CyprusLiving

by **trevnhil** » 04 Mar 2011 12:46

Hi Sandra. I presume you really mean that I personally had no say in the kitchen, and you are correct there. It was Hilary that did all the deciding there. She also overruled the Architect who said there was not enough room for a centre island.... We have one. We would have loved to have better worktops but finances were an important consideration.

In the whole build there are one or two things that we would have done differently but not many.

Cheers. Trev..[/i]

**Sponsor**

by **Admin** » 04 Mar 2011 16:37

You can see light at the end of the tunnel now Trev

Jim

by **trevnhil** » 04 Mar 2011 17:08

Ha ha, yes I think so Jim. We have given our one months notice to the landlord of the property we are at now. But we are still not sure enough of things to book a removal date, or Sky dish moving, or broadband from Digby.

We just have to say this is Cyprus.

One thing I will add is that the above saying means (I believe) that here things can take a long while, and of course we all know that this can be so.

When we first went, years ago to order the electric supply I was told then that "It take many years". And indeed it has done so, as we placed the order back in 2009.

However I can say that all the people we have dealt with at the Electricity Authority have been very pleasant and very helpful indeed.

Cheers. Trev..

by **jagwheels** » 04 Mar 2011 18:22

Trev just clarifying my comment about your comment â€œOK, they may be a little hard to spotâ€I thought you meant the poles until I read your post again duh :oops:

Getting back to the tree & agree itâ€™s probably almond. Is it on your land?

norv

by **trevnhil** » 04 Mar 2011 18:53

Hi Norv. I had to smile about the posts and the wires.

In answer to your question, unfortunately we have no almond trees on our land. We do have plenty of trees around the perimeter but they are not of the flowering variety.

The Almond tree in the picture is on the left hand side of the track which goes past our land and bungalow. At the moment the track is just earth, but we are hopeful of it being a concrete roadway some time this Summer.

Regards. Trev..

by **trevnhil** » 10 Mar 2011 09:14

Well, today was supposed to be a day of euphoria. Today is the day that the Electricity Board are to test the electric installation and to leave us with a power supply to the bungalow.

But reality is a little different. Our electrician came early form Limassol and was here by 04-30am. He has done some testing himself whilst he awaited the electric board to arrive at 08-00. BUT, he has had a call to say that due to the weather the inspection is cancelled.
AND when he was trying to get to the village the electricians van became stuck in the snow/ hail.

I had to phone a good friend in Polemi called Jeff, who has a 4x4. I always seem to go to him for help and see very little of him at any other time. :oops:

He came and carefully reversed down a steep slope and with his tow rope he pulled the electricians vehicle up the slope.

What a start to the day. Here's hoping that things get a little better and warmer later on. Goodness knows when we will get electricity now.

Trev.. :cry:

by **jagwheels** » 10 Mar 2011 13:26

Trev disappointing but a minor hiccup in the overall project

4.30am! Is that right? If so I guess he was not British :lol:

norv

by **trevnhil** » 10 Mar 2011 14:04

Hi Norv. Yes that's right with the time. You are right he is not British he is Cypriot. It certainly seems a black day here in more ways than one.

Trev..

by **jagwheels** » 11 Mar 2011 14:00

trev according to what I have just read it may turn out to be a white day with that snow :lol:

norv

by **June** » 12 Mar 2011 00:53

Oh Trev, how disappointing. I'm so sorry.
You must have been on a high only to feel soo cast down. However...
You'll get there.... soon I'm sure.

Fingers, toes and eyes crossed for you! xx

by **trevnhil** » 14 Mar 2011 18:07

Hi all. Well as June says we will have to keep everything crossed for this week. I have been informed that the electric inspection is to be done tomorrow (Tuesday). We just hope that all goes OK and that they leave the power ON

There was another small step forward this afternoon. The Central heating plumber came and installed the gas pipe and valves to the gas manifold, which then supplies the house. I paid him for what he did and told him I would now connect the gas cooker with my blue pipe. He told me that it is red flexible pipe that is used now.
He got some red pipe out of his van and did the job for me. So we now have a working gas cooker.

Cheers. Trev..

by **geoffm** » 15 Mar 2011 09:28

Another step forward Trev, one more today and I sense a big move coming on, this window of sunshine should see your electric in we all hope,
Do hope it all goes well for you today.
Geoff.

by **jagwheels** » 15 Mar 2011 13:18

Also hope things go well for you today but been told that cooking by candlelight can be very romantic plus you canâ€™t see what it looks like :lol:

norv

by **trevnhil** » 15 Mar 2011 13:41

Hi Norv. Well you gave n=me a little smile, which is much needed at the moment.

However ... We have Electricity at Villa Kafkalla. :lol:

There are one or two provisos though. The electric fans don't work as I thought they would. And the electricity board inspector insisted on some changes. He made the electrician remove some sockets.
Apparently the Fridges, Freezer, washing machine, and dishwasher all have to be wired into a box on the wall without being able to pull a plug out. There is a remote switch to turn them off remotely. But I have not come across this anywhere else in Cyprus. :roll:

Off to check about the fans this afternoon and order the delivery / installation of the appliances.

Regards. Trev..

by **Macattack** » 15 Mar 2011 14:25

The final hurdle. Great news that you can now enjoy the beautiful home that you built.

I always think that Spring is a lovely time to move into a new home, as you have all Summer to get these outside jobs done.

by **Biddy** » 15 Mar 2011 15:37

It has been an absolute joy watching the progress of your build. You must be so proud and rightly so. Hope you have many years of happiness.

by **jeancraft** » 15 Mar 2011 16:09

Trev - in my apartment which was delivered in 2005, and in the last house I lived in, the appliances were all wired into the wall with the remote switch. However, this brand new house I am in now has sockets . . . . . . but still with remote switches :roll:

Not long now I would think - bet you are all sooooooooo excited :lol:

by **trevnhil** » 15 Mar 2011 19:28

You are certainly right Ian. That Spring is a good time to move. And yes there are a number of jobs that need doing both inside and outside the house.

Hi Jean, It does seem a little crazy to me about the socked being banned. I can of course change the blanking plates back to sockets now that the inspection has been done. No I'm not telling what I will be doing.

We have had a very busy day and this afternoon we went to Sophocleus, where we have bought (still owe him) the appliances from. We asked when he could install them as we now had gas and electricity.
He said he would send someone this afternoon and they followed us back to Polemi and have installed four appliances.
Brilliant service which we really appreciate.

We now have to get the Broadband installed and then get the satellite dish moved to the new place. Fortunately it is all in hand, and tomorrow we have a removal man coming to give us and estimate.
Busy days, but we are getting there and the electricity supply was the biggest hurdle. It seems strange to think back to when I first ordered the electricity supply. It was back in 2009, and the lady said to me..."It take many years" How true that was.

Cheers. Trev..

by **anna** » 15 Mar 2011 20:50

Things are really moving fast for you all now - even the weather has warmed up - savour every moment, you've waited long enough!

Many regards,

Anna.,

by **trevnhil** » 15 Mar 2011 20:59

Hi Anna. Things certainly are moving fast now. And yet the list of jobs to do never seems to get any shorter.. :lol:

The electricity being ON is certainly one of the big steps forward.

I will be putting some 'night time' pictures on the web album in just a few minutes

Cheers. Trev..

by **anna** » 16 Mar 2011 12:30

Your oven looks great and the space above it reminded me of when we had similar space above our fridge in the kitchen and decided to put the microwave there. My husband isn't exactly
tall and he said to the electrician: "Do you think I'll be able to reach it without spilling the contents when taking hot stuff out?"

The reply he got was: "Buy a pair of high-heeled shoes."

Regards,

Anna.

by **trevnhil** » 16 Mar 2011 13:50

Ha ha, it's not supposed to be just a space, there was a door there. But the joiner has not got it right so he needs to come back.

Email reply later Anna.

Cheers. Trev..

by **trevnhil** » 19 Mar 2011 21:57

Well strictly speaking 'Trev's new house build in Polemi is done. But now that we have both the main services connected we can get moved in.

But I am sure there was not as much to do last time we moved house!!!

We are working a 12 hr day and then getting a (Stoumbi) takeaway to save Hilary the added chore of cooking.

We had a visit today from 'Maggie' and her husband, who brought us loads of plants, thank you Maggie. And the joiner has been to take a cupboard door away and alter it for above the oven. But it will be another week before he returns with it

We are still taking a car load of things on nearly every trip to the new bungalow. On one of today's trips I took our King size bed....... In little pieces, of course. I put it together in the new abode and on Tuesday night we will be sleeping there.
This means of course that moving day is next Tuesday, and true to our lucky form... it has forecast rain :roll:

Tonight we are sleeping on our mattress..... but it is on the floor. :lol:

I am sure that the cat knows that something is happening. Little does he know he is due for a journey in the cat box next Tuesday his self

The SKY man is booked to move the satellite dish, but we are not sure when yet.

Also we are having broadband installed by Digby, but unfortunately he is booked up until later in the week.

So with no Internet and the possibility of no TV, we may just be down to DVDs or tapes.

Trev..

by **Derektee** » 20 Mar 2011 04:02

Trev,
Congrats again on your achievement and best wishes and good health to enjoy your new home.

by **Admin** » 20 Mar 2011 07:06

Trev get some candles and have a cuddle with the boss, and a cup of hot Horlicks..

All the best with that move..Lesley and Jim..

by **Anne&Mike** » 20 Mar 2011 12:13

Good luck with your move Trev & Hil
We have been following all your posts with much admiration for you and Hilary as I am sure it must have been most stressful at times.

Anne & Mike

by **jagwheels** » 20 Mar 2011 15:14

Trev fantastic news. Donâ€™t agree with Jim about the Horlicks. I still remember your avator showing you holding a glass of wine. Way to go

What does dad think of his new home?

norv

by **trevnhil** » 20 Mar 2011 18:42

Thank you all very much for your comments and good wishes.. I can say that moving is hard work, and hopefully when we are in there it will be a little bit easier and less pressure.

What doesn't get done one day will wait until the next opportunity.

And Maggie, Re...."PS I ALWAYS new, behind every man there is a GOOD woman".

Please don't tell my wife about her. :lol:

We will be off the air after tomorrow evening, but once we get the rooms sorted out then I will be putting a few pictures on of the (live in) finished article.

Cheers. Trev..

by **pip** » 20 Mar 2011 21:29

All the best for the final 'push' and thanks again for such a fantastic thread, it has been so enjoyable and interesting to follow.

Ros

by **Memory man** » 23 Mar 2011 08:23

Hope you are all settled in now Trev.

Sit back, have a cold beer, put your feet up and

ENJOY.

You deserve it.

Bri

by **Molly** » 23 Mar 2011 08:48

Well done Trev and Hillary - hope the move went well......

x

by **jagwheels** » 23 Mar 2011 19:33

â€œShow finished articleâ€

Trev you ainâ€™t finished. Next we want to see the garden grow. Should keep the thread going for a few more years :lol:

norv

by **trevnhil** » 28 Mar 2011 17:09

Hi All.
Well as some of you know the move went OK even though the day was scattered with heavy showers. We had TV from the very first evening thanks to some very good 'SKY' men indeed. This was of major importance to my FIL as although not house bound at 86 he likes to sit and watch TV.
We had no Internet for a few days but late on the Thursday, Digby and his brother came and installed Broadband for us. All went reasonably well and we are glad to be back on the air.

We have been busy in recent days cleaning our last rental, both inside and outside. But yesterday (Sunday) we had it all spick and span, or at least s good as when we went in.

We have also been trying to reduce the amount of boxes that need to be shuffled about into the new building. But we are getting there.

Today I have been and cancelled the CYTA account and also the Electricity account for Kallepeia. Also we have organised the fitting of the fly screens. That is to be done tomorrow, sometime in the morning.

BUT... Today is the first day for a long while where we have been under very little pressure and have been able to sit back and relax a little. We went out with some friends for lunch, and then they came up to Polemi for a 'viewing' and a coffee.

There are still many boxes to empty and things to shuffle about, but we are able to do it in our own timescale now.

In a few days I will take some pictures of the inside of the house and put them on the Picasa Web Album.

Cheers. Trev..

by **Molly** » 28 Mar 2011 19:41

Aww Great update Trev - so glad all is going well for you...........

by **Macattack** » 28 Mar 2011 20:26

"they came up to Polemi for a 'viewing' and a coffee."

There you go Trevor, start charging folk for Tours and you will soon recover the cost of building. :wink:

Great to know that you are now able to have time to relax, as it must have been stressful, even though it went up in record time.

by **jagwheels** » 05 Apr 2011 12:48

Hi Trev just been to look back over your house build photos (still do at times with the harbour construction) but have a question about pic 662

3 large tanks & one obviously looks like a gas cylinder but the other 2 with a pump between them I assume are water reserves?

Made me smile seeing a steel dustbin. I still remember using them but not sure if you can even get them in the UK anymore. Hot ashes not a problem :lol:

norv

by **trevnhil** » 05 Apr 2011 20:22

Hi all.
Well it is just over a week since my last update, but it is three weeks since I last put any pictures on the Picasa web album. Well tonight I am just uploading a goodly number of pictures which will bring it up to date.
There is a good assortment but the rooms that still have many boxes in them do not appear. Likewise the separate apartment that is now lived in by my FIL does not feature in the pictures.

It is just two weeks today since we moved in and at last the pace has now lessened to a good degree. There are still many jobs to do, some in the bungalow but a lot outside in the garden area.
Slowly slowly.... this is Cyprus.

Ian, you are correct that if we charge for tea or coffee we will make a little back from the building costs..... It would only be a little though :lol:

Norv... yes the picture that you describe shows the 'working end' of the bungalow. I suppose that most houses here have the water tank on the roof. We have not gone down that route, choosing instead to have the water tank(s) on the floor. We did specify that we wanted a bigger tank than the normal because having lived in Polemi before we know that there can be many water cuts.
We didn't however envisage that we would have two tanks as large as they are. But we are not complaining, as it was all in the price.
The pump between the tanks is indeed a pressure pump and it certainly does a good job.

The tank on the RHS is the gas tank. We were undecided on what size to go for. Apparently you can have a 500lt tank next to the building...or even two 500ltr tanks. But if you want a 1,000 lt tank then it must be away from the premises.
We have gone for the 500lt as with all the insulation and the double walls with a cavity, we think that gas consumption will not be too heavy.
We are using the gas at the moment but only for two gas hobs.
The CH boiler has still to be installed, but we are waiting for the better weather in a couple of months time.

The metal dustbin is just used as a storage bin for the smaller garden tools and bits and pieces.

Everything now seems to be working OK. We had problems with the ceiling fans but that is now sorted. And only today our electrician from Limassol came the change the door bell / phone as it was not working when the electricity was installed.

So... enjoy the pictures and if you have any questions, I am on the forum daily, or you can PM, or email me.

Regards. Trev..

by **June** » 06 Apr 2011 00:19

Well..looks like you've done it then.

Well done Trev 'n Hilary!! :lol:

Enjoy!

by **jagwheels** » 06 Apr 2011 14:51

Trev that chair with the foot stool looks comfy. Hope itâ€™s for the Boss :lol:

Noticed that you have a collection of music. Look forward to your choice after you finally settle in & can take a breather

Once again many thanks for sharing your experience with us

norv

by **trevnhil** » 06 Apr 2011 19:14

jagwheels wrote:Trev that chair with the foot stool looks comfy. Hope itâ€™s for the Boss

norv

How right you are about the comfy leather chair, it is for the Boss. I come third after the cat... :lol:

by **trevnhil** » 06 Apr 2011 19:46

I just thought that I would add a few words abut what has happened today. I know that it has been said before..... but 'only in Cyprus'

My Father in law has been into the Polemi branch of the Bank of Cyprus, where he is a customer. He told them that he has now moved to a new bungalow in Polemi and would like to change his address from the old Kallepeia one.

Certainly they said you just need to provide us with a utility bill with your new address on.

Firstly the utility bills will be addressed to Hilary and myself, so he is unable to provide one. Secondly, the utility bills are not likely to arrive for about another two months.

I have checked the rules and it would seem that both Hilary and myself will be struggling to conform as well.

It seems amazing to me that if you turn up in person with a passport, that they will not accept your word that you have moved to a new address. :roll:

Trev..

by **trevnhil** » 08 Apr 2011 17:06

I hope your still wet and warm Maggie :lol:

We are here.... from good old fashioned sweat. We contacted a local wagon / digger driver during the week and asked if he could supply some topsoil for plants.
He asked if we wanted a wagon load, or half a wagon load. We had no idea and so he said he would come and see what we were doing. He called today and said that a wagon load would be too much, and that he would be back soon with half a load.
Well you should have seen the size of the wagon, and half a load was certainly plenty for us. We have spread it quite thickly on one of the areas to be a garden and we still have plenty left. It will get used, so don't worry.

But we are a little cream crackered. :wink:

Pictures are on the web album. Trev..

by **geoffm** » 09 Apr 2011 09:03

Hi.Trev.
Top soil here is very hit and miss, I tried to order by cubic metres but was meet with blank stares and finished up with much moor than I wanted.
Ours came from a big dig out opposite paps in Chloraka(now a parade of shops).
The extra went on a piece of land beside our house and created an extra garden on someone elses land which helps to beautify the close a bit.
Geoff.

by **trevnhil** » 09 Apr 2011 09:50

We can certainly make use of it all Geoff. But what is left is in the wrong place now. :lol:

We are on the job of moving it but it will only be to a temporary place. :roll:

Then when the it's decided where it is needed, we will move it to a new place. We could move it by the barrow load, or we could fill a dustbin and move it in the car. :shock:

Back aching, Trev..

by **Macattack** » 09 Apr 2011 12:55

Just think how fit you will be after all the shoveling!!!!

by **trevnhil** » 09 Apr 2011 13:01

Hi Ian. You are right there. I have lost over a stone in weight during the last month. I have probably lost a couple of pounds today but the mountain has nearly been moved.

Trev..

by **trevnhil** » 14 Apr 2011 16:52

Well gardening seems to have been the name of the game this week. My wife has planted the plants that were given to her, and she has also put various rocks in the garden as well.

I have been clearing some of the trees which I cut down before the building started and also doing some general tidying up. We had a great big bonfire this morning.

We have also called the builder back in to advise what can be done to retain the banking next to our drive. He has made some suggestions but will be visiting during the next few days.

I have also been enjoying lunches out on the terrace. At the moment I have not yet tired of the views and also the peace and quiet here.

I have just loaded 3 garden pictures into my Picasa web album.

Cheers. Trev..

by **Macattack** » 14 Apr 2011 17:23

Have you been neglecting your wife Trev, or is she making some kind of point in the centre of picture 706? :shock:

by **trevnhil** » 14 Apr 2011 17:39

Before I go and look at that picture (but I will). I gather it's the one where words 'failus' :lol:

Cheers. Trev..

by **Macattack** » 14 Apr 2011 20:09

It appears that there is nothing wrong with your waistline, eyesight or powers of deduction, however your spelling may be suspect! :wink:

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