Croatian Builders / Project Managers

[Simon B]

I am looking to purchase a property on Brac, but it requires a reasonable amount of work: rendering / plastering, fitting bathrooms and kitchens plus electrics and more.

Can anyone recommend a reliable contractor or project manager to oversee the work at a local level?

Also has anyone experience of using local tradesmen, was it a complete headache etc - any info gratefully received?

How do prices / skills compare with the UK etc?

Simon

[Peter]

Can't help you on Brac. Builders are always a headache, just as in the UK. They often aren't there and things don't happen when they should. It is always difficult to motivate them on small jobs, particularly if you have got a keen price. They integrate several jobs and obviously favour the ones that are more profitable. Some of the people we have used have been much better than others. The best have usually been where they were family friends.
Standards are generally very good. Building trades here are properly trained, like they used to be in the UK. Many tradesmen worked in Germany too, where standards are high. Having had an involvement with Health & Safety in the UK, some of the local working practices came as a shock, but the end result has always been fine. Labour rates are way below UK ones.

[Giles]

Simon - we have nearly completed on a house in Brac and also need to undertake quite a bit of work. It would be useful and interesting to compare notes as to how we get on! Let me know if you find some good builders and we will do likewise. Giles

[Simon B]

Thanks Giles, will let you know if we have any joy.

Best of luck with your project!

[steve Maria]

Maria and I own an internet shop in Split, Backpacker Cafe. WE bought a house on Brac and were our own project managers, organising builders and sometimes doing the labouring. We may be able to help you...