Malta - British Expat Forum

What is the problem with Maltese builders? I need a bit of work done and none of the ones who (finally) answered the phone have shown up. One guy failed to show 3 times in a row and on each occasion when I contacted him pretended to be really interested in quoting for the work and rearranged the appointment. Why not just say they're too busy? Why waste my time? Then there are the ones who say they will call you back....... and we all know what doesnt happen then. Sorry about the rant, but i needed to share this. I'm new to Malta, so maybe one of you out there can explain - or has had a similar experience? Is there a secret someone can cut me in on?

I know that builder problems are international, but even in UK they do eventually show - its usually only after that you get the problems!

PJR

PJR,
the Maltese people do not like to say no.......

Is that the secret? If so, thanks, at least it gives me a clue - must get them into all sorts of trouble though. Most women are taught by their Mothers to say no from an early age, but builders tend to be male, so that explains it. Does your advice stem from many years of living in Malta? Looks like I have a lot still to learn.

pjr

This is just to let you all know that the builder did finally show up today - much sucking of teeth and ' it'll cost you' (nothing new, then) My faith is restored, now I'm just waiting to hear how much it will be......

pjr

sucking of teeth + high quote = a way of letting you say 'no', so they don't have to.

pjr, I'd like to know how you got on with your builder. I am coming out 3rd June to start the work on my own house and from one builder I have been waiting nearly a year for his quotes! I recently found out I got fleeced by an agent and architect who charged me 2330 euro for survey and plans, when in fact I could have got them for around 600 euro, or maybe even cheaper. A mistake I won't be making again. Secondly, I was recently quoted 51,000 euro excluding VAT for "structural works" to my house, and when I arrived last week to tell him to his face that he wasn't getting the job due to the price, he came back within 5 minutes with a quote of 35,000 euro including VAT for the same work!!!! (But they still aint getting the job at that price). Crazy figures pulled from the air I suspect, so be careful. I have got friendly with a maltese guy runs a restaurant over there, and I was told that there are two price lists whereever you go, builders included. One for locals, one for foreigners, which is a pity, because all it has done is made me mistrust everyone I am seeking prices from for various jobs.

LOl !! Whatever Country one migrates to, the locals see foreigners as 'rich pickings' , thats life.
During conversation with some locals in Turkey, the concensus was that foreigners, and most of all Brits, had more money than sense. Developers in some Countries have collected HUGE deposits from many foreign buyers for off -plan properties, and then done ' a runner ' !!!

Thanks folks. All I can say is, its a big worry. Jim and lisa, I am still waiting (and waiting) for the quote...... I will let you know when there is any news on that front.. I have had to return to UK for a few weeks but will be back not long after you, so maybe we can do some liasing and form a mutual support society. I need to get a second quote but am seriously questioning whether I have got the stamina...... I may have to employ the tactic that I used to get the first one to come round after his 3rd no show - offer to go round to his gaff and wait for him and pick him up. Amazing how a little helpfulness brings results.....

pjr

I'm an expat builder who's looking to find out how to advertise? Can anyone help me?

Hi Ian - you can place an advert on this forum for £ 5, or for £ 25 per annum you can subscribe to the recommended suppliers forum and place ads for free 50% goes to Gozo SPCA

Thanks i will try the other site tryed this one and you can't advertise at the moment..but thanks again.
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Ian, I've tested both our Adverts and our Small Ads boards and both are working. What problem have you had?

hi dave yea clicked the advertise button it said you were rebuilding the site and you won't be taking adds i'll look again thanks

Hi dave it still says the same.

Ah, I see what you mean. We'll need to rewrite that page - what we actually mean to say there is that we're not accepting ads on the main site.

The forum advert boards are all very much in operation and working, so if you go and post an ad on the Adverts board you'll be presented with a PayPal button after you've posted the ad. Sorry about the confusion!