HANDOVER - you won't believe it

Like clockwork, handover has unexpectedly happened on D-day, 15 weeks to the dot.

I received a call from the SS who said he could be there in half an hour to give me the keys and remotes. But as I work in Parramatta I asked if my Mum could go instead as I know she can get there. Not a problem.

My Mum calls me back and says "you won't believe it!" and lo and behold SS is two streets away building a knockdown new home. So he arranges to go to my Mum when he is finished and within 5 minutes there he is on the front porch!

So frantically I have signed up for house and contents insurance through CommInsure online and am waiting to find out when Lockwood's can start the tiles and carpet.

I'M SO EXCITED, AND I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT.

I'M ABOUT TO LOSE CONTROL AND I THINK I LIKE IT!!!

Allworth want an extension

Allworth wrote advising that due to the rain they are entitled to extend the contract by one week. I have emailed back saying this is not accepted as they commenced building two weeks earlier than planned and therefore have 17 weeks to complete instead of the usual 15 weeks, an therefore an extra week is not reasonable.

Also since I go out there so frequently I agree they lost a few days but not 7 days to the rain, and since I am satisfied that progress is proceeding at a normal rate based on what I read from other Bloggers, I disagree with them that they need an extension.

In the email also complained that SS2 is not answering phone during his office hours and not leaving his answering service on so I haven't had contact in a week, and therefore had to let them know in the email that I have organised an independent inspection for progress and PCI checks.

Just to try my luck I also sought permission to lay concrete in the driveway and entertainment area and then retain the backyard after the security fence comes down, but before PCI as the remaining vacant block to the rear is now the only easy access to the yard.

Drove past tonight after TAFE and the long bedroom wall and the rear wall is about 3/4 bricked up, so really can't figure why they need another week. I'm thinking at this speed end of next week the bricks will be finished.

Timeline update from CA to Commencement

Yesterday afternoon my solicitor called to say that had the report that Mirvac said we would need and have faxed it to Allworth.

This afternoon I called my CSO and yes, Allworth has received it, it is the right document and now it is with Drafting before it goes to the Engineering contractor.

OK I say, then what?

She hesitates, but finally responds. That will take a week or so, unless there are further requests, which may then clock up another 4 weeks.

Then once everything is back with the Service Department we go in for final sign-off.

It will then take up to 14 working days to get the letter of commencement from the Bank.

Thereafter Allworth have 20 days to commence building.

So we received approval on 30 March, and now it is almost a month later and we still have about a month before we break ground, then a 15 week minimum build time.

As I count it they won't start until at least 4 June and no later than 2 July, so finishing will be anywhere between 17 September to 1 October. Awesome, 1 year after we bought the land we might have a house, I just hope it's by 29 September, otherwise we will be in breach of our land contract - great.