If you have gotten this far, you are almost at the home stretch! It won’t be long before handover and you get to move into your lovely new house.
So here’s a summary of what happens during fixing stage. Fixing does not mean fixing mistakes. It means fitting off various stuff to complete the house.
This stage is usually appears to be a lot slower due to the large number of things being done and by different trades people. It also doesn’t help that you cannot really see the progress except by peering through windows. But it’s arguably the most exciting stage. Some of these may also be half-done prior to completion of lock-up stage.
Installation of Insulation: This involves insulation in the roof (just above the ceiling; lying on the floor of the roof cavity) and in the wall.
Electrical – Rough in Running cables/conduits and installing switch and outlet boxes to the frame.
Plumbing – Rough In Pipes are installed inside walls.
Plasterboard Installation: Ceiling boards, wall boards, cornices, skirting boards, architraves and internal window sills are installed.
As skirting boards and cornices come in a few designs, you need to inform the site supervisor as soon as possible if the wrong ones have been delivered to the site or have been installed.
Also, if you have upgraded plasterboard to sound resistant plaster, this is the time to ensure that the right product has been delivered and installed.
Water-resistant plasterboards for wet areas are usually blue in colour.
Painting: It’s common for new homes to be spray painted. The windows and other areas are taped up in plastic before the painter sprays over the walls. The painter will use paint brushes to touch up smaller areas and around door frames.
Air-conditioning / Ducted Heating: If a large main unit is mounted in the roof space it may be installed before the ceiling boards are in place. Ducts will be attached and left unattached until the ceiling is installed. Once the plaster ceiling has been installed and painted, the duct covers will be installed.
Split reverse cycle system pipework in progress before the unit is installed.
Waterproofing of Wet Areas: The waterproofing membrane is applied to floors and walls before tiling
Carpentry: Kitchen cabinets and drawers, bathroom vanities, wardrobe doors, and counter tops will be installed. Again, check to ensure that they are exactly what you have selected.
Installation of Plumbing Fixtures: This is when baths, basins, sinks shower trays and laundry troughs are installed and connected to the drainage system. Sometimes taps and toilet bowls are installed at this stage while in other cases, they are often left off until after tiling.
Tiling Both wall and floor tiling are normally completed at this stage. If you have opted for timber flooring, laminate flooring and carpet, these may be fitted off a little later, usually after painting has been completed.
Garage: The garage door will be installed but it will be openable manually at this stage until the electric door opener is installed and programmed.
You’re close to moving into your brand new house! How exciting!
