Building your new dream home in Greece?

By purchasing land or an old property, you have taken the first step to becoming Greek home owners. The next equally important task is to locate and appoint your building partner. The following information may help you with the selection process.

Construction Company

There are many professional construction companies in Greece with a wealth of experience and highly respected, who have a varied portfolio of modern, traditional and stone houses, or you can design your own dream home.

By using their highly skilled workforce and first class local craftsmen plus only the highest quality materials and methods, they are able to offer fixed start and completion dates and a guarantee of work, all of which are crucial to the success of your project.

 

High Technical Quality

Most reputable construction companies are proud of their work and consider themselves to be exceptional and to demonstrate their technical quality and knowledge, they would be delighted to familarise you with their work practices and show you examples of materials that would be used during the construction of your new home. In addition, they have several completed projects that are available as reference sites which they would be happy to show you.

 

Individual Creation of Highest Quality

Personal recommendations are a crucial element in the selection process, and the construction companies have many happy home owners to introduce you to, some of whom enjoyed the creation of their new home so much that they have decided to invest in further projects.

You can find high standard built homes to suit your lifestyle and budget, homes that are well built, exclusive bespoke construction, earth quake proof, sound, good quality, well insulated homes at a realistic price that will last several lifetimes.

 

Planning and Designing Your New Home 

You may already have a picture of your new dream home in your mind, or have some fixed criteria to guide you. Alternatively, property developers can offer ideas for house plans from extensive library. In either case the design process is relatively straightforward. They will introduce you to qualified Greek civil engineer/architects who will be sympathetic to the style and concept of your new home, the civil engineer/architect is responsible for making all the plans, providing calculations & specifications for the construction or restorations and preparation of the papers for your building permission. He is legally responsible for checking the structure of the house during construction against the building permission specification and could also become one of your key advisors during the project.
Ideally, this should be an independent person who works for you and in your best interest. They will recommend and introduce you to the one they feel will be the right person for you and your particular kind of house.

Whichever style of house you select, it should always have its own charm and personality. Small individual touches like softened corners, cedar beams or fabulous pitched roofs will create a home with character.

 

Building Permission

You need to be aware that this could be one of the most frustrating periods of the construction process. It is not permitted to start construction or renovation without Greek building permission. This is no longer a formality in Greece. Plans are presented and go through a detailed checking process to ensure that building density, structure, water & waste water systems and other key factors comply with national and local regulations. Your architect is responsible for obtaining this document. Your developer will monitor this process on your behalf and keep you informed regarding timescales and progress. This may take some time depending on architectural design, house location and time of year.

 

Construction in Greece

Construction in Greece differs quite dramatically from Northern European countries. A house has to comply with earthquake regulations, provide insulation from the extremes of temperature they experience – long hot summers and very damp winters. Regular reports and photographs are normally provided during the project to keep you informed of progress if you are out of Greece. Your property developer will welcome you for personal visits at any time.

 

Building Agreement

Your construction should start with an agreement between you and your selected building partner. When you have agreed and approved your plans, your architect will provide you with the detailed measurements and calculations which will enable your developer to provide an estimate for the building. This provides the basis on which the Building Agreement will be drafted.
The property developers standard agreement provides details of materials and construction techniques, payment details and timescales. The agreement will identify what is included in the agreed price such as fitted kitchen, fitted wardrobes, fitted and tiled bathrooms, windows, doors, floor tiles, electric wiring and plumbing, plaster and painting, in fact everything you require except white goods & appliances and furniture. They will also apply for your electric and water services on your behalf. It will also itemize specialist features that have been requested and identify any requested exclusions.

 

Selection

Deciding your colour scheme, locating your tiles, bathroom fittings and kitchens may prove an awesome task in a short period, your developer should provide knowledgeable staff member to guide you through this. They can take you to their preferred suppliers who are able to provide a vast range of modern conveniences and features as well as items in Greek traditional style. If you prefer to work independently, they can offer guidance and advice as necessary. Standard allowances for fittings and features are transferable.

They can also recommend local suppliers for finishing details such as furniture, soft furnishings and appliances or put you in touch with someone to assist you with this service.

We at Home Search Overseas & UK Ltd highly recommend you to use the services of an independent qualified Real Estate Lawyer in Greece to help you purchase your new dream home in the sun!