Bricks and Mortar, and Plumbing (with pics)

Brick laying commenced yesterday and by today they are about 2/3rds of the way around the lower level. We like the colour in general, and are a little worried about the colour variation, but it is hard to tell because the bricks are absorbing water from the mortar. As stated in the last post, Austral have agreed to tint the light ones if there is too much variation.

Plumbing rough in has also gone ahead in the past two days.  I am surprised at the spaghetti of hoses and pipes that will eventually be concealed.  You get a real sense of how internal work is very rough and that the art of building is in the concealment (bricks, skirts, architrave, gyprock, cornice, etc).

The following problems were found, and then resolved through some quick calls from the SS:

• Upgraded Main Bathroom freestanding bath only comes in 1700 mm (not 1500 mm as specified). Agreed to use the 1700 mm and reduce the long side of the shower from 1200 to 1000 mm.  This means that the Shower niche needs to be made thinner.  I am happy with this because I'd prefer the bigger bath anyway.

Free standing bath upgrade

• Flick mixers for dual shower heads in Ensuite would clash with Niche.  SS wanted to delete the long niche and make smaller ones at each end but I wasn't happy with this as they wouldn't be visible.  Alternative - Niche to be raised 200 mm. Great result.

Ensuite water supply with raised niche height (to be completed)

Very happy with the flexible and cooperative approach taken by the Fowler Homes SS.  More steady progress being made.  Driest May in Sydney on record, sorry Farmers but keep it comin'.