The roof, please the roof...
- Nov 11, 2018
- 6 min read
No build news this week: the weather has continued to be grim and not suitable for hoisting roof frames and joists.
No photos either, as progress has been non-existent; the render that can be done has been done, the wiring likewise. Nothing more can progress until the roof is on. Bum.
So "the roof, please the roof"... will continue over to next week: I have it on authority from the Project Manager that the weather forecast for next week is good - after all it is St. Martin's - a time when the weather calms before the 'winter' months in Portugal, and I presume the Azores.
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Meanwhile... This week has seen the delivery of white goods ordered last week; some more to arrive on Monday. They look great.
Especially sexy is the all black Indesit Washer / Dryer. I tried one of these models out when I was over in the Azores in August (so long ago) and they are brilliant. Should look nice in the utility corner of the shower room, along with the black tiled floor and white tiled walls. They wash and dry with no hassle. Top.
Also arrived is the electric shower, and the under-sink heater for the bathroom basin. I'm still awaiting news of the kitchen sink water heater - its a beefy job at 12kW and comes directly from the manufacturer. Rated at 48 amps it needs its own power supply. I've reminded the project manager of this a couple of times, so hope that the wiring has been made available.
This unit provides a lot of hot water, instantly. I'm looking to have it mounted above the counter to the right of the sink. It has a nice touch control that lets you set the desired temperature. Big power draw, but only used when you need it...
The shower - I have deviated from my original choice - I have got the Mira Sport with AirBoost at 10.8kW. This unit is plain white, so does not look quite so pretty as the glass fronted model I had in mind.
But, and it's a big BUT... it has a much bigger output capacity of 6 Ltrs per minute (highest I could find for an electric shower) and it has the AirBoost facility, which essentially drives air into the spray to give a more invigorating experience. So, function over form for a change.
It's a shower Jim, but not as we know it. AirBoost gives a more powerful shower, with six different spray patterns to enjoy. Pulse away baby. Ooo-er. Nnnngh.
Finally on the water heating, we have the under-basin heater. This is a lower capacity unit, as it is just for a hand wash. Top temperature is still about 46 degrees - more than adequate. The unit is a Redring and fits under the sink in the cabinet. Apart from adjusting for the season (High, Medium or Eco) it does not need to be fiddled with, so can be hidden away.
Super simple, one input, one output. Warm water. Out of the way it will just do its job. Cheap too. Should be reliable also as often used in commercial premises
So, you may be asking, what's the purpose of getting separate instant water heaters, rather than taking the more conventional route of fitting an immersion tank or gas boiler.
Well, the island doesn't have piped gas, so bottles are a hassle we don't need. Also having an electric immersion just means you are keeping a load of water hot for when you want it a couple of times a day. Stupid. And of course, the water has to travel all the way down the hot water pipe from the tank before it gets to you. Totally inefficient. Consider also the glorious summer days when the temperature is above 25 degrees - all a hot water tank would add is more heat to the house. No sir!
Cost wise, I have saved on the cost of a tank, immersion and the plumbing of hot water from one side of the house to the other. Balance this against around £550 for the heaters and there is not much in it... apart from the running costs, and this is where the instant water wins. It is literally going to cost pennies per day to have hot running water, whereas a constantly heating immersion would have cost several euros a week. Over a year it would be significant.
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Mad Purchases:
Yes, we all do them from time to time. The house is generally very industrial / modern with lots of precision lines and architecture. So I went a bit crazy and introduced a little Mexican feel by buying a small drawer unit from an artisan 'remodeller':
This piece by Rosie-Flo is a hand painted reclaimed item. I thought it would bring a little love. It is going in the bedroom and harmonises the colours of red, yellow and blue that I have planned. Whatever, it will go well with the bedding I have.
And here's the render with Rosie-Flo's piece in the corner. You got to love it.
Really, I could just do to get Flo over to the Azores and paint a load of stuff in the house! She's Brilliant, you have to agree.
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The Brain Section ... a new and continuing part of the blog.
Serious thoughts on making the great leap:
As the time approaches for my departure from these UK shores, some things spring to mind....
Things I will miss in the Azores:
My mates at work. Probably the biggest thing - but I'd be retiring anyway...and you know, once you're gone, you're gone, even if you are just down the road. But, yea I will seriously miss all the daily laughs we have.
Marmite, Captain Morgan Rum and Stilton Cheese. I'm pretty sure that these particular commodities are not available - I may be wrong. But hell yea. Fair exchange is the lovely wine and awesome cheese on the islands. But Marmite.... ?
Driving on the left. I have spent most of my adult life honing my driving skills (I'm a real petrol head), both on the road and on the track. My gear changes are at times a thing of beauty. I'll also miss my z4 BMW Coupe... probably the pinnacle of my car ownership, even considering my Lotus Elise and Lotus Esprit. But hell, they are just boxes on wheels, and my new challenge will be to enjoy zipping about in a little euro box, left hand drive. I won't be missing the monthly fuel cost of a 3.0 Litre lump for sure as I'll be swapping out for a 1 Litre eco.
I'm wracking my mind... but I think that is about it!
Things I definitely won't miss in the Azores:
You know, you take a day or two off work and the phone constantly rings. Is it something important? No, it is 'Eco-Green' or some other company giving you the cold sales call, or yet another insurance/ pension / free boiler company. It just does your head in. Enough said.
The news (especially about Brexit). Now don't get me wrong here. I am a political animal. But for Christ's Sake, just give us the facts. Enough of the wibble, fake news and drivel. Just progress will do. I will be tuned out.
Snow and Ice: it is fun when you are six. When you are sixty it is just a pain in the arse. Driving becomes more than a chore, even walking becomes some trial - one fall and you are broken. Nope, wet and windy is fine with me.
Overpriced, over-taxed luxuries. Yep, I like a smoke and I like a drink. So I won't miss £11.50 for a pack of fags or a cheap nasty wine for £5,50
Food that's full of junk. It is no wonder that nearly half of the UK population is waddling around in their own grease ball of obesity, Food is full of super saturated man-made fats, not to mention enough additives to make you a Nobel Chemist every time you eat. Azorean food is pretty much organic. Plenty of calories and fats, but it's the right stuff.
Overly pretentious, egotistical types. 'Nuff said. Bye!
Every one glued to their little hand held device. Now, smart phones and mobiles have their place and uses. They are great. But this does not mean you have to have your face in one for every waking moment of the day. They are a tool, not a lifestyle or security blanket.
Traffic jams: I spend 30 minutes to go 2 miles on my commute to work.... the first 10 miles are rapid, and then I come to a roundabout. Stop go stop go. Argh. So yes, I will not miss the daily commute, apart from those odd times when I get a clear road.
Fast food - McDonald's, Kentucky Chicken and the like... there is plenty of proper 'rapid' food on Faial. Lovely food, easy eating. Just not crap.
That's it for now. I'll update this list once I am resident full-time and comment on my accuracy... watch this space.
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Next Up: ... The roof, please, the roof. Take 2
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