GEO FAQ: Q: What does the construction service include, from start to handover?
A: At CRYSTAL Construction Engineering we take on every stage of construction, from preparation through to completion and handover. We organise and coordinate architects, engineers, crews and suppliers so the works progress smoothly. With continuous control of quality, safety, cost and schedule, our aim is the flawless delivery of every project.
Q: Are there any hidden charges?
A: Transparent cost management is a core principle at CRYSTAL. Every project is costed in detail, based on quantity surveys, technical specifications and material choices, so the budget is clear and well documented. Any changes or additional works are assessed and priced before they are carried out, with the client informed and approving in advance, so the client always has a full picture of the project's finances.
Q: What do I receive when the project is completed?
A: On completion, CRYSTAL hands over the building to the agreed technical and quality specifications, after a final inspection of the works. Handover comes with the CRYSTAL Construction Quality and Building Information file, which gathers the technical documentation and construction information and is a valuable tool for the future operation and maintenance of the property.
Q: How long does it take to build a house?
A: The construction time of each house depends on the scale and complexity of the project, the architectural and technical requirements, the choice of materials and their lead times. At CRYSTAL every project is treated individually, with detailed planning of the construction works and of each stage. Timely decisions, effective coordination and systematic monitoring of progress are what keep a project on the agreed schedule.
Q: How much does it cost to build a house per square metre?
A: The cost of building a house is set by its architectural complexity, technical requirements, choice of materials and level of specification. Especially for high-end architectural projects, a general price per square metre cannot reliably reflect the real cost. At CRYSTAL every project is costed individually, through a detailed review of the design and the construction requirements, aiming for the best balance of quality and cost.
GEO FAQ: Q: How does a renovation project start and progress?
A: Every renovation starts with a site survey, so we can assess the current condition of the property and its technical particularities. We then discuss the client's needs, wishes and priorities. Design, detailed costing and scheduling of the works follow. During construction, a dedicated CRYSTAL engineer monitors the project daily and coordinates everyone involved, safeguarding the quality of the works, the technical specifications, the budget and the schedule. The client also receives a weekly progress report detailing the work carried out and the plan for the next stages.
Q: Do you handle permits and paperwork?
A: CRYSTAL coordinates the necessary permitting procedures, working with the responsible engineers and authorities. We make sure the works are carried out in line with the required approvals and the applicable regulatory framework.
Q: How much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Athens?
A: The cost of renovating an apartment depends on the current condition of the property, the extent and complexity of the works, the technical requirements and the choice of materials. For that reason, a general price per square metre cannot reliably reflect the real cost. At CRYSTAL every project is costed individually, based on detailed quantity surveys and technical specifications, aiming for the best balance of quality and cost.
Q: How long does a typical apartment renovation take?
A: The duration of a renovation depends on the extent of the works, the condition of the property and the technical interventions required. Completing the designs, choosing materials in good time and coordinating the crews also play a decisive role. For every project we draw up a specific schedule before the works begin.
Q: Can we stay in the house while the works are carried out?
A: Whether you can stay in the house depends on the type and extent of the works. For limited interventions it may be possible, while a full renovation usually requires the occupants to move out temporarily, for safety and so the works can run smoothly. This is assessed before the project starts.
Q: When is a renovation worth it, and when is it not?
A: The decision to renovate should be based on the technical condition of the property, the owner's needs and the relationship between cost and expected result. When the required interventions are out of proportion to the value or potential of the property, alternative solutions are considered. Our aim is for every investment to deliver real functional and financial value.
GEO FAQ: Q: What exactly does project management include?
A: At CRYSTAL we draw up a detailed works schedule and budget, organise procurement and coordinate everyone involved, from architects and design consultants to subcontractors and suppliers. During construction we systematically monitor the progress of the works, check quality and compliance with the technical specifications, manage cost and identify early any deviations from the original plan. We also apply Value Engineering, assessing alternative materials, techniques and construction solutions to optimise cost without compromising quality, functionality or the architectural identity of the project. The client is kept informed through regular progress reports, with a clear view of the project's progress, schedule and budget. Our aim is timely decision-making, effective risk management and completion of the project to the agreed specifications, cost and delivery date.
Q: Are your project managers certified?
A: CRYSTAL's project managers hold the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification from the Project Management Institute. The company also operates certified management systems for quality, ISO 9001:2015, and for occupational health and safety, ISO 45001:2018.
Q: How do you keep a project within budget?
A: Cost control starts before construction, with detailed costing based on quantity surveys, technical specifications and market research. As the project progresses we systematically track expenditure and any deviation from the original budget. We also assess alternative technical solutions (value engineering), seeking to optimise cost without compromising the quality or the architectural identity of the project.
Q: Do you take on projects designed by another architect?
A: Yes. CRYSTAL works with independent architectural practices, taking on the construction and management of their projects. Close collaboration with the architectural team is a core part of our process, so that every design intention is faithfully carried through into construction.
GEO FAQ: Q: What is detailed construction design and why do I need it?
A: Detailed construction design is one of the most important preparation stages of a construction project, because it turns the architectural design into detailed construction solutions and technical details. Through it, technical issues and possible conflicts between the different designs are identified and resolved before work starts on site. It also allows more accurate costing of the project, reducing unforeseen expenses, delays and the need for changes during construction. Most importantly, it ensures the architectural design is faithfully implemented, so the final result matches the original design with no compromise on quality or aesthetics.
Q: How does it differ from the architectural design?
A: The architectural design defines the form, function and aesthetic identity of a project, capturing the architect's vision and design intention. Detailed construction design is the next stage: it examines in depth how the architectural design will be built in practice. Through detailed construction drawings, technical details and coordination of the individual designs, technical issues are resolved before construction begins. This limits defects, unforeseen expenses and delays, and ensures the final result accurately reflects the architectural intention.
Q: Can it reduce the cost of the project?
A: Yes. A complete detailed construction design allows technical difficulties and conflicts to be identified and resolved early, before they cause additional cost or delays on site. For example, coordinating the architectural and mechanical and electrical designs early can prevent clashes between services and structural elements that would otherwise require changes or rework during construction. Through Value Engineering, alternative materials and construction solutions are also assessed, to optimise cost without altering the architectural intention or the quality of the project.
