Windows In
Due to lots of jobs to do, and generally having not much 'on the ground news', this is the first post for a while….
As the title suggests, yes, the windows are in and as you can imagine this is a major milestone in the build, one that has been delayed as a knock on from the roof being delayed due to bad weather.
Before I get to pictures of the windows though, it's time to give a run down of what has happened here in the UK over the last couple of weeks:
The removals company turned up as arranged, and over two days packed all of my goods, consolidating my small self-packed boxes into standard shipping boxes, emptying the garage, and carefully wrapping my musical instruments and studio gear. This was loaded onto large removal vans and taken to their depot in Leicester for transfer into the container.
All good and the ship has sailed for Lisbon last Monday. Meanwhile some paperwork debacle reared it's head just to add onto the stress levels. Apparently a piece of paperwork is missing, and it was only after some time that the importer revealed that the correct form is only available in the Azores! Brilliant. Lost in translation, as they say.
The house has been put on the market, with a conveyancer that can handle overseas customers. So that's another check box ticked. All I need to organise is a complete house clearance, done in my absence once I have left.
Other jobs off the check-list are the banks. I had a brilliant day on Friday, finding excellent customer service at both of my banks. They organised new accounts for me to manage my pensions, transfers overseas and internet banking. Sorted.
So, before the windows went in I received some progress images from the project manager:
Some more work was done on the retaining wall (well it's just a 'dressing' really). This will look great once the raised tree area gets some ground cover on it with vines and grass etc. The wall will be back-filled to encourage this.
The blue hose is the builders water supply, I think. Will it be buried and stay as an outside water tap? It would be nice.
The steps down to the under-house area, that could in the future provide a workshop, parking, self-contained flatlet, or just be a covered BBQ and party area. Basic handrails are an absolute necessity as the drop off the edge is significant.
Below we can see the 'fossa' that deals with waste water. It will be buried, with only inspection covers visible.
A window awaits....
On Friday I got the news and some photo updates that the windows had indeed arrived and had been fitted. This is fantastic news. Now interior work can proceed, such as insulation, plasterboard, skimming, flooring etc. etc.
This is the main patio window, viewed from the mezzanine walk-way. This three panel sliding window is about 4 meters wide, letting the outside in and the inside out. A 'bifold' type of window would have been nice but cost precluded it.
This shows the bedroom, dressing room and bathroom window. The tall bedroom window is sliding and allows access to the outside generally shaded area. Accident or design, it matters not - but the bedroom should stay cool in summer and is sheltered from wind and the worst of the weather in cooer months.
Here we can see that the pavement to the entrance door has been laid. The front door has been fitted, the bathroom window and the window over the entrance porch to the mezzanine. Loving this approach to the house from the drive and parking space. Imagine this with some potted plants....
The entrance door was originally specified to be wood, but it was pointed out to me that due to the weather conditions, wood would swell to be too large in summer and shrink too much in winter - so it would never fit properly. Therefore, although the design is the same, the material is aluminium. I'm pleased with it - it looks smart and ties in well with the windows that have same coloured frames; industrial chic.
The pavement being laid on the other side of the house. On this side the heat pump will be located, providing cooling in summer and warmth in the cooler months. This area is sheltered by next doors boundary wall and the raised trees, so an excellent place for the heat pump and a great place for fruits or vegetables that can not tolerate full sun all day.
This is the kitchen window - my oh my... washing up will never be a chore again with that view. The kitchen sink is directly under the window, Outside on the patio will be a BBQ and bar area with a table and benches.
Finally for this post, plumbing has been taken up to the mezzanine, so that the guest toilet can be fitted. I think I mentioned this earlier... it is a combination WC and basin unit. Handy for visitors and anyone staying overnight, as there is a futon on the mezzanine for such occasions.
Next Up …. Interior Works
