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1.
Viable for Construction |
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Ensure the land you intend to purchase is viable
for construction and what is the maximum size of construction
allowed. Get your agent or lawyer (or both) to double check with the local council if you are
unsure. |
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2. Visit More than Once |
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Visit the land more than once and at
different times of the day to ensure once you sit down with your
architect you will know where is best to situate rooms to take
advantage of the climate here in Portugal. |
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3. Choose a Reputable Architect/Engineer |
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Choose your architect carefully. Ask
for recommendations and ask to see examples of their work. Speak to
the local Cāmara (council) and ask their opinion on the best
architect. An architect who is known and respected in a council can
help speed up the overall time for the planning process to be
approved and choosing a local architect can prove less expensive
than one from a large, city based company. |
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4. Do Your Own
Research on Build Costs |
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As part of the planning process
identifying an estimated cost of build needs to be outlined. Don't
just rely on your architect's opinion ask at least three
constructors to give quotes for a total build cost. |
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5.
Get More Than One Quote |
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Get at three individual quotes from
licensed builders, identifying the timescale for the built, as much
detail of the costs of labour and materials as possible and ask to
see examples of their work. |
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6. Sign a Contract
with your Builder |
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Once you have
chosen a builder, have your lawyer draw up a contract of work. This
not only gives you piece of mind it will ensure the builder does not
over run on time or costs. |
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7.
Don't Neglect to Visit the Site |
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Inspect the build site regularly. It
is not only advisable to ensure everything is being built to your
specifications, it is inevitable with any new build project, you
will want to make some small changes through the construction phase. |
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8.
Keep Your Cool During Stressful Times |
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Try to keep a cordial relationship
with your architect, builder and engineer during the build period.
At times it will get stressful, but it essential you keep this team
of professionals working for your best interests. |
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9.
Keep Control of Your Budget |
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Keep and eye on your budget. Although
you may have detailed estimates from your builder, rarely do new
build properties come in on budget. Have a contingency fund of
around 15% set aside. |
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10.
Take Time to Plan for All Eventualities |
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Take your time to plan the design of
your home carefully. As changes once works have started are much
more expensive to carry out. |
