Friday saw the completion of the frame, with roof trusses installed. The frame stage goes so quickly - they put it all up in 4 days! I suspect there's still a few minor details to be fixed up, and a frame inspection to take place. The only downside on all this progress is that we will have our second stage invoice very soon.
For the non-house-building community, there are 5 stages in the building process, and at the completion of each stage, we receive an invoice for a progress payment towards the contracted price. The percentages can vary depending on how you negotiate the contract. For us this is 5% deposit, then 10, 15, 35, 25 at each stage, and the final 10% is paid at handover.
Stage 1 is the base stage, which includes the site cut, installation of power and water to the site, and the slab.
Stage 2 is the frame stage (fairly self explanatory).
The next stage for us is the lockup stage. This includes the roof tiles, gutters and fascia, insulation wrap, windows and external doors, and the bricking. From my observation this should take about 6 weeks.
Stage 4 is the fixing stage. Essentially the outside is all but done, and work starts on the internals. Pipes and wiring are installed inside the walls and ceiling, kitchen/bathroom/laundry cupboards are put in, plaster is installed, internal doors, skirting and architraves are installed.
Stage 5 is the final stage, so pretty much everything else required to be ready for handover. Painting and tiling are the big things, plus installation of all the finishing details, shower screens, mirrors, door handles, power points and light switches, connection of taps and toilets, driveway paving.
We're hoping to meet the site supervisor this week and get a bit more feedback on how he thinks things will go over the next few weeks.
