Trouble at Mill...
This blog pulls no punches: All is not light and sunshine, and the purpose of the blog is to document the build and process accurately, hopefully helping people who are thinking of doing something similar in the future. I know a few people who are toying with the idea of building abroad. Hopefully this site helps. I am more than willing to answer questions personally...
This last week has been, as they say, "a bit of a lemon". Let me explain:
This image sums up my feelings about the build this week. I'm not bitter though.
Back in January and February, before works started, the builder was approached by the project manager. The build, as you have previously read is based on Soren's project, although it is some 25% bigger, as I needed more mezzanine (studio) space, and also Soren had mentioned that he wished he had made his bedroom slightly bigger. So Soren had 75 square meters enclosed, and I re-worked this to give just over100 square meters enclosed.
Apart from the size increase the designs are very similar - same foundations and foundation work, same finishes. In fact, my design uses less windows and doors, and does not have the external staircase to the garage that Soren's project has. So the expected price is somewhat 25 percent more than Soren's.
Straight forward?
When the builder was approached he assured the project manager that the house could be built on budget, i.e. at 25% more than the previous construction he had done for Soren. Not once, not twice, but several times. My Project Manager was on the ball here and kept insisting on assurances that this was good to go. So we asked for the written quote of course. Meanwhile the work started, as you have seen over the last few weeks. And good work and good progress it is.
However, when the 'Ocamento' (the written quote of works) came through it was over budget.
We have been here before, if you have read my blog in the early stages...
A Lemming ... not native to the Azores, despite there being plenty of cliffs to jump off. I am not a Lemming. Committing financial suicide is not an option. Another squeeze of Lemming sir?
Unfortunately of course, the largest part of the foundations have been laid, the builder has invested much in materials and of course labour. All on trust. Trust that his verbal quote is good and founded in reality. Also, sensibly based on the cost of a previous known build. Also trust of course on his part that I was good for payment.
It is a great worry. I will not beat about the bush. I have fixed and limited funds. At 60 my ability to 'save or earn a few extra grand' is not an option, and of course the whole point was to build on budget and have a little cash left over for getting over there, buying white goods, a car, and hopefully retiring early.
A meeting is being held next week by all the interested parties at the architect's office. I await with baited breath, hoping that the verbally quoted agreement can be reached or at least approached very, very closely.
Meanwhile work has cracked on regardless. No pictures to document this week, as I reckon the project manager who sends me them has put his camera way in despondence!
Next Up: ... The Meeting
