The Roof, Yes, The Roof
A pretty huge blog this week - I could have posted earlier, but thought I'd wait until I got all the information and photos in... so let's get going:
Senior Azevedo, he say Sim!
Monday started with a great email from the project manager, with pictures of the roof going up. Fortunately the weather calmed enough for the large beams to be lifted into place. And the beams that go over the patio are indeed huge.
The majority of this build blog is therefore a picture documentary of this stage...
Half way along putting up the roof beams. I was so happy to see this photo.
This picture sums up my feelings rather nicely. If I grin any harder I swear my eyes would have been completely closed.Not many people see me quite this happy... so make the most of it :)
The timbers look lovely, and I think my old Dad would have agreed that the knot to grain ratio was perfect. He specialised in timber supplies all of his working his life, so he knew a thing or two about wood...
The builders have done an absolutely top-notch job on these timbers, as they have all been planed, sanded and varnished. I was not sure if these would be visible from inside as it was difficult to make out from the architectural drawings... but pleased that they are exposed. Class. Interesting to see that the top cross beam in concrete is off-set from the apex (yes, I knew about this), but didn't expect it to look so cool. Plenty of headroom for the majority of the mezzanine: certainly enough for a computer desk and music kit...
Apart from the roof, some other welcome work has been done: The arch has been placed into the entrance from the lobby. That's better.
The concrete is still damp, but of course when it dries the effect will be seamless. For the eagle eyed among you - you may see what looks like a window through to the toilet.... don't worry, this is just left open to get stuff in and out of the space and will be sealed up later! Hence why the lobby wall has not been rendered yet.
Also, power has been brought up to the left of the kitchen sink / window. I mentioned last week about putting the water heater on the right hand side of the window... but no worries, it is just as nicely located on the left.
Put the kettle on.... here are the holes for power on the left of the kitchen window. Needing to ensure that one of those goes for a 48amp supply to the water heater here....
A quick render of the kitchen window shows the likely location of the water heater on the left.
The following day I got a message from Soren, just after lunch. He had been passing the property, so took the opportunity to grab some pictures. I'm pleased he did, because there had been yet more progress. Thanks Soren!
The weather looks overcast and reasonably grim... but the guys have been at it. The temperature is mild as can be seen by the builders t-shirts. Go guys!
The covered Patio-Deck. The timbers from the apex of the roof to the edge of the deck are huge. Come rain or shine this area should be quite useable as it is well sheltered. I see this area as a warm-weather extension of the living area.
The builders have the right idea: They have set their bench table up where the dining table goes. Loving the look of the 'cross on its side' mezzanine and supports. The gable top beam is great and offset from the roof apex, which adds interest.
Interesting move the builder has going here. It looks like there is a ladder across the top of the stairs... at some point he is going to have to stop :)
Looking at the house from the land, showing the decking/patio and under house garage/ worksop area gives a great view of the full scope of the build. Love the trees giving shelter and allowing the house to blend in well with the hillside.
The following day, the project manager sent another three photos as he visited the property to check progress. He's on the ball at this crucial stage...
I see a horizontal beam running across the gable roof beams. More progress.
Here we can see the mezzanine from the stairs: It is interesting to note that the builder is quite close to the wall but has ample headroom.
Shortly we will lose most of the view of the trees, apart from what can be seen through the skylights, where they will produce a dappled light to the living area below after noon and into sunset.
So these photos bring us to the end of Wednesday. Thursday featured strong winds with very strong gales in the evening. I was told that gusts could exceed 100km per hour. Wow. Next...
Saturday Morning ...
I have just received another set of photos from the project manager, showing the progress. Azevedo and his building team have made amazing strides to get the roof on and make ready for the tiles.
Spectacular progress has been made. It really is starting to look like a house, as the tongue and groove planks are laid in place.
The patio roof underside. I believe this is the final finish for the roof under here, and it looks brilliant. Nice timber. Of course the concrete work will be rendered finally and painted.
Now the wind can blow through the building and allow everything to dry out. Render can be applied to the upper walls on the mezzanine level...
The builders are getting younger and younger. The young man at the top of the stairs is obviously impressed with his Dads work, and poses with the insulation.
And finally, looking at the house from the entrance drive, down across the land towards the sea.
The next jobs are roughly as follows:
Insulation and Roof Tiles, also the fitting of the Porch Roof. I would imagine as this is happening there will be final concrete work to the interior and then a massive clean up and levelling of the floors before we get to the plaster, windows and doors.
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The brain zone section:
One of the big deals of course with Brexit on the horizon, whichever way it goes, is future residential security in Europe, and of course Portugal in particular.
So it was with great relief that Gov.co.uk released ....
It's already in the bag whatever happens.
So, I can rest easy knowing that I am free to remain in the Azores, receive my incremental state pension when it's due and also be covered for healthcare.
That is a biggie. Whew.
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Meanwhile at this end, I have been (and continue) to sort out the pensions. The pension companies are fast enough to take your money, but when it comes to paying out, or even requesting figures, it takes an age. Be aware young people.
Due to the pension pot of an old pension I'm having to use the services of a FCA approved financial advisor... if it turns out there is benefit to be gained. Otherwise I just need to sign a myriad of forms. Basically, it is a nightmare.
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Next Up: ... Terracotta Tiles
