How do you check if a new villa or extension is viable?
Viability combines urban planning information and physical reality: classification and ordinance of the plot, buildability, occupancy, heights, setbacks, use, easements, topography and legal status of what exists. The owner's program is then checked against those limits and a target cost. An attractive idea should not be developed as a definitive project until it is confirmed that it can be reasonably built and authorized.
What practical difference is there between building a new villa and expanding an existing one?
New construction allows the structure, envelope and facilities to be coordinated from the beginning, but requires the development and contracting of the entire building. An extension reuses part of the property, although it adds uncertainty: existing foundation, meetings, levels, fissures, installations and regulatory compatibility. In extensions we recommend a precise survey, structural study and selective tastings before setting a solution, price or deadline.
How do you ensure that the extension does not seem like a later addition?
Proportions, dimensions, axes, materials, openings, light and relationship with the garden are studied, but also joints, structure, waterproofing and thermal continuity. Exactly copying the old facade is not always the best answer; a coherent contemporary intervention can work. The important thing is that architecture and construction detail are designed together and that material samples are evaluated alongside the existing villa.
How long does the construction of a villa take?
The deadline depends on previous studies, project, license, contracting, earthworks, structural complexity, level of finishes and supplies. A program must be developed that separates design and processing of the work, and identifies façade, carpentry, kitchen, stone and long-term equipment. A delivery date is only accountable when it is supported by sequence, resources, customer decisions, and parcel risks.
How do you estimate the cost before the entire project is finished?
In feasibility, we work with surfaces, structural typology, plot conditions and quality standards to create a cost by chapters, not a fictitious closed figure. As the project progresses, measurements and specifications are incorporated until a comparable and contractable budget is obtained. Construction, fees, studies, rates, connections, urbanization, landscaping, furniture and contingency must be separated to know the complete investment.
What plot studies may be necessary?
It usually starts with a topographic survey and geotechnical study; Depending on location and project, analysis of trees, existing services, drainage, walls, conditions or contamination can be added. In an extension, the structure and foundation of the villa is also investigated. The technical team determines the scope: saving an essential study can transfer a much more costly uncertainty to excavation or structure.
Who coordinates architecture, structure and facilities?
Coordination must produce compatible plans before building. Structural openings, heights of false ceilings, patios, technical rooms, drainage, lighting, air conditioning, swimming pool and home automation are reviewed. Becker Projects can organize meetings, version control and decisions between disciplines, respecting the responsibilities of designers and project management. Early coordination avoids improvising installation steps or reducing spaces during the work.
How is energy efficiency and comfort controlled?
The envelope is designed first: orientation, shade, insulation, thermal bridges, airtightness, glass and ventilation. Afterwards, the air conditioning and hot water production systems are calculated and selected, avoiding oversizing them. Compliance with the CTE is the regulatory minimum; The project objective can add better solar control, zoning, air quality, acoustics and monitoring to respond to the actual use of the villa.
How is the construction company selected and offers compared?
All companies must evaluate the same plans, measurements, qualities and contractual conditions. Omissions, abnormally low prices, resources, experience, insurance, subcontracting, program and financial capacity are reviewed, not just the total. Before awarding, exclusions are clarified and a comparative table is created. An incomplete offer may seem cheaper and then turn into a succession of unforeseen items.
What evidence and documents are provided upon completion of a new villa?
In addition to reviews, installation tests, balancing and commissioning of air conditioning, hot water, ventilation, electricity, home automation, irrigation and pool are scheduled. Documentation depends on the project and includes certificates, legalizations, final plans, manuals, guarantees and applicable termination or occupation procedures. Handover should include owner training and a maintenance schedule, not just handing over the keys.
