On first viewing, most houses look similar. However, when looking at the details and materials used during construction, there are many different levels of quality. It is simply not possible to build cheaper houses to the same standards applied by Crete Island Construction.

Yes. It is the materials and workmanship that are the foundation of a high-quality home. You should always ask for a detailed building specification.

You certainly should get what you are paying for. In the past, unfortunately, some companies promised certain materials that were not subsequently used. So “surprise visits” could sometimes be useful.

Yes. Unfortunately, the profession of “builder” is not protected, so anyone with or without a construction background can call themselves a builder. Crete Island Construction believes that building in Greece is different to other locations in Northern Europe, and the builder should therefore be familiar with the technical rules and regulations required. They also believe it is important that the builder is actively involved with the building construction, spending time on site continuously monitoring the quality of the materials and the work being carried out.

When selecting your building partner, it is also wise to establish who will actually build your home. Many companies in the area are construction entrepreneurs – in other words, they are just project managers who coordinate sub-contractors to do the work.

Wherever possible, suppliers with an internationally recognized standard such as ELOT or ISO will be used.

Crete Island Construction methods comply fully with all Greek building and energy conservation regulations and recommendations, as well as those from material suppliers.

A reputable organization should be able to give a confirmed start date and provide a contractually agreed completion date. Crete Island Construction will provide a firm start date on signing of the building agreement and guarantees a completion date in writing as part of the building agreement. As they have their own earth moving equipment, construction tools and machines and a permanent skilled workforce, delays in the building program are less likely.

When constructing a conventional house with a concrete frame, one has to consider the concrete as the skeleton of the house. First, competent and professional technicians should use quality concrete for this stage. The house should have footings to provide a sound starting base, and these should be imbedded 70 cm into the ground, not simply laid on top. One cannot cut corners with the concrete – it is approximately 35% of the value of the house, but of infinite importance.

As Crete is an earthquake area, it is important that the strongest materials are used. Crete Island Construction not only uses good quality iron as reinforcement but also uses additives to make the concrete more pliable, thus filling every gap and crevice. These additives also protect the iron.

Ask for detailed technical specifications for the materials and methods to be used. This will ensure you have the correct knowledge on which to base your choice of building company rather than just a price comparison.

You are entitled to a detailed list of materials and specifications as part of your building agreement. Crete Island Construction will provide a written building specification, identifying materials that will be used during the construction or renovation project. The Director, Giorgos Fountoulakis, has an on-site role, managing and directing his workforce through the entire process. His wealth of knowledge provides the client with the assurance that he is monitoring the quality of materials and work personally throughout the building program.

Most non-Greeks find the local method of disposing of toilet tissue bizarre and, in some instances, quite distasteful. There is a practical reason behind this. Old town sewage systems and the local infrastructure are just not able to cope with the practicalities of disposal. The Cretan coastline remains unspoilt due to the lack of commercial disposal methods. However, modern toilet tissue has to be durable and can take some time to disperse. There are two main methods in use throughout Greece that have been updated to accommodate modern expectations.

Septic tanks allow liquid waste to be filtered through the stony ground, creating a mini sewage filter system. Solid waste biodegrades naturally if you avoid the use of bleach and other harsh toilet cleaners. Toilet tissue can be disposed of, but can, in time, reduce the effectiveness of the soak-away system.

Cesspits are solid frame constructions, normally a series of cement rings set into the ground, which will require emptying from time to time. This method is now required by local regulations for waste disposal within village or town boundaries or if in very close proximity to a neighbouring property. The annual cost of disposal is minimal compared to the high wastewater processing charges in the UK, for instance, and throughout rural areas in Northern Europe.

Crete Island Construction will provide the appropriate sewage disposal method in a practical and suitable size. The construction method and approximate size will be identified in your building specification.

Crete Island Construction believes that each house should have its own personality. Care and attention to detail will set your house apart from the mass-produced estate type of dwelling.

Crete Island Construction uses many techniques and features to avoid the box-like look of the modern concrete-framed house, including soft rounded corners and stone around windows and doors. However, if you want something more in keeping with the local village houses and environment, then a stone house may be the answer. Crete Island Construction can offer a variety of stone houses which are constructed in the old style but with modern room sizes and layouts. Their stone houses are built with solid walls approximately 40-50cm thick with cornerstones that interlink at each corner to form a solid frame.

No, some modern stone houses are constructed using two thin stone walls filled with concrete, and there is a possibility that this method may not be as strong and long-lasting as the traditional stone construction method.

Yes, it is perfectly feasible to renovate an old property, but as with modern houses, you are likely to be offered hugely different levels of work quality. Simply put, you get what you pay for. The price of a quality renovation will not be cheap but will result in the restoration of a beautiful Greek village home with all the modern facilities. Crete Island Construction guarantees the use of quality craftsmanship and materials to provide a long-lasting and trouble-free home.