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.