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As you will need a geometra or architect to draw up the plans of your property in it's existing state and then as it will be in order to obtain permission to start building work,it is usually the same geometra or architect
who is then "nominated" as the director of works (this function is not optional)
it is "normal" to ask your geometra/architect to maybe suggest some reputable builders in the area.Then if you want to do it yourself ,contact them directlyto get them to quote an estimate for the work.You can then get your geometra's opinion on the estimates you get.Contrary to what you may think/believe/or have been led to believe it is highly unlikely that anyone will or actually try to "rip you off" as you put it.I have heard of recently of some Brits instead who ripped off their builders reselling their half restored house without having paid off the people who were working on it....there's usually two sides to coins i'm sure you'd agree....

Thank you for your comments, but my limited experience does not accord with your optimistic view. I have received a quote of 8000euros for a 2x2m small extension to a bedroom for an en-suite bathrrom. This does not include any tiles, or facilities of any kind other than wires and pipes sticking out of the wall. This is not a 'rip-off'?

We bought near San Michele Sal last year - but the house is in San Vito Area and it is to San Vito we applied for planning permission in December to build a bathroom and another room and do some internal work, knocking doors through putting in windows etc but mainly to have running water. As yet we have had no planning permission granted - I am told San Vito elected a new Sindaco at the beginning of April but as yet no Planning Committee - so our plans sit with a lot of other plans awaiting approval. So to feel like we were getting somewhere we made several trips to get costs from builders - they varied wildly - one builder wanted 22,500 Euros just for the building no plumbing, electrics, doors, windows or tiling! Needless to say we didn't go with that quote.
We have found a builder who we are very happy with - which must sound strange as he hasn't started any work for us yet! We first met when we stayed at this B&B last year, Residence dei Normanni.
His quote was detailed as opposed to the other 'back of a fag packet' quotes we received from the other builders. Giovanni speaks good English and his daughter Rosella speaks excellent English so we have found no problem with communication - our ½ûÂþÌìÌà could be described as limited and that is being generous!
I have seen work he has done for another English couple we know who have bought near Ostuni and it is of an excellent standard - his work men turned up when he said he they would and worked quickly and tidily. He will cover all aspects of our work and including 2 air con units, doors, windows, tiling, etc his price was only fractionally more Euros than the 22,500 Euros quoted for the building shell!
He advertises in Italy Mag and his website is [url]http://www.vpfprecostruiti.com/thefirm.htm[/url] although the web site details prefabricated houses, Giovanni also builds traditional buildings. (I checked that it was OK to name Giovanni prior to posting). Hope this helps – if you contact him please feel free to say Jane and Kevin recommended him.

[QUOTE=brian]Does anyone know of a good reputable builder in the Ostuni area of Puglia?

We are looking for someone who will noy try to 'rip us off'.

Brian[/QUOTE]

Brian, an Old School friend of 25 yrs, born in London, who is is the unique position of speaking fluent ½ûÂþÌìÌà & English lives in Ostuni and is project managing at least 10 properties in Ostuni/Martina/Alberbello area most of these are for Brits who have been ripped off and had problems communicating as they cannot speak the language. He has a quality team of builders and he will be doing my place up later this year.

His name is Alfonso and you can e-mail him in the first instance

[email]capone_alfonso@hotmail.com[/email]

NB.(sorry there is an _ between capone alfonso, I tried put one in but its come up with the whole address as underlined! ) However I see it works ok when you click on the e-mail address!

Tell him you have been recommended by Paul from London

Hope it all goes well

[QUOTE=lordbeaufort]Brian, an Old School friend of 25 yrs, born in London, who is is the unique position of speaking fluent ½ûÂþÌìÌà & English lives in Ostuni and is project managing at least 10 properties in Ostuni/Martina/Alberbello area most of these are for Brits who have been ripped off and had problems communicating as they cannot speak the language. He has a quality team of builders and he will be doing my place up later this year.

His name is Alfonso and you can e-mail him in the first instance

[email]capone_alfonso@hotmail.com[/email]

NB.(sorry there is an _ between capone alfonso, I tried put one in but its come up with the whole address as underlined! ) However I see it works ok when you click on the e-mail address!

Tell him you have been recommended by Paul from London

Hope it all goes well[/QUOTE]
Jane/Paul

Many thanks for your helpful comments. we have just returned from a short visit to Ostuni to try to push things along and found that at long last we have planning permission, but now need to firm up on builder. So, your suggestions are very timely indeed.

Hi just a quick up date - at long last planning permission for the work on our house has been granted, hurrah!
Our builder Giovanni ([url]http://www.vpfprecostruiti.com/thefirm.htm[/url], see previous posting) has started work - up to now no problem with communication - all by email or phone and Giovanni hopes to have the work completed in time for our August holidays!.
We have taken before photographs and will post them along with the after photographs upon completion.

Jane