Category Archives: How to . . .

Our handy ‘How to . . .’ posts will help you carry out repairs and improvements. Though don’t always expect to do-it-yourself!

Borax

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Borax

Borax . If you’re looking for an ecological way to treat timber and kill wood worm in Portugal you have come to the right place. We use borax and a range of other solutions to prevent and destroy wood worm. Borax is often described as a safe chemical for home use. It is still a chemical and should be treated with care especially during application. Our teams wear full chemical resistant suits, gloves and specialist full face vapor poof masks when applying the treatment.
Borax sodium tetraborate decahydrate (to use its full name) solution is sprayed onto all timer surfaces at very high pressure this ensures a thorough coverage and forces the treatment to access all the holes and crevices that brushing or aerosols just cant reach.

Borax A
It’s important to note that every area that you leave untreated is an area were the wood worm problem will persist and spread. Even the most focused DIY wood worm treatment will not be as complete as our professional service.

Borax

Borax

Timber “A” is a cut through section of the timber above. Its placed next to a section of normal timber for comparison.
For information on how we can help you and what options there are for your wood worm problem go to http://www.casteloconstruction.com/
Email woodworm@casteloconstruction.com

Phone 00351 967922513 or SKYPE casteloconstruction
Apartado 42, Santa Eufemia, 3230- 207 PENELA, Portugal borax

mill stone

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mill stone I saw this ancient flour grinding mill stone at Reclamation Portugal (email reclamatioportugal@gmail.com) the other day. It looks well used in fact it has at one time been repaired or reinforced with an iron band fitted tightly around the non working edge.

water mill fore sale

ancient flour grinding stone

These millstones make nice character full garden table tops or can be used a name plates for a house drive. You could also grind corn into flour on them of course.
Windmills and water mills are still in use in Portugal in fact www.casteloconstruction.com has one for sale at under 10,000 Euros with a working grinding mill and its own land. Close to the river its an idyllic spot.

Water mill with land for sale

watermill for sale

Mill stone

For more information contact info@casteloconstruction.com or for reclamation materials of all kinds contact reclamationportugal@gmail.com

English Speaking Architects Portugal

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English Speaking Architects Portugal

If you are looking for an English speaking architects in Portugal they do exist and you will find them in most locations. Here in central Portugal they are a little thinner on the ground so finding a good architects practice that also speaks English and most importantly understands and agrees to do what we crazy northern Europeans want is a major bonus.
Your requirements no mater how normal to you will not be run of the mill Portuguese. It could be that you want Eco construction methods and materials, a space age design copied from a photo that you saw in California or New Zealand. The inclusion of a snug or some other “not normal” feature in Portugal.
If you architect (English speaking architects ) cannot understand what or why you want what you want you are going to have a bumpy ride during your design project experience. Castelo Construction are used to working with local architects and suggests that you talk to more than one before selecting who to work with on your new home.
We recommend that you discuss your ideas with Projecentro – Projecentro Studies and Projects Ltd
Address, Av Volunteer Fire Department, New Ed Penela, r / c B, 3230 – 274 Penela
Tel 239 569 606, Fax 239 561 204 Email projecentro@gmail.com

They have a lot of experience in working with people from all over the world.
Here is what a recent client said about them – “Still can’t stop looking at the picture. Absolutely perfect, exactly how we wanted it to be. Thanks again.

There are a few differences as to how they operate in Portugal Vs how an architect operates for example in the UK.
Once the design project is completed and the plans passed for building you rarely see a Portuguese architect on site again. So don’t expect to be able to discus changes or additions once the build is going ahead. You can have these conversations with your builder who will then talk to the architect if drawings are required.
When talking to your architect don’t be shy, ask questions, insist upon what you want. Insist on keeping to your budget. Use the experience of your architect to help you solve problems with your design. It costs a lot less to make changes on paper than in bricks and mortar.

English Speaking Architects Portugal

Whats the easiest way to learn Portuguese

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Whats the easiest way to learn Portuguese

Whats the easiest way to meet Portuguese friends ?
Whats the easiest way to become integrated into local life ?
Whats the easiest way to prevent retirement boredom ?

You guessed it the answers the same to all these questions.

Have you thought of volunteering at your local council. I took the web page from the SERTA Camra website as an example. Your own local council will be no doubt running the same sort of thing.

Just ask………………………………………………………..

Whats the easiest way to learn Portuguese     you could join Serta Volunteers Bank

“By the Protocol signed between the City of Serta and the National Commission for the Promotion of Volunteering on April 17, 2009, the Bank was created Local Volunteer Serta – “The Seed of Reason” – an appeal to the exercise of civic solidarity through participation, cooperation, complementarity, gratuity, responsibility and convergence towards citizens, institutions, public services and local businesses.
The Local Bank Volunteer of Serta’s mission is to promote and publicize volunteering in Serta county, facilitating the match between supply and demand of volunteers and institutions that promote volunteering.
The Local Bank Volunteer of Serta’s main objectives are:
- Strengthen the identity of volunteer work;
- Foster the emergence of local initiatives targeted for volunteer work
- Develop and implement Volunteer Programs, in partnership with organizations promoting
- Forward and monitor the inclusion of volunteers in promoting institutions
- Develop activities for collecting and distributing goods to people with socio-economic difficulties

The Local Bank Volunteer of Serta is based on the premises of Bank Resources Serta, Old School in St. Anthony.

For any additional information or clarification, contact the Department of Social Action of the City Council of Serta, by phone 274 600 300 or e-mail address social@cm-serta.pt.

Whats the easiest way to learn Portuguese

Brought to you by Castelo Construction    www.casteloconstruction.com

bargain house for sale Portugal

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bargain house for sale Portugal

If you are looking for a bargain house for sale Portugal or want to buy cheap or discounted properties there is a way. Local finance authorities ( the tax man( sell properties when debts are not paid. A good percentage of these properties are taken out of the auctions when the debts are paid at the last moment

vende se

bargain house for sale

however bargains can be had.
Try http://www.casteloconstruction.com/property/index.htm
The banks also dispose of properties via auction and use this site http://portal.uon.pt/vendas/Imobiliario.aspx?lang=PT
What to do one you have bid for and bought your bargain home. It will no doubt be in a distressed state. Very often the properties will have door locks damaged, wiring and light fittings stripped out. Plumbing wrenched from the walls and snapped off. Anything of value will have been stripped out including kitchens and interior doors.
Why not ask Castelo Construction to carry out a property appraisal so that you will know exactly what needs to be done to make the property habitable and also how much it will cost to bring back to its former glory.
If you want down to earth guidance on what can be achieved within your budget go to  http://www.casteloconstruction.com

Or contact us via email   info@casteloconstruction.com
talk to us on SKYPE   Castelo or Phone 00351 967922513

bargain house for sale Portugal

swimming pool ideas

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swimming pool ideas

swimming pool ideas Living in Portugal and planning your first swimming pool. Exciting isn’t it !

swimming pool ideas

swimming pool ideas
casteloconstruction

You are no doubt confused about the mass of different swimming pools out there. Above ground swimming pools, below ground swimming pools, Eco swimming pools, natural swimming pools them there id the water treatment that you have do you want natural, chlorine, ozone, saline, spring water then of course do you want your swimming pool heated, insulated or not.

swimming pool ideas Here is a site that will give you some inspiration even if its just for the colour of your pool or patio surround.

http://www.celebrations.com/content/10-amazing-pools-to-swim-in-before-you-die?g=summary

We particularly like the swimming pool that form a balcony, amazing!
If you want some more down to earth guidance on what sort of swimming pool will suite your location and budget go to  http://www.casteloconstruction.com where we have some local examples of our work.
This link will save you a lot of money http://www.casteloconstruction.info/2012/12/29/warm-swimming-pool-water-for-free/
Or http://www.casteloconstruction.info/category/swimming-pools-all-you-need-to-know/
Or contact us via email for a chat about your swimming pool ideas  info@casteloconstruction.com
talk to us on SKYPE   Castelo or Phone 00351 967922513

swimming pool ideas

building plot

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Building plot   Central Portugal  Building land with permission to build

building plot – Quiet location, over an acre, Ideal building plot for one detached house and swimming pool or two houses with pool and garage.

Originally there were two ancient ruins on the land. These have been cleared away so that the house can be built in the best location within the building plot.

Views are outstanding, shops and restaurants nearby. The surrounding countryside consists on vineyards and farmland with stretching views all around.
Both Lisbon and Porto airports are within 1 hour and 3/4

Located in central Portugal this building plot has all the potential you need

building plot Price 35,000 Euros .

”"

Email for more information   contact john@casteloconstruction.com

Skype  CASTELO                                          Call 00351967922513

 

www.casteloconstruction.com

 Building plot

Out door living ideas

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Out door living ideas

Out door living areas Living in Portugal give us more opportunity to enjoy the outdoor life. The hot weather enables us to make use of our gardens and terraces most of the year with many people opting for outside dining rooms and permanent barbeques areas which are ideal for entertaining friends and family.

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”Out ”alpendres,

We make all kinds of out-door living ideas they don’t have to cost a fortune and can be made any size you need.

For information on what we do go to http://www.casteloconstruction.com/

SKYPE    casteloconstruction

Phone 00351 967922513

Apartado 42, Santa Eufemia, 3230- 207 PENELA, Portugal

Out door living ideas

house for sale Penela

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house for sale Penela

When you are looking for a house for sale in the Penela area of Central Portugal there are some important points to add to you search criteria. Location, detached, ample level land and, scope for improvement. This house is for sale in Penela and has all these attributes.