Building options

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vix2000
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Building options

Postby vix2000 » Tue Apr 06, 2021 7:12 pm

Any UK builders who have built their own extension? (obvs with pertinent plans and permissions) OH is a UK builder and debating what the cost difference would be between paying a Spanish builder (OH not keen after seeing some of the buildings going up) and doing it himself. Also not sure if UK methods are acceptable here. Worried about damp as seen many buildings with paint peeling off due to no damp course, would also prefer smooth plaster. Most here seem to be built on rafts rather than with foundations, although our Spanish neighbour seems to be very proud that his house is built with foundations, so not sure if foundations are better here. Its only a small extension for an en suite, we were thinking it could be built in blocks rather than the little red hollow bricks? The roofs appear to be very different so thinking he could build to roof level then pay someone to do the roof. We have absolutely no idea what builders charge in Spain, or material costs. I have read on other threads that there is a British builders merchant in Marbella, is it better ti use these than local builders merchants?

Really sorry for all the questions, and very grateful for any advice/tips.

vix2000
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Re: Building options

Postby vix2000 » Wed Apr 28, 2021 4:49 pm

I would be grateful for advice on any part of the above

ashtondav
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Re: Building options

Postby ashtondav » Thu Apr 29, 2021 1:05 pm

I’m pretty sure you will be required to use a spanish qualified/registered architect. He will advise on regs. There is nothing to stop you using British workers. Especially as spanish have very little knowledge about things lie damp proof courses, guttering and uk quality internal plastering. For the latter you DEFINITELY need a Brit.

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fincalospinos
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Re: Building options

Postby fincalospinos » Fri Apr 30, 2021 9:01 am

Absolute rubbish !! Over the last 25 years I have had many properties built and reformed by Spanish builders. I have always used recommended companies close to where each property has been located, and have always found them to be professional, hard working and efficient. I do agree that it is essential to employ a qualified Spanish architect, and the trick is, make sure that he includes some of the British standards, damp proofing, guttering, electrics etc, in the project, and the builders will work to that specification. Often they dont employ plasterers who can carry out the "smoothe" finish you find on UK built houses on a full time basis, but can bring in specialist contractors when required.
Hardworking resident !!

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Enrique
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Re: Building options

Postby Enrique » Fri Apr 30, 2021 9:44 am

Hi vix2000,

Have had the same super service as fincalospinos over past 17 years using local Spanish builders and a local Spanish Builders Merchant.

Had major works done including a complete roof replacement, Garage , kitchen and Bathroom all within the original foot print.
All my best learning experiences start with a problem I need to solve.

El Cid
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Re: Building options

Postby El Cid » Fri Apr 30, 2021 10:17 am

We built a house in 2002 using Spanish builders - brilliant builders. Trying as hard as we could there was nothing to put on the snagging list. As for foundations, they were huge and contained a massive amount of steel. It took 6 cement lorries to fill them. Far better than in the UK.

Smooth plaster inside and out. Cavity walls filled with foam. No damp course but no damp either. Overall it was built to a far higher standard than any house I have had in the UK. As for builders merchants, why on earth would you want use a British one?

We pay our local freelance builder €14/hr.

Paddy Pumpkin
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Re: Building options

Postby Paddy Pumpkin » Fri Apr 30, 2021 11:38 am

Quick question re plaster

I find in Spain the walls chip easier than I am used to in any other country I have lived in. Bang a chair off a wall and a piece falls off. I have asked many people about this and they have the same problem and just seem to accept it, people who have never lived abroad don't know what I mean and just explain that is what happens with plaster.

Any suggestions what I can do on a new build to prevent this or what materials we should use?

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Wicksey
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Re: Building options

Postby Wicksey » Fri Apr 30, 2021 1:21 pm

I've only had experience of the many campo houses built around us in the early 2000s and I only saw one with any sort of foundations. I think some were built by people in the village who were definitely not builders and they basically made it up as they went along. Some were 3 storeys high and I am really surprised they are still standing. A plot was cut and levelled and the next day concrete was laid on top in shuttering with a bit of steel thrown in, and within a few days the bricks were being laid. Then they'd spend about a month cutting through the base to put the pipework in. I would very much have liked to have builders like Sid's to build me a house here. It's obvious you need to find yourself a good professional building company as they are around.


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