Constructing The Roof Framework - Gradual Progress

At long last the frame work for the roofing has commenced. Two days into the framework being constructed I paid a visit to the site. I subsequently overheard the carpenters discussing how high the slope of the roof should be. Something did not look right. Standing away from the building, outside, you could immediately see that the spine of the roofing framework was going to be very high. The builder was due on site soon, but I decided to call him anyway. With no clear direction on the roof framework, the carpenters decided to halt on the work and wait for the builder to arrive. When the builder arrived it suddenly dawned upon all of us that the architect needed to be in the loop regarding this. The architect was called and and hour later he was at the site. After several minutes of pondering over the architectural drawings, Ebow [the architect] said he would return back the next day with correct measurements for how hight the framework of the roofing should go. 

The next day, Ebow arrived with "amended" measurements and work continued. I have always said a prayer each morning and evening regarding the building project. Like any other project, things do not go according to plan. There will be moments when a spanner will be thrown into the works and things get delayed. #GhanaDecides threw a spanner in the project. On the 7th of December Ghanaians went to the polls to elect a new president. Voting in Ghana works differently from what for example voting occurs in the UK. In some cases, voters have to travel long distances to the towns/villagers where they are registered to vote. Travelling from point A to B can be tiresome and difficult not to mention the number of hours it can take. The elections halted the rook frameworks for three days. Nothing could be done about it. Work immediately resumed when the carpenters returned from voting.

The roofing framework is completed and the next step is to get the electrician lay electrical cables before the actual roofing sheets are fitted.

Cleaning Up The Site.

I am currently in Ghana to inspect the building project and to gather funds for payment of the roofing works.

On my first day at the site, I must admit I was very disappointed. The place was in a complete mess. By this I mean the wood that had been used for the concrete works were still in place. Even though the concrete had been set long ago, I do not see why the builder had not organised his workmen to remove the wood and also tidy up the site. Then there were still slabs from the pavement when old building was knocked down. I immediately got on my phone and asked the builder to meet me at the site. On his arrival I immediately pointed out how untidy the place was and that it needed to be tidied up so that the site was more presentable. I also asked him to have the palmnut trees and the flower hedges surrounding the wall removed. Anything that was not serving a purpose on the site needed to be removed ASAP. I stressed to him that it was important the site was kept as neat as possible. As at the time of updating this blog, the site is looking much better. A truck arrived two days ago and collected all the pieces of wood and bamboo pools that were no longer needed. 

Last week, all the wood needed for the construction of the roofing frame was delivered on site. yesterday, the carpenter and his team stated on constructing the framework for the roof, however this afternoon, the carpenter noted that there was something in the architectural drawing that needed to be clarified with the architect Mr Ebow Swatson. This is how I understand the nature of what the problem is. So standing at the front end of the building, where the porch is, the 3D drawing of the project shows that the roofing for the front part of the building extends to the edge of the porch, effectively covering the porch from getting wet when it rains or providing some degree of shelter from the sun. Now the actual architectural drawings show the extension of the roofing over the porch to be around two feet short of the edge of the pouch. It does not appear to be a major problem but obviously needs to be sorted out ASAP. The carpenter should get a definitive response from the Mr Ebow Swatson first thing tomorrow morning. I am very keen on seeing all the framework for the roof completed before returning back to the UK.

Tiles produced by ACP Ghana

The next issue we need to tackle is what type of roofing material we want to use. Initially the plan was to use AluZinc. Apparently this is very good for houses that are prone to the effect of sea breeze. Nyaniba is not far from Labadi Beach, so AluZinc is the best choice. The problem with using AluZinc is that it tends to attract heat very easily thus making your house hot. I have been told that there are other materials out there, notably what ACP produce. Obviously this implies and increase in cost. I should get costing for this in the morning.

At the end of the day, it is a matter of choice and how you want you building to stand out from the rest. ACP tiles I have been told add "class" to your building. Providing you have the funds making a choice should not be too difficult to make.

Late last week, the builder and I had a meeting with the AirCondition contractor. The architects plans has far too many airconditioners for the whole building. We are planning of cutting the number down. On his initial inspection, the airconditioner contractor advised that instead of having say, three airconditioners in a particular area, he can install one powerful airconditioner which can do the same work as the three airconditioners. On many occasions when walking around Nyaniba, I see the piping for airconditioners all over the place. It is an absolute eyesore. So this is something I will be looking at the airconditioner contractor avoid.

I have been in Accra for 18 days now. I brought over my Bebop drone with me. I have taken the liberty of taking some video footage of the site for you to see. The footage below shows the drone flight taken from the back/rear of the building. I have another one taken from the front of the building. I have not edited that yet, but when I do, I will upload that for you to see. Once the roof goes on, things will be taking shape very fast. Plumbing and electrical installation will need to be done, then plastering and windows will be next.

Beam of the Week: Check up on your Construction Project in Ghana

Overseeing your building project can prove tricky when you’re not in Ghana. Regular check-ins are key to protect yourself from unpleasant surprises, yet often require your physical presence on the ground. The Beam Crew can help!

...continue reading article from LINK

I came across this on the internet this morning. I find it interesting in that it would be something someone would engage in for two reasons. There might be more reason but I feel these are the two main reasons. The first would be if you did not trust the building company you had come to an agreement with to build you house, and secondly if you had absolutely no one as a backup to provide the services Beam are offering. Based on the culture of getting even a relative to assist you in anything, I find the services of Beam very valid. As someone living abroad with friends or relatives living in Ghana, it can become very difficult and frustrating to rely on them to assist you with your building project. Lets break this down further. Lets say you ask your relative to keep an eye on your project by providing you with update via pictures and any other form of communication. Initially, the task you have given will be carried out as expected, but as time goes by you then find out that the updates you were expecting trail off either slightly or drastically to a point whereby the stop completely. I should point out that, as expected you would not engage your relative in such a task without providing some monetery incentive. How else would you expect him/her to travel to the site and/or buy credit to send you those all important pictures. There is also the possibility that you will be getting phone calls asking for additional money to cover ridicolous expenses. 

Out of curiosity, I have sent them my whatsapp number. Someone should contact me later today. I will be interested in finding out how much their fees are. Update to follow.

Searching For Something To "Knock Me Out"

My initial thoughts for plot 22 was to renovate both the Out Building and the Main House. However after careful thought coupled with ideas from other sources and finally looking at the finances available to me; the best option was to demolish the whole place and build a new structure. Ok so that was the first thing out the way. The second issue, finding an example of a house, built or picture was not hard to find. My brother has recently built himself a  house at McCarthy Hill. It is absolutely beautiful. I had previously seen optics of it on Facebook, but my immediate thoughts were that these were probably optics he had obtained elsewhere (smile). I did not even realise he was having a house built for him and his family. The house looks lovely, something certainly along my tastes. When I was in Ghana this March, I made arrangements with him one afternoon for him to take me to his crib. The optics did not tell a lie. It even has a swimming pool! The amazing thing is that so much detail has been incorporated onto a limited portion of land. Next door to him, his neighbour is almost 80% completed on his building. It looked absolutely horrible. I see a lot of these types of buildings being built in Accra. They are hideous. They have massive roofs and about two to fours tall pillars making up part of the front of the building. I totally hate them.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize