Proper Architect

[shanagarry]

Can anybody point me in the direction of a proper Architect please. I am looking to have quite a bit of work done to our property which will involve planning permission and all that goes with it. I have met with 4 already and none of them fills me with any confidence.

They want retainers etc before they will get their pencil out of their bag and I for one am not playing that game. Is that the norm?

I am looking for a creative Architect not one who sits there and lets come up with the ideas. I know roughly what I want but I want a bit of interaction with lots of ideas and reality checks (prices and timing).

I am aware of the bureaucratic pitfalls that's why I am starting now and giving the entire project a good 3 years to be completed.

Please pm me with the names of 'Cowboys' to avoid (I do have a few names already) and any other advice will be very welcome.

[Guest]

I have tried seven......all cowboys and all «dishonest ..I lost over £20 grand ......eventually I used a UK architect....based in the Algarve......cost a lot more on the face of it...but honestly it was worth it.....It is a very very sad state of affairs but unfortunately the Portuguese I have dealt with over the last 5 years have all been ..how to be polite......Oh why should I ..CROOKS......be very careful...

[Guest]

The problem is that unless the Architect is well connected with the Camara.....things dont seem to move forward.....and the ones I have used that are well connected really had little idea of design other than straight line stuff.I'm sure there are good Architects out there....its a matter of finding one...In our case we eventually had the design done in the UK and then got a local well connected Architect to do all the Camara work.still took 4 years. Portugal is like that usually but I0ve heard of cases of villas being built in 18 months from scratch...it just doesnt happen to anybody I actually know.

[Guest]

On a slghtly different note, would we need planning permision if we add another en suite to our place, this would only involve building works on the inside of the villa and no change to the outside walls apart from moving windows. Mike, Chislehurst.

[shanagarry]

Mike

From what I have learned during this process - you would not need planning approval for any internal alterations as long as you are not increasing the overall size of the existing and approved developed building. Best to take proper advice though.

We are having some work done in November and learned during that planning exercise that our Garage was not an approved structure - the lawyers missed that when we purchased it 5 years ago. It's sorted out now - but great care is needed, that's why I am looking for a proper architect to 'hold my hand' throughout this exercise.

[Bruxinha]

Hi Shanagarry.

I don't know of anyone for Carvoeiro i.e. Lagoa Câmara but I will ask around for you though. I have dealt with a couple here in Silves, whilst translating for friends etc, one of whom is the chief plan checker for Silves Câmara...talk about conflict of interests or what

However, he doesn't seem to get anything done any quicker for the people I've been helping. It took him about 2 or 3 months just to go to see the property and measure up for the project! I think you are just going to have to find someone whose design work you like and then keep pushing them BUT be prepared to have bag loads of patience.

Now you know why lawyers aren't my favourite people here the Algarve. How can a professional person, who you pay loads of money to in order to do all your searches thouroughly and accurately miss the fact that there was a garage there and it wasn't approved? Hence, why I always tell people, who feel they need to use a lawyer, to still go and do all the checks themselves with a Portuguese speaking friend or proper translator and I agree with the guest, who wrote the other day, never give ANYONE power of attorney. How do you know what will go on if you are not there to see and sign. I stopped a member of my family from getting shafted by going along with him to read through the final deed. The lawyers had put completely different amounts down on the deed from the ones he had previously agreed.

Sorry to hijack your architect post. I will ask someone I am meeting tomorrow, who does work with architects from time to time, if he knows anyone worthwhile in your area and let you know. Best of luck.

[Bruxinha]

Mike, it might be better to check about your ensuite. My friend changed a utility room to a bathroom and a "internal" donkey/cow stable to another bathroom, all inside her property limits and did need to submit a project. Mind you all the Câmaras seem to work to different rules. That was Silves by the way.

[shanagarry]

Hi Bruxhinha

Thanks for the advice - I had never thought of this as a quick process. I have been at it a year now having spoken to 4 firms of 'architects' and 'cowboys' too numerous to count and have made no progress whatsoever. Everytime I got to the point where I wanted to see examples of their work and/or speak to satisfied customers - pay us a retainer and we will provide the information you want is their standard reply - stalemate.

We contemplated selling up and buying something bigger but that comes with an enormous price-tag and hassle - so we are where we are and must soldier on.

We will be in Cvo in September to continue the quest and by the time we get to come and live there we just might have the work completed - in 5 years.

[Guest]

I'm now running into my Sixth year.....

[shanagarry]

Hi Guest,

and.... how far have you got?

Why has it taken 6 years to get to where you are?

What are the obstacles you have been unable to overcome?

Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently if you were starting all over again?

All very genuine questions - please resist the urge to say ' I wouldn't bother'.

[Guest]

Keep taking the pills dear guest

Off to see my friend's architect this afternoon, while she is in the UK...it is always entertaining to see how many times a person can flick through a file without saying anything much. Looks like I am going to have to wear the shorter mini skirt and sell my soul to the devil again Sorry to be sexist, but it works

You got to laugh and have fun with it or... Bruxhy

[Guest]

Good constructive questions Shanagarry. Hope the guest can give you some constructive answers. Hope to speak to someone in the next couple of days or so, who may or may not have the name of an architect of some use to you. Will let you know. Bruxhy.

Sorry in a hurry and too lazy to sign in.

[Littlelegs]

Well our project started 2 years ago, the building work started the end of January this year and we are moving in in 2 weeks time although the pool still has to be started but going by the past we are hopefull it will be ready by Christmas/early New Year.
I think we must be one of the lucky ones to have come across our builder, architect and solicitor although of course it never is plain sailing we have still had one or two hic-cups
so good luck to anyone who is just starting.

Littlelegs

[Bruxinha]

Well Littlelegs, I did ask around, as promised, for Shanagarry for a Lagoa area architect but didn't get anywhere really. So maybe you should pass on the name off your architect to him via a pm. I am dealing with a guy in Silves for my friend and the process is just sooooooooo slowwwwwwwwwww!!!

[Guest]

You are Very very lucky.......started my house five years ago.....Corrupt Lawyers and Dodgy builders ..( All licensed and above board).....have left me broke and leaving the Algarve for good...hate the place ( Actually hate the people I have trusted) and the corruption......BEWARE .....I am one of many many....an old story..