Fencing and the all-important loo!

Resolution of issue

I rang Sydney Water to get advice (this person was not so snootty) and to change my forwarding address so bills come to me not the unoccupied premises. Procedure is to ring PAL to report the crime and then to call back to request a new meter. Once that was done, I needed to organise a plumber to check the pipes to ensure that they are not missing or damaged as Sydney Water can't install a new meter if that is the case. My lovely plumber, Brian, from Asquith Plumbing is checking out the situation this afternoon for me.
Apparently, the crims can get about $3-4 for a meter! Spending spree coming up.

A stolen water meter:-(

Upon inspection, it appears that our water meter has been stolen. All that is left is a tap & a big, constant drip. I have done some Googling and it appears I need to report it to the police to get a reference number and then call Sydney Water.

I have a feeling that moving onto a relatively busy road, from a private access road off a cul-de-sac, is going to be a shock to the system. Mail taken from the letterbox,  people loading our bins up with inappropriate rubbish, stealing water meters....

Does anyone know what this is? Found it sticking out of the ground after the excavation. Suggestions?

Site cut & scrape

I drove by this morning after dropping the children off to school and found I couldn't get far. I was held up by several BIG trucks trying to get on site. Tears welled up & I got the shivers. Eden Brae are on site after 18 months of our planning!

From near the letterbox

 This came from the front of the property - a small stump in the ground that Brad & I couldn't yank out. Now I see why!

 View towards the front - didn't expect that retaining wall.

 

 There is a significant drop down to the grass - not obvious in the photo

 More obvious here as we can't see the grassed area.

Whilst I was there, I found an overdue water bill that had been sitting in the letterbox for a while. Upon ringing Sydney Water, it is because we haven't given them a final reading. I am not so sure where the meter is or even if it is still there. If there isn't a meter anymore, we will have to pay huge amounts for having an unmetered property. I am truly hoping that it is not something that I have to followup with the demolition company. Please, NO! I really wish this sort of thing was properly explained to the client - you sort of find out through default. Sydney Water told me that I needed to call them as soon as the tenants moved out and then again just before demolition.

Introduction phone call made

Today I received my call from Troy - sounds great. Based on the expected good weather, there should be action at the site from Monday with excavation. Concrete trucks are scheduled for later on that week.

Again, I was reminded about not entering the site unsupervised. The letter I received yesterday from Troy outlined the procedures for inspecting. Luckily, I am a girl that abides by rules and does not like to break them! I reckon if I posted photos on here from inside the house, it would be fairly obvious that I was doing the wrong thing (and I know Eden Brae read this blog)!

At last...the magic words!

Our file has moved to the construction phase of building after 12 months in Admin. We have the name of our Site Supervisor, Troy M. Another of my fellow HomeOners also has Troy as her supervisor and seems satisfied.

"He has been great so far. Very on top of things and has addressed any issues that we have had (e.g. shower niches were fixed up when I raised questions about them). He has been very accommodating anytime that we have wanted to go to the house to have an inspection and has been AOK with us employing our own independent inspector as well. Also provides you with screen shots of whats happening over the next 2 weeks so you know what is happening on site, even though you can't see it. When you go and inspect your house, you will notice that he will quickly do a visual inspection as well. He is happy to answer any questions you may have when you meet with him and I have emailed him countless of times with questions."

Here's to a happy build with Troy!

Thinking about the landscaping too

While I am twiddling my thumbs here waiting for the build to move to construction phase, I have been continuing the process of thinking about landscaping. We have a plan submitted to council already which we have to adhere to fairly strictly. We also have a council DA requirement to maintain canopy cover by planting 3 indigenous trees that will grow in time to a minimum of 15m high.

There is a local company called OutThere Landscapes & Design who have done some work for a friend who built with Eden Brae further out west. I really liked the look of what they have done to complete their house so I am keen to get them to do a quote for us. I have sent off my details for a prosposal to be out together. I am looking to 'stage' the development of the gardens (as with the interior decoration of the house) Stage One will be the basic requirements of retaining walls, pool surrounds, turf, tree replanting and possibly creating some garden beds.

I like the look of this pool - simple, practical & easy on the eye.