The big catch -up

As you read this we are already getting our move on, no trip to the Homemade House to happen without a load of something.

The big truck arrives next Monday -this time next week we are IN!

While you may well have assumed that we had been sitting back basking in the success of our occupancy inspection, work has relentlessly continued. Relentless, but most fruitful.

There was the leadlighting:

The granite stepped off its flight from Brazil looking surprisingly refreshed:

Sinks were connected:

(This is one of the few parts of the house I am precious about. If you come to visit, do NOT take it upon yourself to wash dishes in this sink. Delicately rinsing a lettuce leaf may be permitted).

Light fittings were,indeed, fitted:

I also saw water pound down from the ceiling mounted shower head in the master suite. It was so awesome the plumber could be forgiven for inviting his offsider to shower with him. "Whatever makes you happy" I encouraged the happy couple.

I am also pleased to report that in the world of building there exists the concept of a builder's clean. This is when a couple of angels descend from on high to somehow turn a building site into a home.

Sills,ledges and shelves were divested of their earthly dust,windows were polished, bathrooms shined, and carpets tamed (oh yes! The carpets were also laid, looking and feeling sumptuous.).

Downstairs splashbacks were also completed. Let me tell you,if you ever use our tiler (and I know there are a few Lovely Building Company future clients out there),the gorgeous Joe is ALWAYS right. Give him your ideas and he will ask you just the right questions and give you just the right answers. He restored my faith in the tiling community.

THE END.

Just kidding. 

But do me a favour. While I know there have been over 5,000 views of this blog,  my eldest daughter mocks me for the tiny number of comments I receive here. Do me a favour and leave a one word comment on this post. Your Christmas gift to me. xx.

Homemade House 2014 to follow...

It's results week!

...and not just for our state's industrious Year 12 students.

I am very pleased to report that we passed our occupancy permit inspection with Mr Building Inspector!

It had been weighing heavily on me, not knowing exactly what it entailed.  I hovered around the house while he did his thing, hands involuntarily clenched together, prayer-like. I circled the remaining tradies hoping for a reassuring "she'll be right!" but none was forthcoming.

Would I be given a spot quiz on some obscure aspect of the construction? Had we unwittingly overlooked something critical?

I fully expected to receive a nit-picky shopping list of items to be done before we were allowed to move in - but the inspector was quite relaxed and happy for us to make the move: WE PASSED!

So it was straight home to pop the French in the fridge for a celebration with Captain Laird, served with a side of the sweet smell of success!

Random stuff

It's about time for some random pics I think:

Almost finished

It's floor sanding and finishing week - time to see what those Spotted Gum wideboards are truly made of. 

Hours and hours of pre-cleaning, as well as our diligent team of tradies getting stuff done led up to the arrival of the floor sanders on Tuesday. 

This effectively puts the house in lock-down mode, with no one else allowed in while all those lovely boards are brought to life.

Well. I did get permission to sneak in there in my socks early one morning and I managed to take a couple of spy shots:

Before:

After:

Looking good! I love before and after shots, so here's another set:

Before:

After:

Ok, so the glass fronted doors are not on yet, and the bench top is on the way still, and that is a really hazy photo for some reason - but how nice is that??!

I hope everyone on site is appreciating the significant upgrade in the tearoom!

The icing on the cake

I know, I know. Getting a bit behind. 

But with good reason, as we wildly dash about trying to get all the critical works wrapped up before the building inspector goes on Christmas holidays.

All our tradies continue to shine, working away solidly to help me out with that deadline. 

Since the last post, the icing for our pretty confection arrived and has been installed:

Even the Homemade Kids, who are thoroughly sick of the project, gave an enthusiastic reaction as we drove by on the way to school. I tipped the two older ones out and sent them off to class, and then hurriedly dashed back so I could make a fool of myself swooning over the lovely arches and balustrading on the front verandahs.

"Wow - cool!" Said the Homemade Baby.

"I just love it!!" I gushed to the carpenters. There may have been a tear of silly homeowner joy as I admired the crisp white timbers and graceful outdoor room that has been created.

For a while there I even thought T2 & Co. might manage to roll out a positive adjective or two. But one steadfastly keeps his opinions to himself (apart from the classic "well it's not my taste" drily offered last time I gushed over his work on the exterior).

The other one kindly suggested that my colour scheme is not quite right - but that it was about 90%.

I must be getting used to this particular dry cracker as I merely chirped back that that was an "A" grade and I was happy to take that!