Renovation Work

When we first bought our house we were put in touch with an English builder for a quote on some demolition work and replacing all of the windows. We were given a quote of 15500 euros to replace all the windows (17). It was explained that although the windows were aluminium (wood is very expensive in southern Spain), the wood grain effect that we had chosen for the windows was fairly expensive.

We gave the quote a great deal of thought (5 minutes) and were put in touch with a local Spanish builder by our Estate Agent. They quoted us 8000 euros for the same windows, same colour etc. Our estate agent (Greer Associates) did all the donkey work for us - arranging visits from the builder, translating documents and running back and forward between Alcala La Real and Martos, all for no charge. We cannot praise them highly enough. In fact we offered to pay them a fee for all their work and were declined.

We got another quote for a new water heater, demolishing and removing an outside toilet and shower room and also removing three internal walls - 2500 euros.

The work should be starting soon as the builder will have to get planning permission from the local council (included in the price).


This will eventually be our living room. The arch is being made wider and higher and I will be laying new tiles on the floor. Although the tiles look o.k. in the picture, there are some missing and some cracked. The recess on the right is a french window leading onto a small balcony.



This room is one of four on our top floor, each will be a bedroom once I have tiled, plastered and painted the beams.

Could anyone give me advice on removing whitewash or paint from beams or is it better to paint over?