Next Is... rain stops play
Although progress has been good this week, visually little has changed, so only a couple of photos this week. Most work has concentrated on the pointing of the concrete block work, both inside and out. I must say that things are looking a lot smarter now.
Incoming to the island is a hurricane, which will, in a watered down form, reach the UK early next week. The photos below really show the worsening weather, with the skies very overcast and foreboding. Yes, it's not always sunny in the Azores; after all it is in the middle of the Atlantic. The weather can be quite dramatic.
Down on the land the woodwork frame for the roof can be seen, laid out ready for construction. Unfortunately, the closing weather has slowed this stage down and the builders wait sensibly for better weather. Look at the sky... not good.
From the local weather forecast (translated)...
"At 9:00 am in the Azores, the center of Tropical Storm Helena was located 374 km west-southwest of Flores Island. According to the trajectory expected up to this time, Helena must pass very close or on the Western Group on Saturday night / Sunday morning, with a high probability (over 90%), "says the IPMA. For Flores and Corvo - in Red Alert, the forecast for "heavy precipitation, wind with bursts up to 150 km / h and sea shaking that can reach 8 to 12 m" is maintained. In the Central Group there should also be a worsening of the wind, precipitation and maritime agitation, but with less intensity ", while São Miguel and Santa Maria should be least affected by the storm."
Hang on in there Flores and Corvo. 8 to 12 meter waves... WTF?
Apart from the block pointing, we can see here that the centre support has now been erected to support the long roof beam. Now I see why the roof beam is not centred on the apex of the roof; the roof beam has to be above the centre pillar support, required because of the long span of the house from front to back, being open-plan.
I have to say that the beauty of the house is starting to become apparent, especially now that the chimney is in place. I am pleased it was included, despite not being entirely necessary at this point.
The entrance porch looks really welcoming, as well as a useful addition that will give a shaded place for planters as well as a covered entrance for visitors.
Obviously, I am looking forward to seeing the roof frame in place, and hopefully, weather permitting, that should happen shortly.... watch this space....
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Some of you might be wondering of other issues regarding the build: What is the cost? How do you prepare for moving? Are there any major complications? What are the worries?
Here are my thoughts....
Finance:
Regarding costings, I will be providing information on this when the build is complete and once I am resident in my new home. This will ultimately give you the handle on just what it takes from start to finish.
.... my expenditure continues.
But so does the joy.
Preparing for Moving:
This is an ongoing work in progress. Currently my weekends are spent mostly sorting through 'stuff' and putting it into two piles: 'Junk' and 'Perhaps Junk'. No actually, there is more to it!
I have the sell pile, the give away pile and the container pile.... oh and the just bought for moving pile... It's complicated for sure.
Do not underestimate how much 'stuff' you can accumulate over a lifetime. Most of it is 'Junk'. Yes, really it is. You may think you can never part with it. But you must.
Questions to ask yourself:
Do you really need it?
Have you used it in the last 6 months?
Is it potentially valuable?
If you answer no to any of the above then ditch it.
If your moving house in the UK then you'll find that most of your 'stuff' just travels with you, to form a permanent collection... moving abroad really means you have to justify everything, or bin it, one way or another.
Other preparations include researching what purchases are required and wether there is any advantage of buying here in the UK and shipping, or buying at your destination. This can take some time, and as I found out, you really need to do some virtual shopping at the local shops in your new location.
Also, I've been putting together a monthly budget, so I have asked friends on the island for approximations of their outgoings for things like house tax (council tax), water, electricity, insurance, car tax and insurance, etc. etc. I've also looked at the local shops for prices on food and drink - along with the receipts I collected on my recent trip, I am able to arrive at a weekly average shopping bill.
Complications:
Now we are underway 'proper with the build the earlier setbacks have faded... so yes, expect some stumbling blocks in the design and approval stage. But once everything is properly in place then we are into routine territory.
The major complication I foresee is the logistics of everything. An absolute nightmare if I over-think it. It is probably best to just go with the flow and let the whole process wash over me!
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Next Up: O Telhado ....
