That is what the backyard looked like when we after hand over, the next step was to put the fences in so that we had some privacy. Our neighbour suggested Easy clip fencing they were a colourbond fence frame and then wood panels that you can slide in and out. They were great when we were landscaping and last much longer than the traditional lap & cap fence. It is my option that they are also tidier than the normal fence.

We completed our landscaping in accordance with our landscape plan so we were able to get our rebate YAY. We still have a lot that we would like to do to the backyard as funds become available, but at this stage we have a cute place to entertain and lots of room for our puppy Joey to run and play.

So here are some before and after photos. We are both really proud of how far it’s come as we did all the landscaping ourselves with the help of some keen family members.

Big Update

We haven’t updated for months, not because we haven’t done anything... quite the opposite. We've just been so busy. We have finally finished our landscaping, got blinds, tied the knot and been on an amazing honeymoon.

So this is our first post as Mr and Mrs Andre’ Yay well here goes.............

Meet our landscape Crew

My Dad

My Mum

The Cutest couple around Damian and Anna

My Step dad and new husband

Garry

Best Christmas present ever. We moved in!

Finally - an update! Its all happened so quickly and we havent had a moment to edit the blog. But here goes...

We did our PCI on the 14th and completed handover the same day! We hired a private building inspector (howard ryan - recommended!) who picked up on a few things here and there, but nothing major, all cosmetic. There were still a few items waiting to be ticked off at that stage but it was easier for us to do the handover on the same day.

So. since the last update, the following has happened:

Bathroom mirrors installed, appliances done (GAS!), a few paint touch ups, aircon control panel (finally) and our home theatre bracket was installed as well.

We were thrilled to see that gas appliances were installed. We accidently signed off on having electric. I enquired about it a few months after when I noticed, but they said it was too late as it had all been ordered. However, much to our suprise, we got gas afterall!

We had our driveway completed yesterday and it looks fanstastic. Internet is installed (very fast!) and our side fence went in last week as well. So at least we have a tiny bit of privacy!

Next big ticket items we need to complete:

- Get blinds! (we have a quote so far)

- Finish unpacking boxes (80% done)

- Complete the fencing (33% done)

- Start on the landscaping (ahhh!)

- Purchase a bit more furnature

- Complete the home theatre

A few notes about the build process.

We had absolutely no idea about building, we came into it complete novices. However now we feel a bit like experts!

The hardest part was getting through and signing off on all the documents, with the bank and with the builder.

I have followed many blogs and found that everyone does have a difference experience, but overall ours was actually enjoyable. Sure you get the odd hickup here and there, but I must admit that McDonald Jones were a pleasure to deal with. We cannot fault them, they produced our house three and a half months earlier than required.

It must be difficult for them as they are completely at mercy to the trades people they contract to perform the work, but they must be doing something right, and when something does go wrong they strive to correct it as quickly and painlessly as possible. Would I build again with them? absolutely.

There is still so much to be done on the house itself. We are just so proud to own our very own home, building better than buying? you bet!

Now there is still some pictures I have to post up of the final product, when I get time to take a few snaps I'll post them up. Until then, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Photo updates

We have a few more photos of the progress that happened this week. First and foremost our carpets are done. They look so good, and we are very happy with our emergency re-selection. Probably more-so than the original choice.

The shower screens also finally appeared. Last but not least, we have shelving throughout the house, in the wardrobes, pantry and storage cupboards.

Above: picture of our splashback

Above: completed walk-in wardrobe

Above: Ensuite shower screen

Above: Wardrobe complete.

Camera doesnt seem to capture the paint properly in this photo..

Nearing the end

So we are nearing the end of this part of our construction journey. Last weekend we saw all the tiles laid and completed. They still had not been cleaned, but they look fantastic. On monday the aircon went in and the splashback was installed in the kitchen. The splashback is much darker than we remember but still looks good. There is a 900 mil run-off down the sides and look a bit odd, we just thought it would be on the back wall not the sides. The paint has been touched up and should be in top shape.

On friday this week the carpet is due to be installed, the shower screens should have gone in and all other little things completed. We cant wait to see the finished result!

We have an official inspection of the house on the 14th of December, with an anticipated handover of on the 16th or 17th. The only thing that can stop us is the bank! - we have given them all the documentation they require, which includes the final progress payment request, letter stating that the final payment needs to be a cheque, and a copy of our house insurance. The next step is that they will aranage a valuator to visit the property. Once that is done a cheque will be requested and we should be able to pick that up from our local branch.

We will not get the keys until the cheque is handed over, so we are holding thumbs that the bank will be able to process this quickly.

We have also organised our own independant inspector to join us for the pre-handover walkthrough. We hope he will find nothing wrong, but we would like a trained eye to look over everything and make sure it is all OK.

Anna and I are both really excited, we are in the process of packing our things and making plans for the move!