Moving back to Europe

[jim584672]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan I expect it is the same with all European countries. In the UK citizenship does not get you NHS healthcare, only legal permanent residence. When I went for my heart surgery last year I had to bring proof of the right to be legally in the country plus proof that I was a resident. In my case I took along my British passport and a recent utility bill.

Yep. I read about a Jamaican lady, a British national, who retired in Jamaica. She went back to get cancer treatment and they charged her because she was not a resident, but a visitor, even though she worked for decades in the UK previously. It would be free if she would have moved there. Now they are checking residency.

[ShokWaveRider]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim584672 It would be free if she would have moved there. Now they are checking residency.

Or, set up residency for 3 months prior to getting care.

[FIREd]

Update:

The renovation of my condo is well underway now. I have completed the demolition work and I put a downpayment on a new kitchen this morning (see the 3D drawing of my proposed new kitchen below).

The contractors are now all lined up. In July, a mason will build a laundry closet in the hallway. Then hardwood floors will be installed throughout. Then electric, remote-controlled rolling shutters will be put in (I'll be able to open and close the shutters without getting off my bed or sofa, ). August should be quiet (around here, most everyone is on vacation during that month). Then, in September, the painter will completely refinish the walls. In October, the new kitchen should be going in. I am also having an armored front door put in (the front door is the only entry point into the condo and there are quite a few burglaries around this nicer neighborhood). Finally, probably in November, the suspended ceiling and recessed lighting will be installed throughout.

So what will I be able to fit in just 540sqft of space (see floor plan below)?

- A full kitchen with: 1 dining table for 4-6 people, 1 full-size fridge/freezer combo, 1 full-size stovetop and oven, 1 oversize kitchen sink, and 1 dishwasher (could have fitted a full-size DW but went for a compact one).

- A laundry closet with a washer (could have fitted a full size stacked washer and dryer, but went for a compact washer instead - no dryer as most people here air dry their clothes and I will too)

- A bathroom with a soaking bathtub

- A bedroom with: 1 queen-size bed and bedside tables, 1 large desk with desk chair, 1 wardrobe (5 ft wide), 1 armchair

- A walk-in closet with 30 linear feet of shelves and a small coat rack

- A living room with: one 96" sofa + ottoman + coffee table, 2 armchairs and a side table, 1 large display bookcase

All the furniture is full-size and there is still plenty of room to move about.

[neihn]

Wow, looking great. Thanks for the updates.

[ivinsfan]

You haven't wasted an inch. That's a great floor plan. Will you show us pictures of the work in progress?

Will the door be steel with state of the art locks? I'm surprised by your comment about burglary..

Many times in the US this would be caused by addicts looking for money or something they can pawn to buy drugs. Is this a problem in your area?

I hope you stay on schedule and on budget!

[ugeauxgirl]

Looks great. You're making great progress!

[Huston55]

Fantastic!

A very efficient layout. I think you’ll be very happy in your new home. Are you going to get a convertible sofa for when you have guests? Your layout reminds me of one of my favorite shows: Tiny House Nation.

https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=...6VoMxZ6aDJdSHA

[REWahoo]

What, no indoor pool?

[Ronstar]

Nice update! You’re making a lot of progress. Great floor plan too. I really like the automated shutters.

[NW-Bound]

Looks like a nice floor plan. Are you building new walls and rearranging the space?

I try to picture 540 sq.ft. and it helps to know it's about the size of a double-car garage. Surely, one can live in that space. Americans are just too spoiled with big homes that take a lot to cool and to heat.

[neihn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NW-Bound Americans are just too spoiled...

+1

[MBAustin]

Excellent design! Look forward to updates with photos along the way. Hope all goes smoothly with the contractors.

[Chuckanut]

Quote:

Originally Posted by REWahoo What, no indoor pool?

1/2 a wine barrel on the roof connected to a solar water heater should do the job.

[W2R]

Very nice!

If it was me, I'd figure out a way to fit in a full sized non-stacked washer and dryer. But if you are already used to air drying your clothing, then I suppose it won't bother you to continue doing that.

So glad to see that everything is coming together just as you wished.

[neihn]

I visited several friends and relatives in Europe last April, as well as Airbnb - none has dryer machine.

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by neihn I visited several friends and relatives in Europe last April, as well as Airbnb - none has dryer machine.

Well good for them.... ?

[NW-Bound]

I have rented only one Airbnb in Europe with a cloth dryer, but it did not work. This apartment in the suburb of Brussels was also the largest and most modern of all the ones I have stayed in with 2 bedrooms, 1-1/2 baths, and of about 1,300 sq.ft.

I do not mind not having a dryer, nor care for a stinkin' dishwasher. But no ice? No ice maker, but at least give me an ice tray. How can one survive without icy drinks?

By the way, the above Brussels apartment also had an American-sized fridge with an ice maker/dispenser. All right! I found out it did not work either. Rats!

So, we got into the habit of filling glasses with 3/4" of water, and freeze it to make ice.

[MichaelB]

+2@Spoiled Americans.

Here in the US we have an abundance of both space and inexpensive electricity. Lots of places around the world still dry clothers the old fashioned way - clothesline and sun. My German SIL regularly contrasts the differences when visiting.

When we were in Dubai our hotel room had a small unit that was both washer and dryer. First time I’d ever seen that, it was perfect for our limited need.

[ivinsfan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NW-Bound I have rented only one Airbnb in Europe with a cloth dryer, but it did not work. This apartment in the suburb of Brussels was also the largest and most modern of all the ones I have stayed in with 2 bedrooms, 1-1/2 baths, and of about 1,300 sq.ft. I do not mind not having a dryer, nor care for a stinkin' dishwasher. But no ice? No ice maker, but at least give me an ice tray. How can one survive without icy drinks? By the way, the above Brussels apartment also had an American-sized fridge with an ice maker/dispenser. All right! I found out it did not work either. Rats! So, we got into the habit of filling glasses with 3/4" of water, and freeze it to make ice.

I feel like ice on demand is an American thing. I grew up with an English Mom and as a result the coldest I like my drinks is fridge temp. Water I prefer right from the tap.

[NW-Bound]

Once FIREd gets the hang of dealing with subcontractors, perhaps he can embark on a new career of remodeling apartments and flipping them. I wonder if this can be a lucrative business in Europe, as it often is in the US.