Inching Up

A couple of things I have learnt about what happens to a construction project at the end of the year is that 1) the monsoon rains limit the number of working hours if the work to be done is outdoors, and 2) sub-contractors are rushing to complete projects before year-end so they can collect payment and your project - because it only started not too long ago, or simply because you are just a small-fry - is left suspended. These 2 factors alone are enough to slow everything down to the point of a stand-still on some days.

The best time to get things done is during the 7th lunar month, it seems. Its when construction workers are the least busy because many Chinese are pantang and don't want to have projects during that period. Useful piece of info, especially if living in Penang. Knowledge is power.

Here is a pictorial update on the slow progress so far.

4th November: the 9th pile-cap completed and I'm off to KL

10th November: the remaining pile-caps in place, ground beams laid and the tractor clearing the site

24th November: The plumber has put this project on hold while he completes another project. But the sewage and drainage pipes have to be laid before the ground slab is poured. So work on the ground slab is suspended until the plumber returns. Meanwhile, the pillars at the back of the house has been erected.

1st December: Formwork for beams & slab of back portion of 1st floor being made.

2nd December: Making the cage for the concrete slab