House Inspector

[Steven]

Hi,

My wife and I are still looking to buy an old stone house requiring renovation, and I have a few questions:

1. Are there engineers, architects in Croatia that provide a service of inspecting homes to determine if there are any structural problems (foundation, walls, etc.) that might be problematic? If we decide on buying a place, we would like to have it checked to make sure there are no other big problems with the structure itself that would suprise us later.

2. Also, do you have general idea of what the costs are for hiring out a firm to do renovation work? What would it cost generally to fix the exterior of a stone house? What would it cost to replace/fix floors, ceiling in house, replace plumbing, electricity, etc.

Sorry if I am trying to be too generic, but I want to have a rough estimate of what I would be getting myself into if I tried to do the work myself with my wife, or if it makes more sense to hire someone because it would be cheaper in the long run to hire a professional to do it. I do not have a good idea of costs in Croatia, and it may be cheaper to hire someone.

Thanks!
Steven

[Peter Ellis]

Hi Steven

Yes, you can get surveys done here. Whilst there isn't a specific building surveying qualification, banks, in particular, have lists of appraisors that they use that are generally architects whose career has focussed on building survey work. They are not so common though, as in the UK, and may have to travel some distance, which tends to make them more expensive than their UK equivalents
There are also land surveyors, known locally as geodets and there are plenty of them around.
If you suspect that a property may have significant structural problems or its location, on a hillside, for instance, poses particular problems, you can engage a structural engineer to do a report. These engineers are usually known as 'statics'.

For costs, you really need something more specific and get quotes on a case by case basis, as what is needed could vary widely. Labour rates here are significantly less than in the UK, although materials are much the same, particularly since a lot of them are imported anyway, although things like good Italian ceramics are much cheaper than in the UK. Tradesmen like plumbers and electricians are usually pretty good and work to high standards. They still have to do proper trade apprenticeships here.

HTH

[Steven]

Hi Peter,

Thanks for the information. I suspected that labor costs where probably cheaper in Croatia.

As for home inspections, its not that I would suspect any problems since the stone houses in Croatia look very well built (even back then!). I just want to make sure I am not buying into bigger problems that are not evident from my untrained eyes.

One more question; does your agency have contacts with builders, architects, etc. that you could refer if we used your services?

Thanks again!
Steven

[Peter Ellis]

Hi Steven

Yes, certainly. We are engaged in a number of development projects for clients that involve architects, planning applications, etc. We also arrange surveys. Once it is all done we can even insure it for you!

Kindest regards