Whiteqube: May 2009

15 May 09

First and foremost, this is a finale, not a finito. This is the end of the first phase (purchasing and constructing) of our home-owning odessey. Maybe odessey is not the right word, but you get the drift. We have a final inspection and handover date! It will be on the 22 May 2009.

Finally, here's some 'pre-moving-in' images before we stromp in and trash the place: -

Seals on the window jamb

We are entitled to a 3-month maintanence period and a 7 year structural warranty.

Master Bedroom ...

and the unstrategic windows. Notice the latest addition? Carpets. They took forever to arrive.

Corridor

The paints are touched up, the cracks sealed, the joints fixed, the fittings in place, the carpet installed and the skirtings brushed.

Lounge

All we need now are some blinds.

Dining

Really like the lights. Would not mind having more though. And really like the way they bounce of glossy surfaces. Should probably install a shimmering, oscillating disco light ... Brings out the psychedelic in everyone, yea?

Kitchen - Before

Ta-da! The favourite communal space. The Kitchen - before the grease, the scratches and the spills. Perhaps we should have more takeaways. Having said that, I do detest the habit of getting precious over anything supposedly heavy-duty.

Internally, everything is a breeze. We can just move ourselves in, plonk the furnitures about and continue on with our lives. Externally, we face a different story.

Site cut

The major structure is now fully completed with our downpipes painted, roof gable in place, pipings connected etc., etc. The site though was left in an unfinished state. We don't have fences, don't have gates, don't have driveway, can't utilise the garage as yet. We shall have to do the landscaping, levelling, gravelling and the sorts ourselves.

Can't remember the last time we had to indulge in manual labour. Can't wait to get started.

Currently we have some fencing disputes with the neighbours. Dispute sees our fence cost escalating out of budget. Will not even attempt to elaborate. Lengthy and boring. just like solicitors

Lawn

Lastly, we would have heaps to do on the landscaping - on the backyard and front lawn. Cannot even begin to fathom the amount of gardening needed. Could possibly take years to have a proper garden.

Although we have never had the luxury of owning a sizeable backyard, we do have the ultimate solution for a lawn mower. We shall be using the most environmental machine ever designed which produces usable by-products as it mows the lawn.

We are thinking of adopting a cow. Let's hope it's a hungry one.

Phase II will begin when we have internet connection in the Whiteqube.

2 May 2008

We were scheduled for a Practical Completion Inspection today. The first sight that blew us away was the cleanliness of the windows. Previously, our windows were smudged with the dust and mud. The cleaners did an excellent job with the glazing and it almost looked as if we did not have windows fitted at all.

Spotless

A couple of things: -

The completed vanity bench

Regency Shower Screen

Heller Tastic

Do not underestimate the power of this small little alien-looking lights. While they may be unknown in the tropics, I can assure you they are an indespensable commodity here in Victoria. Imagine emerging from the shower stall to stand under 375 watts heat lamps. It basically meant the equivalent of basking in the mild sun during winter in the comforts of your bathroom.