Rennovations

Bobbi · Post by **Bobbi** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 2:37 pm

Hi

I was wondering what kind of permission i would need to get and where frm to convert my property. I have some empty space that I would like to turn into 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The alterations are all internal. Does anyone know what I should do?

Cheers

Bobbi

BobT · Post by **BobT** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 2:23 am

As the man from Nike says.................... Just do it.

The paperwork caused by filling in the all the necessary forms, and the inevitable dleays that will follow, will put you off doing the job.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 5:04 pm

a coup0le who were putting in a new bathroom were visited by the fiscal police from silves demanding why didnt they get permission!!! yes true..seems a portuguese neighbour as is ther custom denounced them to the silves camara.

proceed with anything you do here WITH CAUTION

kteee · Post by **kteee** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 5:21 pm

Also, bear in mind that it may cause problems when you come to sell if the paperwork doesn't show the correct number and type of rooms.

shanagarry · Post by **shanagarry** » Fri Dec 24, 2004 8:44 pm

We are in the process of having plans drawn for submission to The Camara. We are hoping to get permission to build an en-suite room on the roof, cover the internal courtyard and turn the lounge area into one big open area and extend the kitchen so as to create a utility area - we started the discussions in June and as yet we do not have any drawings.

The Camara have agreed that the work falls within the acceptable size and scope they would approve - subject to the plans.

Our Portuguese Architect has been told that the entire process is likely to take a year. We are meeting him next week when we come to Cvo. This is no place for an impatient person.

Having done all of that we will then have to endure the building process and everybody knows what that entails.......

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 9:40 am

There are two main aspects that you should be clear about as they are the main criteria that define, wether or not you need to licence the changes:

1. Are you changing the exterior aspect of the property? Any change to the exterior aspect of a property that involves gaining additional square meters by adding a wall, etc has to be licenced by the camera.

2. Will the changes affect the stability of the house (estática)? If the changes imply removing walls or other structural integrity works you must hand in a projecto de estabilidade and obtain permission from the camera.

If the changes are only interior and do not involve structural changes, all you have to do is advise the camera, when this work will be executed.

In any case, you should always consult with a licenced contractor and his architect before you buy the first bricks.

shanagarry · Post by **shanagarry** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 11:25 am

Gambrinus

Thank you very much for your feedback - it is really very useful.

Our intended improvement will involve a change of the exterior aspect (putting a room on the roof) and we realise we will have to get the necessary permission.

Is there also a ruling that any improvement cannot exceed a percentage of the overall square metreage of the building?

kteee · Post by **kteee** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 12:01 pm

If you add a second storey, you can normally build up to 40% of the ground floor area, but you still need permission for it.

peterm · Post by **peterm** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 12:27 pm

shanagarry wrote: Our Portuguese Architect has been told that the entire process is likely to take a year. This is no place for an impatient person..

Is that a year for the permission, or does it include the build? We were told 6 weeks (for permission) and have heard nothing at all. I was really hoping not to have to stay in the rotten caravan again and was looking forward to a ritual burial of the porta potti. I'm developing a healthy hate for the thing.

steve · Post by **steve** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 12:41 pm

In the "good old days" many people followed the Bob T philosophy. If you got found out the fine was often less than what you would have had to pay for the building licence if you had done things properly.

Today however I think it is very foolish not to follow the legal route. If caught out you will be fined and there is no guarantee that the additional work will be legalised on the property register and the cardeneta. Nowadays it is difficult to sell property which is not properly approved because all the necessary documentary proof has to be supplied to evidence that the structure is all legal. You might find someone to buy a property with illegal bits in it but it cuts down your market.

The planning permission process in Lagoa is very long and drawn out. You can reckon on submitted plans taking at least 6 months to get approval even if there are no queries and there seems to be little that you can do to hurry things up.

shanagarry · Post by **shanagarry** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 1:10 pm

Hi Steve

Thank you for your feedback.

I have heard too many horror stories where people have taken a gamble only for it to end in tears.

We will be pursuing the legal route.

Thanks again.

Bobbi · Post by **Bobbi** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 1:18 pm

So, from what I can gather here then, its likely to take some time to get my plans approved, but they most likely will be. What I propose to have done is just 2 bathrooms and 2 bedrooms. The walls will not be brick but plasterboard and so there is no major internal work and no exterior work at all.

Would it be worth the gamble to begin the build whilst at the same time getting the necessary permission?

Bobbi

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 3:13 pm

Bobbi,

From what I understand, your works do imply that you require a licence from the camera (no structural or exterior changes). You should only have to advise them when the works will be executed.
Your building contractor should be able to advise on the correct steps to take before you begin.

Rennovations

Rennovations

Planning Permission

Planning Permission

Re: Planning Permission

Planning Permission