are already into October and the weather is deteriorating and the days are getting shorter. Getting the shell up before the winter arrives is looking less and less likely. Nevertheless, progress has been steady and the groundworks are nearing completion.

Photo 1

Photo 2
Front driveway cleared of all rubble.
Photo 3
Garage blockwork completed.

Photo 4

Photo 5
Photo 6
Photo 7
Kitchen Diner blockwork completed. Patio area ground level built up.

Photo 8
Garden looking a right mess.

We're hoping to lay the engineering bricks tomorrow if the weather stays good.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Windows and Doors

Image
So as we await for planning consent and quotes from builders, we thought it was good to use the time to start looking at the style of windows we would want installed. The intention is to replace all the single glazed windows with double glazing at some point but this will depend on the cost. The existing windows of the house are single glazed timber sliding sash, with Georgian bars in the upper half. Front Elevation  The rear windows are simple sliding sash with the ones on the ground floor having Georgian bars. Rear Elevation The extension will consist of 2 windows in the kitchen area, followed by another in the utility area. Then there is a small window for the small toilet and 2 windows above the garage (front and rear). There is also a single door from the utility into the garden and 2 sets of bi-folding doors. In total then we have over 30 windows. We would like to replace the existing windows with something similar that keeps the character of the property but sl
Read more

Refining Our Design

Image
Once we had a better idea for our layout, we decided to get an architect involved to draw the plans required for obtaining planning permission. Having spoken to a number of local people that had recent building work done, we contacted a couple of architects. Unfortunately our first architect (who was highly recommended) was looking at retirement plans so although he made the effort to visit the property, he politely declined the work. The next architect we invited, was very enthusiastic with the project and had good references so we decided to proceed. This was the first time that we have used an architect for any building work, and he explained the work he would be doing along with an engineer to provide calculations for any structural alterations, and costs involved. We had the expectation that architects would provide us with some ideas and suggestions for a "grand design" but it turned out that the architects we spoke to didn't really suggest much and were happy
Read more

Day 2 - Site Clearance

Image
The builders were on-site this morning and were going to continue clearing the site. The weather is looking quite grim and there is rain expected all day so not sure how much progress they will make. The kitchen has also been knocked down now but it seems rain halted proceeding much like the second day at Lord's in the Ashes. Bricks piled up for later use. We also had a response back from the builder controller about the depth of the foundations. Unfortunately, due to the eucalyptus tree at the front of the property, the foundations would need to be 2.1m below ground level. Having the tree removed would only require a depth of 1m. Now we're faced with the dilemma of losing this quite lovely looking tree that provides some privacy to the property or paying more than double for the foundation - having already costing more than we budgeted. Previous Next
Read more