A bit of advice needed

Hi,

This is from 15yrs out here and just a number of points from a personal perspective.

1. If you scroll through the on-line version of The Almeria Focus Magazine & Directory you will note the local established competition.

2. Most of us long termers remember the early 2000s and the scummy cheating Brits offering building services although they were nothing but DIYers in UK. Amazingly many of these remain, feeding on the Brit population due to language.

3. Spanish will generally only employ Spanish which is our preferred option.

4. Brit tradesmen often expect UK levels of remuneration above the going rate.

5. Although you can ship in Plaster, have you ever worked with Yesso?

6. Are you going to be legal or working on the black economy.

7. Even with Brexit the Property Market seems to be moving, if sluggishly, & new occupants always want work doing.

I'm sure there are numerous other points that others may weigh in with, but these are mine.

Personally, and after a series of Brit crooks, I only use 2 Brit tradesmen. But then my Dad was a genuine Master Builder who started as a Carpenter & could biild a house from foundations up.

If you do come out then the very best of luck.

Bob and Sandra

Mojacar Playa and Puerto Lumbreras

Hi,

Yes, totally agree with Bob and Sandra. We are also long term residents. Not much else to add other than to be very careful who you seek advise from, especially English business people. Some, if not most are completely trustworthy but some are not.

There are many pitfalls so please be careful. We are in the mountains and can secure skilled Spanish construction tradesmen for €7 per hour. Unless you are prepared to match these rates, you will be struggling to get full-time work. 

Cannot comment on coastal rates as we are not there.

IMPORTANT: There are many changes coming in regarding licences for building work. Where we are, there are significant limits for building work including pools and extensions. Most local townhalls are not permitting anything outside the existing footprint. 

Good Luck

Hyperdunny

Hi bob thanks for the comments we have same problem in uk ref people saying they can do jobs but nothing more then diy people 

Ref yeso have worked with this in France many a time slow setting plaster on old farm houses 

Not planning on working on black market as there is plenty of east Europeans in uk doing this meet them every day as ltd back here we jump though hoops they just under cut 

As for trading organisation like your dad we r part of Master builders and a lot of others but they mean nothing in Spain 

I know it’s not going to be easy but was not looking to get rich or build a company working out there just wanted to keep my hand in to be honest and it’s like every thing it all gos on trust and reputation a good job at a good price and hopefully word will get round 

But thanks for the advice like I said good or bad just wanted to see how people felt and there opinions thanks again mark