Frequently Asked Questions
General questions
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REQUEST A BUDGET ?
Our quotes are free. Tell us what you want, then we will make a site visit and discuss all relevant aspects with you so that the estimate is as reliable as possible.
We take care to study the processes thoroughly so that the final cost is what we budget for. It is not always possible, but we make it a point to include the clients in the whole process and constantly inform them of the way the prices are composed in case there are any changes during the work.
Whether you are a company or an individual, the budget is not infinite and we have a lot of respect for that number.
CAN I ASK THEM TO ONLY DO THE ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT AND DO THE WORK WITH A CONTRACTOR I KNOW?
Of course, and we will gladly accompany the entire process and help you with whatever you need to make sure that the project materializes as you have approved it.
I HAVE THE HOUSE PROJECT ALREADY DONE BY AN ARCHITECT, CAN I THEN DO THE WORK WITH YOU?
Of course we do. And we do it with the same care and respect as if it were our own project. We are here to do the best for you, whatever type of intervention you request from us.
DOES SPEISSE HELP ME WITH THE BUREAUCRATIC PROCEDURES WITH THE TOWN COUNCILS?
Yes, we know the legislation well and we have teams specialised in architectural and specialty projects and we already have a lot of experience. We explain everything.
I AM OUT OF THE COUNTRY. IS IT POSSIBLE FOR SPEISSE TO TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING?
Yes, Speisse does turnkey projects. That doesn't mean that we're not in touch for everything important.
DO I HAVE A GUARANTEE FOR YOUR WORK?
Generally the guarantee in construction is 5 years. There may, however, be jobs where the suppliers already offer higher guarantees, as for example in the case of paints for painting facades.
I WANT TO BUILD A HOUSE ON A PIECE OF LAND I INHERITED IN THE NORTH , DO YOU ALSO WORK FAR FROM LISBON ?
Yes, we work all over the country and also in Angola.
I AM BUYING AN APARTMENT. CAN YOU HELP ME TO SEE IF EVERYTHING IS OK OR IF I HAVE TO DO CONSTRUCTION WORKS ?
Yes, we'll listen to you and tell you in basic terms what the condition of the apartment is. And, if necessary, what works we recommend.
DO I ALWAYS HAVE TO MAKE AND PAY FOR A PROJECT ?
We advise you to always make a project, however simple the intervention required. It is at the project level that the best solutions are tested and studied, particularly in terms of economics and logistics for the work.
We believe that doing the project always saves money on the total cost of the work.
But we will study with you whatever is most feasible within your budget.
HOW DO I KNOW THAT AFTER THE WORK STARTS, THERE WILL BE NO MISSING THINGS THAT WERE NOT BUDGETED FOR?
This is why we believe in the importance of the project and the planning that follows it.
We also believe that our experience of more than 20 years will help you to remember all the details that need to be considered.
I FOUND A SPACE TO BUILD MY RESTAURANT WHAT LICENSES ARE NEEDED? CAN I START THE CONSTRUCTION WITHOUT HAVING ALL THE LICENSES?
Today, to open a restaurant you just need to communicate in the Balcão do Empreendedor (Entrepreneur's Counter), under the Licenciamento Zero regime.
As for the works they need to comply with the general regulations, i.e. they are required if you change the facade or the interior structures.
There are, however, specific rules imposed by the laws governing hygiene and safety
DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?
A building permit is required whenever you are going to build from scratch.
In the case of renovations it is mandatory if you change the facade to the outside, if you change the structure of the house/apartment/office or building, or if, for example, you are going to make another bathroom in the apartment.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BUDGET A CONSTRUCTION SITE?
It depends, obviously, on the type of work we are talking about. The budget is made after the project and generally derives from the bill of quantities, which states all the materials that are needed and their technical characteristics.
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THE VAT ON THIS ACTIVITY?
The VAT rate to be applied in most cases will be the standard rate of 23%.
In certain situations, VAT may be applicable at a rate of 6%, namely in improvement, remodeling, renovation, restoration, repair, or conservation work carried out on residential properties, not including outdoor spaces, swimming pools, tennis courts, or similar.
Materials to be incorporated into the work may be taxed at 23%, unless there is a typical global contract for the above-mentioned cases and provided that the materials incorporated do not represent more than 20% of the total cost. In these cases the invoicing must detail what the services and materials are.
WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT TERMS?
The payment terms are agreed upon with the client for each type of service we provide and for the works as well.
In general, payments are spread out over the various phases of the work and in accordance with the extent of the work: when the contract is awarded and the architectural and specialty projects are delivered, if they exist, at the beginning of the work, monthly during the work, and at the end.
Payments are always agreed upon with the construction owner before the work is awarded.
HOW CAN I COMPARE THE PRICES OF THE WORKS, IF I ASK FOR SEVERAL QUOTES?
There is a tendency to boil down the costs to the price per m2. But this can be very misleading because you may not be comparing the same type of materials.
If you want to compare the prices given for your construction work, it is best to do so using the bill of quantities which specifies all and which types of materials are needed for the work in question. Hence the importance of a complete and detailed project, even if it is done by us. It will always be the sign that decisions have been thought through and will be the client's way of verifying the cost of each item or part of the work.
Our engineering department can help you read the data correctly. Not least because cheap can be expensive.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE HOUSE WITHOUT MY FAMILY HAVING TO LEAVE THE HOUSE?
It depends on the size of your house and the intervention you want to perform. We will always be by your side in trying to solve your problems.
DO YOU ALSO REMODEL GARDENS?
It depends on the size of the intervention but if it is a major remodeling, it definitely is.
I WANT TO PUT A POOL IN MY BACKYARD, DO YOU ALSO OFFER THIS SERVICE?
If the pool placement is integrated into the remodeling of the entire outdoor space, yes.
DO YOU HAVE A PARTNER WHO INSTALLS AIR CONDITIONING?
Of course we do, and we take care of all the air conditioning, if integrated into a remodeling project.
DO YOU OFFER PLUMBING INSPECTION SERVICES?
In remodeling work we always have to do this analysis to see the state of conservation. However, in older constructions it is always safer to proceed with the replacement.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO A WORK AND KEEP THE ORIGINAL PLUMBING?
Yes, it is always possible. It depends on the state of it and how much use it has had, but it is usual for us to replace it so that it will not have problems for years to come.
WHAT ARE THE ENERGY CERTIFICATES OF PROJECTS THAT YOU HAVE DONE?
The energy certificate depends on many factors: The constitution of the walls, the insulation of the roofs, floors, and walls, the quality of the window frames and glasses, the air conditioning devices, etc. We have already performed A+ works.
Decoration
WHICH SUPPLIERS DO YOU WORK WITH FOR DECORATION?
We work with everyone. We adapt so that the project is tailored to your needs, because it is you who will inhabit and use the space.
DO YOU RENOVATE OLD FURNITURE?
Yes, if included in a larger project.
I HAVE NOWHERE TO PUT THE OLD FURNITURE, CAN YOU HELP ME SELL IT?
We can point you to someone who does and help you with the solution.
DO YOU HAVE ANY CERTIFIED INTERIOR DESIGNERS IN YOUR TEAM?
We have a team of Architects and Designers who work directly with us and others who are our partners.
MAKE THE MIX OF VARIOUS INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS?
We don't believe in trends, but in adapting the project to the client's taste. We see ourselves as consultants, who because of our experience can bring different and tested opinions and points of view, but the final word is always the client's.
Renovations
IF I JUST WANT TO REMODEL THE KITCHEN AND BATHROOM WILL YOU DO JUST THAT?
If it's a small remodel that involves changing the cabinets and little else, we think there will be other suppliers better suited.
If it is a more profound intervention, with redesign of the spaces and that requires changing the layout of the rooms, we may consider doing it.
Be sure to talk to us. You'll see, and we'll be totally frank with you. That is our commitment.
DO YOU ALSO REMODEL BACKYARDS?
It depends on the size of the intervention but if it is a major remodeling, it definitely is.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO REMODEL MY STORE?
It depends on the level of the intervention and the objectives. We have done remodeling in a single day and there have been remodeling that took 1 month.
To make the time calculations as accurate as possible, we make and define everything in the remodeling project and prepare the logistics of implementation with extreme care. But everything is discussed, prepared, and tailored to the objectives and needs of the developer. Because we do everything in close collaboration.
I WANT TO REMODEL MY STORE BUT KEEP THE CURRENT STRUCTURE, IS THAT POSSIBLE?
Of course. The interventions can be larger or smaller according to the client's wishes. Substantial changes and improvements can be made even without structurally altering the spaces.
DO YOU DO PLUMBING REPLACEMENTS?
It depends on the size of the intervention but if it is integrated into a major remodeling, it definitely is.
Construction
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BUILD A VILLA FROM SCRATCH ?
Frankly speaking there are times that do not depend on us, but on the City Councils where the construction will be located.
As for our services, we prepare the schedule as carefully as possible, from the architectural project, to the execution of the specialty projects and the construction work
Since we work in strict collaboration with the customer, you will be aware of the entire process and all the times that we control.
CAN I PAINT JUST THE FACADES OF THE BUILDING?
Yes, but depending on the age of the building and its state of conservation we can advise going a little further and, for example, using the Capotto system (exterior thermal insulation) which, besides providing more comfort and greater savings in heating for the inhabitants, adds value to the property.
DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?
A building permit is required whenever you are going to build from scratch.
In the case of renovations it is mandatory if you change the facade to the outside, if you change the structure of the house/apartment/office or building, or if, for example, you are going to make another bathroom in the apartment.
Works
WHAT ARE THE BEST INSULATION MATERIALS FOR A HOUSE?
There are many materials for insulation and it is not possible to choose one or another best. It depends on the situation and the intended use, as well as the available budget. From thermal bricks to XPS insulation, window frames with thermal cut-outs, cut-outs for threshold stones or chest, wallmate, roofmate, etc, etc, there are many materials that together or separately can greatly improve the thermal insulation and the consequent energy efficiency of a house.
WHAT MATERIALS DO THEY USE TO DO THE PLUMBING INSTALLATION?
The materials to be used in the pipes are defined depending on the use of the work, but multilayer pipes are the most widely used today.
WHAT INSULATION MATERIALS DO THEY USE?
All. We can help you define which is best for you.
Architecture
DOES SPEISSE HELP ME WITH THE BUREAUCRATIC PROCEDURES WITH THE TOWN COUNCILS?
Yes, we know the legislation well and we have teams specialised in architectural and specialty projects and we already have a lot of experience. We explain everything.
I FOUND A SPACE TO BUILD MY RESTAURANT WHAT LICENSES DO I NEED? CAN I START THE CONSTRUCTION WITHOUT HAVING ALL THE LICENSES?
Today, to open a restaurant you just need to communicate in the Balcão do Empreendedor (Entrepreneur's Counter), under the Licenciamento Zero regime.
As for the works they need to comply with the general regulation, i.e. they are necessary if you change the façade or the interior structures.
There are, however, specific rules imposed by the laws governing hygiene and safety.
DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?
A building permit is required whenever you are going to build from scratch.
In the case of renovations it is mandatory if you change the facade to the outside, if you change the structure of the house/apartment/office or building, or if, for example, you are going to make another bathroom in the apartment.
DO I ALWAYS HAVE TO MAKE AND PAY FOR A PROJECT ?
We advise you to always make a project, however simple the intervention required. It is at the project level that the best solutions are tested and studied, particularly in terms of economics and logistics for the work.
We believe that doing the project always saves money on the total cost of the work.
But we will study with you whatever is most feasible within your budget.
DO YOU HAVE ANY CERTIFIED ARCHITECTS IN YOUR TEAM?
Yes, we have several architects in our team, available to help you with projects of all kinds.
Engineering
WHAT ARE SPECIALTY PROJECTS?
The specialty projects, as the name indicates, are the specific projects to make living at home viable and healthy. They are the residual water projects (commonly known as sewage), the electricity project, the air conditioning project (insulation, ventilation, ventilation of specific areas such as the bathroom), and the telecommunications project, among others.
The specialty projects naturally vary with the type of work we are talking about. Whether it is a detached villa, a building, or a commercial space.
Our engineering department will take care to determine in each case what is needed, and its development and cost are a mandatory part of our budgets.
DO YOU HAVE ANY CERTIFIED ENGINEERS IN YOUR TEAM?
Yes, we have several engineers on our team, available to help you with projects of all kinds.