If you are wondering about the unusual title
of my post, then you are not alone. It refers to the pre-plaster inspection
from H & Ryan Associates in association with MBS Macro Building Solutions,
whose proprietor is Howard Ryan’s son – Stephen Ryan – who carried out the
inspection. Poor guy, it apparently took him 7 hours to reach our site last
Friday owing to the terrible bush fires raging across NSW.
Now to
the findings of the report:
The
comments pertain to incomplete works (defined as “works that are yet to be completed as was originally intended and
lacking in part”) to cladding,
dutch gable, and roof, and other items that were not properly fixed. However, the report noted that “…allocated Site Supervisors will most likely be
aware of what we have listed in this report and if not are obligated to rectify
under the Home Building Act”; thus, the works are “fixable”
and therefore not “fatal flaws”.
Key observations:
Garage: Metal cross strap brace to rear wall of garage is
to be re-installed as bottom of bracing is damaged. Ensure garage floor is kept
clean to prevent damage to slab surface.
Entry Hall: Metal cross strap brace to
left side of entry is loose and needs to be tightened. Ensure studs to right
side of square set opening from entry are flush prior to linings.
Stairway / Hallway: Metal cross strap
bracing is loose in areas and need to be tightened. Metal cross strap braces to
rear wall of stairwell are loose and need to be tightened.
Roof Trusses Area: Top floor truss speed brace tails are yet to be
wrapped around and nailed to the underside of top plates.
Bathroom: Floor drainage is incomplete;
ensure safe-waste trays to floor wastes are completely recessed into flooring
prior to installation of waterproofing.
Master bedroom: Speed bracing to
external wall within robe is yet to be wrapped around and nailed to underside
of top plate. Wall noggins are incomplete in areas.
Ensuite: Floor drainage is incomplete; ensure safe-waste
trays to floor wastes are completely recessed into flooring prior to
installation of waterproofing,
Balcony: Incomplete
Other bedrooms: Wall noggins are
incomplete in areas. Speed bracing to external wall is yet to be wrapped around
and nailed to underside of top plate.
Sliding units need their base sill tracks covered
and protected during this construction process to prevent construction damage, which may hinder the sill and doors intended operation.
Electrical works are incomplete. Plumbing and
drainage are incomplete. Once drainage has been done, ensure safe-waste trays to floor wastes
are completely recessed into
flooring prior to waterproofing.
Over the past week, work undertaken included
the installation of (1) sliding doors, fascia, gutter, eaves and roof tiles on
the dining and outdoor room extensions, (2) fascia and gutter to the garage
elevation, (3) flat tray deck roof at 2 degree pitch over part of garage (see photos of inside and outside of garage),
front entry door, and (5) and some clearing of rubbish inside the house.
The next week should see electrical rough-ins,
flashing on the roof, cladding work and painting/render.