Renovating/Converting a House of Character

Ana Romero SG wrote:

Hello! I am in the same situation as you! Did you manage to find some company to do the job...?? Any recommendations or tips are welcome!!

Ana

When it comes to finding any kind of contractor to do the work be it painting, plumbing/electrical and alike it's tricky and takes time. The building industry in Malta is booming and all of them work in construction right now. And if you then find someone, keeping them busy working for you, it's another problem.

We bought a place last year which needed a bit of work, found a contractor who promised to paint the walls, fix some electricals and extend an ensuite. He promised to do this in 2 weeks as it wasn't a big job. The payment plan was 1/3 at the start and the rest when done. Alas. It didn't work out that way. He started, came with a crew, and then some of the work progressed, others not so much. We paid the initial fee, and then he started asking more money every week, threatened to leave unless we paid. So we gave some money. The job which was supposed to take two weeks, went on and on. His guys showed up for an hour, and left again or didn't show up at all. It took 8 weeks and with nearly double the initial plan (as "issues" were found). Despite the time it took, some things were done poorly.  I would NOT never ever recommend him!

One funny thing, over here in Malta, plumbers and electricians are one and same, as in if you get to be plumber you learn and get certified in electrical too.

Before settling with this guy, we did actually interview a couple of others. One of them bowed out, the other one came with what seemed hugely inflated costs. The one we hired seemed initially reasonable, but it went south pretty fast.  And unfortunately I've heard similar stories from several other expats as well.

Ask for recommendations from your neighbours, they likely know someone or know someone who knows someone. But be aware, being a foreigner and hiring a Maltese contractor, you're likely paying a lot more than a Maltese would do for the same thing.

Also, make sure you create a detailed list of all things that need to be done, room by room with as much details as possible. Take pictures of the current situation, print and include notes what needs to happen where.  That way you have a plan. And when you then find someone, make sure the contractor signs and agrees to what you want to be done or suggests changes and you then have a final agreement as to what needs to be done when, how and with detailed costs. Once the work has started, make sure you record the progress, visit the site once a day or at least every other day, take again pictures and record what's been done, not done. That way you have a full story to tell if you in the end need to sue them. We didn't sue, but it took a huge amount of yelling and a support by a Maltese friend who could yell in Maltese too to get our place finished.

And one more thing, do your homework when it comes to pricing. Check out what bathrooms cost, what tiles cost, what paint costs. Visit homemate shop and check out prices there and compare what your contractor plans to charge for them. Also, ask if the electrician  is certified to work in Malta. There's a list of those who are. And make sure you get the ID number of the contractor and the PM you hire.