Message posted by blue on 05 August 2004 at 7:42pm - IP Logged
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blue
I am interested to hear from anyone who has undertaken a renovation project of one of the old corfiot homes.
Specifically how near it came to the estimated budget costs how difficult it was to negotiate the red tape if any. and what you are allowed to do and cannot do to these houses.
Look forward to hearing your responses!
Also Has anyone any specific knowledge about the cost involved in building a swimming pool (just you avaerage size, nothing really fancy)
Message posted by Corfiot Mag on 06 August 2004 at 9:09am - IP Logged
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Corfiot Mag
Hi
Renovation costs are around 350-400 euros per sq.m. A recent project completed for a client of ours cost 50,000 for a 140 sq.m. house, with all new internal walls, two lux bathrooms, stone-flagged floors. That's 357 euros per sq.m.
DO NOT believe ANYONE who tells you it's cheaper to build from scratch. We have estimated that at around 3 times higher. I can show you the figures. It just depends what you want - a renovated house is unlikely to come with a big garden, which a new build will, as 4000 sq.m. is required to build outside the planning zone.
Red tape: This was all handled by the builder (actually his wife).
What you can and cannot do depends. You require 2 1/2 metres distance to the border to make any external changes to the property (new doors adn windows etc). We would advise keeping as much as possible to the traditional appearance of the property - no aluminium or red roof tiles, or risk being sued by the Corfu Heritage Preservation Foundation!
A swimming pool will cost approx 15,000 euros. However, if you are looking for a traditional property for renovation, most of these are in villages adn don?t have room for a pool.
Message posted by blue on 06 August 2004 at 11:58am - IP Logged
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blue
Thank you Hilary, for you very full and precise answer.
That has given me some thing to go on anyway.
Many Thanks
Message posted by Pat G on 09 August 2004 at 9:44pm - IP Logged
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Pat G
I like Blue am interested in buying a run down property in or around moraitika next year, however i do not intend to move to the island just visit once or twice a year and refurb it over a few years.
Or should i take the plunge and just refurb it, how would i keep the property secure during my time away from the island?
Message posted by Bob and Wendy (Uncle Bob) on 10 August 2004 at 12:53am - IP Logged
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Bob and Wendy
Pat G
Hi, as what you propose is similar to our project, we have been 10 years in the making, it is of course impossible to put a price on such a long term effort.
To start with we arranged for some sustantial work to be carried out in our absence, namely a vothross, and a massive concrete lintel above the front door to stop the enormouse crack running from door lintel to roof level,getting any worse,(January), later, after a winter visit to run basic plumbing carcases across the ground floor,(March), this was then concreted over.We then plumbed in a toilet and basin and moved in,(June). We already had an electical connection to next door who were the original family owners, although absent.
No stairs only a ladder to the first floor, which we bought in the January from Corfu town, and transported in a Fiat panda with it pocking out of the roof.
Security. The fact that you propose to buy an old property indicates that it will be in a village, therefore, get to know your neighbours, get to know them WELL, they are your security. Without their support and help, things will inevitably be somewhat more difficult.
Try to find a local builder if possible. There will be family connections even if somewhat distant.
Good luck.
Bob.
Message posted by Mozzy Man on 10 August 2004 at 1:11am - IP Logged
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Thank heavens I didn't speak to you before I started on my house,,,, 10 years !!! I take it you are doing the work while still living in the UK, apologies if wrong.
We turned our first shovel full on Nov 3rd 2003 and moved in on May2nd 04. It went from a derelict shed with Donkey stable under it to a very nice detached villa with sea views, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms for less than 200 Euros Per Sq Mtr.
We are here and doing most of the work ourselves, still loads to do of course, but,,, 10 years ????
Send me a PM andI'll be round with my cement mixer to give you a hand,
I mean that, if you need some help, just ask
MM
Message posted by alfatzaris on 10 August 2004 at 9:30am - IP Logged
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Why last time I had a breakdown of the costs for a renovation house of about 50 sqm I was asked 42.000 euros? And I had to change house...
Hilary, tell me your secret (and the name of your builder !)!
Cheers,
Daniele
Message posted by Bob and Wendy (Uncle Bob) on 10 August 2004 at 12:41pm - IP Logged
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Bob and Wendy
The 10 year plan isn't quite what it seems.
Most of the early years we spent our holidays working on the house with a swim in the afternoons and dinner out.
We never had the money to go ahead and have the work done for us, whenever a major project was forthcoming, like for instance widening the road outside our house(the garden is on the other side of the road)and building a patio with storage below, we would get a quote and save the money before going ahead with the work.
The new roof was a major undertaking, so to save money we spent one holiday with 2 Albanian boys ripping off the old roof and preparing the walls ready for the wring beam, then the builder came in and formed the beam with steel and concrete, that took 2 weeks and our holiday was over, we left the builder putting up the new roof timbers that had all been treated with preservative and 2 coats of varnish, all spread out over the garden.(Another volunteer who came for a lunch visit and stayed for a fortnight to help out)
On our next visit we were the proud owners of a usable attic which just needed a new floor.
Nowadays each visit we make usually involves something to do, or make, and there are still future projects in the pipeline.
If we had had the resources, we could have bashed on with everything being done for us. That was never an option, nor would it have been our choice, we were quite happy to sort of camp out and gradually improve things as we went along.
We got into seriouse trouble with our neighbours when I set up a camping shower after working on the house, you know the sort of thing, a bucket full of hot water with a shower hose attached out in the garden. We were ordered into next door to use their shower, I quickly hosed myself down to avoid the embarrassment of too much dirt being trampled through their sparkling house.
Another time some of our mates who were holidaying in San Stephanos NE turned up for lunch and demanded to be given tasks around the house, I'm not sure that MFI flat pack was quite what they had envisioned, but there you go.
That's just a couple of the many little kindnesses that we have been blessed with since buying our village house.
Bob.
Message posted by Eileen on 10 August 2004 at 1:12pm - IP Logged
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Message posted by Sailor on 10 August 2004 at 5:05pm - IP Logged
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Sailor
Hi Bob and Wendy,
What a task for you both, but obviously a task to heart indeed. You have continued on where most would have probably given up by now. I would love to see the finished home when completed, either for real or by photograph.
Congratulations to you both, with best wishes for continued progress.
Message posted by planetolivewood on 10 August 2004 at 5:29pm - IP Logged
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planetolivewood
Hi Bob
I seriously think you should put pen to paper and write a book of your experiences on Corfu and your building project. That was a great story - particularly the "bucket shower" bit LOL !!!
As Sailor says - best of luck with the rest of the project.
Kind regards
Message posted by Bob and Wendy (Uncle Bob) on 10 August 2004 at 5:45pm - IP Logged
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Bob and Wendy
Please dont missunderstand me, although not complete, the house is to all intents and purposes finished, and some rooms are on their second lot of decoration.
Fully furnished, bathroom and shower room both fully functioning,all decorated and tiled, third bathroom half done, but what is there works, All floors tiled or cealed or varnished.
Sweedish woodburner for winter warmth.
I propose in the near future to send out a LPG boiler to spread the load on the hot water and add a bit of central heating to the bedrooms. I could buy one out there but as I have one here it just needs a pair of wings and a compass to send on its way.
No, so far this year I've done no work other than plant up some bedding plants in potsthat my neighbour waters for us when we are absent.
When you see Nathan, ask him what its like.
Bob.
Message posted by Gensing on 10 August 2004 at 11:56pm - IP Logged
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Gensing
RED TAPE
If you are changing the exterior of the house or putting on a new roof (I believe) you require a permit to do so. Some don't bother, but if the police catch you they will stop you building. I don't know what the consequences are.
Internal alterations do not require a permit.
If you have a permit which can only be obtained by an Architect who will submit plans, you are in the hands of the IKA (Greek employment insurance) They assess what man hours are needed to do your alterations, and you have to pay this even if you do the work yourself. I am building my own house my IKA bill is approx 9,000 euros.
The cost of my house to build will be aprrox. 400 Euros m2, but I will be doing everything apart from the digger work, concrete skeleton and outside rendering, I may even do the rendering myself (if I have any energy left) and save myself 3-4,000 Euros.
I would appreciate anyone else's views as I believe what I have posted is correct.
Over to you Hilary
Message posted by Heather on 12 August 2004 at 12:03pm - IP Logged
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How many square metres does 9000 euros to IKA get you, rough figures I know.
Thanks
Ian
Message posted by Gensing on 12 August 2004 at 10:15pm - IP Logged
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Gensing
Hi,
My house is 150m2 of living area and 30m2 of veranda and 24m2 of pergola at the front. (Pergola not taxable) so 180m2
The IKA is worked out (by IKA) assessing the number of man hours it takes to do each job EG. Structure, Brickwork/Blockwork, Roofing, Plastering, Flooring, Painting and Landscaping. Next time I am at my Architects I will get a copy of the assessed hours from him.
The cost per man-hour is worked out by the age of the tradesman/labourer, his years of experience, and you pay an hourly IKA rate of anything between 35-60Euro an hour. I worked the average out at 48 Euros per hour, as it looked the average for the guys who did my structure for me.
Message posted by Pat G on 12 August 2004 at 10:52pm - IP Logged
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Pat G
Thanks for the reply BoB & wendy
I think we will listen to your advice very carefuly, it will seem somewhat strange living in a village, Both Hannah (my wife) and i (Pat) start a 2 year course in September to learn the Lingo. However we have only really spent our times in Corfu holidaying, so time to get our donkey saddle up and work a bit.
do you know moraitika?
Message posted by alfatzaris on 13 August 2004 at 11:18am - IP Logged
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I have another question: is the architect always needed when you renovate a house? I mean: you buy a old house that needs total internal renovation plus repairing/replacing the roof with another one identical to the old one and replaster an external wall. It seems so strange that an architect is needed for this kind of permits!
This would make the price given for the rebuilding by the builder grow quite a lot I think.
Thanx.
Daniele
Message posted by MartynG on 13 August 2004 at 11:40am - IP Logged
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Bob and Wendy's house is (or should be) an inspiration to us all!
I also second the request for the book (not to mention the film - mind you, I can't quite see Nick Cage as Bob, somehow). You know Bob, it might just keep you busy now that you are (semi) retired (te he).
Martyn
Message posted by Deedee on 14 August 2004 at 12:52am - IP Logged
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Deedee
Hi folks
I can't see Nicholas Cage turning his hand to D.I.Y. either - how about Harrison Ford or George Clooney?
Deedee
Message posted by YANIS on 14 August 2004 at 1:13am - IP Logged
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like bob and wendy, my wife and i are working on our house whilst on holiday and when funds permit we havnt set a dead line as we feel the house is big enough to get partly ready so we can move in whilst carrying on with the work we hope to do most of the work our selves so we learn and get a sence of pride in being able to say this is our own work
yannis
Message posted by Bob and Wendy (Uncle Bob) on 14 August 2004 at 3:00am - IP Logged
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Bob and Wendy
Yannis,
Thats the spirit!
Martyn------------ You know us tooo well me thinks
Bob.
Message posted by Gensing on 14 August 2004 at 8:00am - IP Logged
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Gensing
Daniele
Your comments regarding the roof are very relevant.
All I can say is that a permit should be obtained for a new roof, but not for a patched up one, many (most) dont.
The idea is that any external renovation is documented, be it roof, windows doors etc.
Message posted by alfatzaris on 14 August 2004 at 9:37am - IP Logged
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Message posted by Alison &Terry on 04 February 2005 at 11:59pm - IP Logged
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Alison &Terry
Hi Daniel, sorry i haven't been in touch, I seem to have trouble sometimes in getting my replies to you on site. It would be better to email I will send via a PM. Would really like to hear about your house and make a friendly connection.
Warmest wishes,
Alison & Terry
Message posted by helga on 16 February 2005 at 2:36pm - IP Logged
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I would get an architect just to make sure that the house is structurely safe and sound. Also it helps you to make sure your stairs don't end up in your bathroom because you messured wrong. Some old houses might need a new ringbeam. You wouldn't want one of the walls falling on you later would you?
My advise is at least to spend the money on the architect to come and have a look at the house before you buy it. They will give you a good idea of the possibilities.
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