Reality check: Houses in Crete, especially the new-built ones, adhere to very high building specifications In Crete Living, all properties listed are constructed to the highest standards, and are suitable for comfortably living all year round. In general, all the new-built houses in Crete adhere at the very least to the following building specifications: Excavation Excavation works for the foundation and the septic pit are carried out in order to prepare foundation works. Foundations Re-enforced concrete designed according to Greek Building Regulations. Steel is used for the frames and floors of the building, under the supervision of the engineer. Walls External: Two skin hollow clay brick party walls with 5 cm thick filled with Styrofoam for thermal insulation, maintain the coolness in summer and warmth in winter. Internal: Walls are made out of brick and then covered with three layers of plaster (external walls are double brick with air gap for insulation). Walls between flats/villas: Two skin hollow clay brick party walls with thick rock wool for acoustic insulation. Roof Full thermal and water proof insulation on flat roof slabs finished with cement based tiles. It can also be a pitched roof with wooden frame and ceramic tiles. Rendering (plaster) Cement based plaster laid in 3 coatings with a spatula–durable finish. Floors Usually, floors are tiled, including verandas and balconies. You can customize the tiles to your own design. You can also have a wood floor installed. Staircase In most properties the staircase is made out of concrete and tiled. Bathroom Bathroom and toilet fittings, as shown in the plans, with tiled shower area, bathroom floors and walls, will be tiled up to the height of the doors with a choice of tiles. Sanitary fittings of porcelain. Kitchen In most cases, the kitchen will include cabinets in the colour of your choice, backdrop to the sink and water taps. The wall between the cabinets and the counter will be tiled. You can customize the tiles to your own design. Doors - Windows Window frames, balcony doors, shutters made of white aluminum and double glazing windows will be complete with locks and handles. Internal doors from wood will also be complete with locks and handles. Electrical works Electrical installation works include plugs, switches, aerial points, immersion heater in bathroom and the connection with the local electric company. Please note that no light fittings are made. Hydraulics and plumbing Hydraulics and plumbing include the connection with the local water supply, the connection with the septic tank, all the gathering pipes from the pitched roof and the verandas using the pipe-to-pipe system. Paint Inside: The house will be usually painted white with plastic paint (3 layers) on spatula finish. Outside: The house will be painted a colour that is agreed by mutual agreement or as specified by the architect using acrylic paint (3 layers). Wooden doors/frames: They will be usually stained in a natural colour using ecological friendly water based paint. Hot water – Air condition Hot water boiler (immersion heater) operating with electricity fitted is standard. Provision (piping & sockets) for a/c split units in the living room and every bedroom. In most properties, provision (piping & electrical) for solar panel. Future central heating Pipes will be laid under the floors for future central heating. Common garden areas In most cases, landscaping, provision (cabling) for external lights, security lighting in common-use areas, water proof insulation of external planting areas and paving of all common areas with cement based tiles are included. Building license – Workers’ expenses The cost of the building and all of the workers’ expenses are included in the cost. Please, read again the previous list. Print it, if necessary. From now on, make sure that every house in Crete you consider buying, follows at least these building specifications.