A bit of a slow-down.

My project manager has applied the brakes a little to the build: We are still waiting for the Alvara de Obras, which is essentially a builders licence. Nothing to do with planning - but basically a permit for the builder to work... it checks that the builder has all the required health and safety and trade skills and certification appropriate for the Job.

Obviously my builder is very experienced - so no problems there. Apparently the problem lies at the Camara (the city hall), as they are short staffed and the remaining staff are disgruntled and on a go-slow.

My project manager tells me that there are three houses being built, aside from mine, in the area and none of them have the builders licence yet - one of them even has the roof on! So, erring on the side of caution, he has decided to take steps to slow the build down. This will have an effect on Azevedo, the building contractor.... and he may well put pressure to bear on the Camara....

So only one picture of the build this week... I was really looking forward to seeing some big progress. However, the wall building has continued and grows taller in places. Fingers crossed that we can get back on track at full steam ahead shortly.

The only progress this week is to the far wall, and bringing all the other walls up to window-sill height. It is possible to see where all the openings will be.

So onward with other matters.

Sadly due to the fall in the exchange rate and the extended scope of the build, I'm now starting to consider all the other items that will need paying for after the build. The build itself is fully covered... but it is all the fittings, floorings and nice things that need to be considered....

So today saw me pulling my classic Lotus out of the garage and giving it a spruce up ready for selling. Sad. But it must be done. Offers over 14k if anyone is interested....

Reader Suggestions:

It's wonderful to note that some people make useful suggestions. Please, if you have good ideas then share them with me. Blog visitor Saffyrosie suggested that the dressing room perhaps should have the same flooring as the bedroom, so to increase the continuity and feeling of space between the rooms - therefore making the dressing room feel bigger and part of an extension of the bedroom. I agree.

I tried placing a rug as Saffy suggested - but it doesn't really work because of the doors: The rug would get in the way. However, since I intend to use a cork floor or similar in the houser, a soft feel should be there anyway, without the rug.

I really appreciate this sort of input - and though I have my own tastes, I am open to ideas about things that make sense, and even better, save money!

Here's a quick re-render of the dressing room, looking through from the bedroom; so the flow is unified. Thanks Saffy.

Here I have changed the dressing room floor to be the same as the bedroom, and continued the same colour into the bathroom. I'm not sure about that though, as I really wanted a black bathroom floor.... the rug in the dressing room won't work as it interferes with the doors from the arched doorway. Regarding the bathroom window - this is a done deal and can't be centralised at this stage. Reason is plumbing and placement of the toilet / bidet. Be nice if I could have an extra square meter on each room... but since we are talking 1000 Euros / square meter, then with a width of house of 10m it would cost an extra 10K. No way, as I have already extended over the size of the original plan (Soren's Build)

Those of you reading last weeks post will note my love for the B&Q Konnect system. Yes, it is cheap and cheerful, and those that want bespoke mahogany will be pulling their hair out, I'm sure. Tough.

But you have to cut the cloth appropriate to the budget. At present the budget is completely fubared due to Brexit and also because of the scope of the build. I could of course use other sea-faring language to describe this better, but will restrain myself.

So, instead of bespoke mahogany and oak, I am having to look for creative options. Already, I had decided to use the Konnect System as shelving and storage within the wardrobe. It is cheap and flexible and easily assembled. I will be able to ship this out easily as it is flat packed. Most likely it will go along with many other items as I get nearer to completion.

But also... I looked at the dressing room and wanted an Ottoman to sit on and store stuff such as clothes, bedding, pillows etc. They cost a wedge. Especially if you want something decent that was not formulated in China.

So, again I looked at using the Konnect System to provide storage and seating. It is do-able and reasonably priced. It also looks smart. Basically, these units with a counter top on them with some cushions. Job done...

Basically a bench with some storage, the Konnect System plus a countertop provides a cheap but effective solution. Several hundreds of pounds cheaper than bespoke furniture fitting and much cheaper than a quality Ottoman. Perhaps not quite as pretty, but damn it - it's a dressing room.

Whilst I was at it, I looked at the dining room. There is room to put a narrow side-board / server against the outside wall, and it will make the dining area symmetrical. Again, I looked at getting some furniture - namely Indian "Jali" Style.

But they are expensive (although very attractive). So I put a quick render together using the Konnect System with a kitchen counter-top above. Brilliant; with the addition of some doors / shelves.

Here's a quick render of the dining room storage. It can fit tight into the wall and takes little room. At the same time it provides much needed storage.

From a different angle: Plenty of room for a wine rack on top and storage for dining table items in the cupboards. Does not cramp the dining area at all.

This then gives a larder-storage area - Tins and dried goods can occupy the lower cupboards, cutlery and glasses etc. can occupy the top level. Price is brilliant. Essentially they are just an extension of the kitchen units (same materials), but a lot cheaper.

For sure, it's not 'high end', but does the job and looks smart and contemporary. Your thoughts are welcome.

Next Up: - Are we back on track?