Standard Building Specification 2009

For conventional built house

The following is a summary of our current standard building specification for a conventionally constructed house using a reinforced cement frame, infilled with brick and plastered. If you would like a detail sample contract which typically shows more details about materials, terms and conditions and stage payments, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Concrete Works

The concrete used will be category C 20/25 for Columns, C 16/20 for floor and roof, C12/15 or C 08/10 for other general purposes. This construction method complies with of the current Greek Anti-Seismic Building Regulations.

Additives to concrete: In the concrete the Developer will add two additives: The first keeps the concrete fluid during the pouring operation, thus flows better into the wooden matrix and around the reinforced iron preventing air bubbles, which would weaken the structure. It also waterproofs and protects the reinforcing iron from corrosion. The second additive creates a film on top of the concrete surfaces at the end of the pouring process preventing the concrete from drying too quickly and inhibits cracking.

Walls

·        Exterior Walls: All exterior walls consist of a 25 cm thick double-brick construction in-filled with 3 cm thick insulation of polystyrene panels formulated to ISO 9002 standard and a 2 cm air gap. This results in a “K” value of 0.559, which fully complies with Greek building and energy conservation recommendations. An additive is added to the cement used to construct the brick walls to give superior strength.

·        Interior Walls:  All interior walls will be constructed of plastered 10-cm thick brick walls.

Plastering

Interior and exterior walls will be plastered with three layers of plaster. Black cement is used for the rough layers (cement, sand) and white cement for the smooth layer (sand, cement, marble dust, chalk). Glass fibre mesh is applied over all joints of differing materials prior to ensure adhesion and prevent cracking. An additive will be added to the plaster that strengthens the plaster and makes it denser. For further strength and better joining, specialist synthetic fibres are added to the plaster.

Roof Construction

·  Flat - A flat roof will be constructed of reinforced concrete. It will be fully water and thermally insulated with a number of alternative finishes, tiles gravel etc.

·  Pitched - A pitched roof will be constructed of wood trusses and planking in an open-rafted design. The external planking surface is coated with waterproofing sheeting followed by a 3 cm thick layer of insulation. The roof will be covered with ceramic roof tiles in accordance with the architect’s plans. All overhanging edges are sealed to prevent birds from nesting.

·  Guttering - All down pipes and guttering installed are of English Polypipe or a similar high quality product conforming to BS-4576 or equivalent.

 Insulation & Waterproofing

Crete Island Estates/Ebcc Inc. pays special attention to the use of insulation and fully complies with all Greek energy conservation recommendations. Insulation layers are provided to protect against extremes of heat and cold as well as to provide a moisture barrier.

·    Foundation Waterproofing

All below ground external foundation surfaces are painted with two layers of waterproofing tar then lined ribbed drain sheets. Where appropriate, a perforated pipe ring is installed at the base of the foundation and covered with SI-311 fibre mesh to prevent sand infiltration prior to back filling and ensure drainage away from the foundation.

·    Column Insulation

The exterior surfaces of all concrete columns are insulated with a 3 cm thick layer of polystyrene panels cast in-situ during the pouring operation.

·    Flat Roof Insulation

The roof will be constructed to allow sufficient gradient for rainwater to drain away. The construction method has been designed to ensure adequate thermal insulation as well as provide an effective barrier against water seepage.

·    Pitched Roof Insulation

The external planking surface is coated with waterproofing sheeting followed by a 3 cm thick layer of insulation.

      Doors, Windows, Wardrobes

·         Windows and patio windows will be white aluminium

·         Glass is double-glazed

·         Window sills will be from marble

·         Security shutters will be in white aluminium

·         External doors will be made from white aluminium

·         Internal doors with wooden frame covered with MDF or in traditional style as appropriate to the building

·         Fitted wardrobes will be constructed in MDF or traditional style appropriate to the building

·         Shelves inside the wardrobes and cupboards are made from melamine.

Kitchen

Supply and installation of kitchen units in a style selected by the clients including sink, drainer, taps, wastes, plugs, chains and stays. Cupboards will be from MDF or will consist of a rendered Ytong construction with traditional style doors. The internal shelves of the cupboards will be from melamine.

Electrical Supply

The house will be supplied with single-phase electricity in accordance with recommendations stipulated by the Greek electric company DEH and Greek building regulations. The primary circuit protection and electric meter will be installed outside the building with the distribution box and ground-fault protection located inside the building.

The positioning of lighting connections, the number and position of the power points and switches, and other electrical works will be decided between the CLIENTS, the architect, and the DEVELOPER in the form of an electrical plan. The scope of the electrical works includes:

·         Installation and supply of all internal and external wiring according to the electrical plan

·         Installation and supply of all power points and switches

·         Installation and supply of television and telephone points

·         Preparation work for retro fitting of air conditioning units (actual units not supplied)

All cables used for the installation are as recommended by the DEH and all electrical works are in accordance with Greek building regulations. The cables used will be of the following diameters:

·         10 mm for incoming power supply connection from the meter to the distribution board.

·         6.0 mm for the kitchen stove/cooker unit

·         4.0 mm for the solar panel

·         2.5 mm for major appliances (washing machine, refrigerator, etc)

·         1.5 mm for lighting

·         0.5 mm for telephone line

·         Coaxial cable for TV

Plumbing Works

The pipes used for the plumbing work are Unipipe (DVGW U 670 and TS 341). This pipe is also used for the central heating connections where applicable. Unipipe has the distinct advantage of being rust and scale-free.The plumbing work includes:

·         Supply and installation of hot and cold water supply pipes

·         Construction of a septic tank

·         Supply & installation of piping for waste & waste connection to septic tank

·         Supply and installation of interior taps for kitchen and bathroom/s

·         Supply and installation of exterior taps provided for irrigation of plants

·         Supply and installation of a solar panel and tank

·         Supply and fitting of 1000 ltr fresh water storage tank

·         Ducting work for retro fitting air-conditioning units (actual units not supplied)

Tiling

All internal floors will be levelled with two layers, first with concrete, then cement screed. The floors are finished with ceramic tiles or appropriate flooring material to the value of 13 Euros/square meter.

Marble strips can be included in each doorframe to optically separate the different rooms and tiles.

 Bathroom

The bathroom(s) includes the following:

·         Floor for selection to the value of 13 Euros/square meter.

·         Supply and installation of tiling of walls up to 1.80 m high to the value of 15 Euros/square meter

·         Installation and supply of bathroom fitments comprising hand-basin, toilet and bath or shower tray as shown on the architectural drawings.

·         Supply and fitting of bathroom fitments comprising toilet roll holder, towel rail and mirror

Kitchen

Supply and installation of kitchen units in a style appropriate to the building including sink, drainer, taps, wastes, plugs, chains and stays.

·        Cupboards will be from MDF or in a traditional style appropriate to the building

·        The internal shelves of the cupboards will be from melamine.

·        Work surface will be covered in washable melamine.

·        The walls will be painted and tiled to the value of 20 Euros/square meter between the cupboards and work surface.

Painting & Decoration

All paint and wood treatment products used are of the highest quality and have been selected for the suitability of the Cretan building materials and the local climate.

·     External Walls

All external walls will be painted with waterproof acrylic paint. Three coats are applied, first the primer and then two coats of washable exterior paint.

·     Internal Walls

All internal painting will be with appropriate high-quality lead and odour-free ecological paint. First the primer followed by two coats of the internal paint.

·     Wood Surfaces

All wooden doors and ceilings are treated with paint, varnish and/or oil as appropriate according to the style and final finish of the house. This will normally be in three layers to treat and seal the wood and to prevent pest and worm infestation.

Materials Briefing

Our technical director is constantly sourcing and introducing new products and technology, including eco-friendly systems and materials. If you would like to discuss this further or attend a materials briefing, please contact us.