The frame begins

Joe and the boys made a start on the frame on Monday, and already we have a first floor! It was really awesome to be able to walk on the slab when the rooms had been mapped out in 2D, we started to get a real feel for how the dimensions of the rooms would be. Then, we pop over today to find our frame is now 3D! We could actually walk through the rooms and see where each of the walls, windows and doors would be. Joe has had a great idea to put a two-sided fireplace in the theatre/family room. It would look so awesome so we need to look into the $$$!! We need to make a decision pretty soon as all of the structural elements of the house will be finalised by the end of the week. Tomorrow they are planning on finishing the windows, then its on to the 1st floor! Given the pace they have been working at, it looks very likely that we will be up to Lock Up stage by Christmas. Things will get slow after that as each of the tradies take their Christmas break :)

Pouring of the slab!

Last night John and I ventured to the un-poured slab (waffle pods and metal grids) on Joe's advice to throw coins in for good luck, to be sealed in that concrete mass for ever! It was 38 degrees in western sydney, so we were a little concerned that the slab would dry too quickly and crack!

However, at 6 am when Joe arrived at the block the next day, it was raining!! It nearly looked like we would have to post pone- however, the rain remained at bay, and the pouring began! 

A massive truck came with a big long hose, and a guy basically walks along with the hose pouring the concrete, while someone behind him levels it out with a broom. It is then smoothed with a trow, and voila, we have a slab!