Renovating a Property in Portugal

Renovating

Finding and buying building materials like we do in northern Europe is not the same in Portugal. Self service DIY stores have started opening only in about 2002 in the big cities ONLY. Materials purchased are not usually delivered to your site. Hardware stores are jam packed with materials which are usually behind a counter and one has to queue, waiting to be served by one of the few salesmen. A knowledge of Portuguese is an absolute must, and even then it is difficult to ask for and explain a product which might be totally unknown there.
Not being a very service orientated country, one has to find one's own way. Tool hire businesses do not exist except for large machinery like tractors or JCB's which includes an operator. A JCB costs about £7 per hour. The price for cement in 2004 is 5 euros for a 50kg bag and 1 cubic metre of sand approx 40 euros

If one can afford the luxury of having an architect draw up plans for the renovation and have a recognised construction company execute the work, it is not necessary to read this page.

Renovating in this way, means that the work will mostly be carried out during their days off, such as weekends and bank holidays, with them sometimes arriving as early as 7am and leaving at 7pm. Most Portuguese men are innovative and work very hard. They do appreciate having the employer offer them a glass (copo) of wine and a cheese / ham roll at 10am and 5pm. Lunch is taken at their homes between 12 and 2 or 3. 2006 Labourer - wages = £20 per day approx Tradesman - wages = £30 per day approx

Many foreigners who have purchased a property which needs to be
renovated, use local villagers to help them realise their dream. This is
favourable for both parties, as it is affordable and the locals want to earn
the extra money. Most men in the villages have worked in construction at
some time and so have ample knowledge of methods of working as well
as which materials are best / available / cheapest. These methods and
materials are different to other countries but not necessarily inferior in any
way.