We will be adding the full historical details from a villa renovation project that will be reported on a week by week basis as the project progressed. The intention is to give a true opinion of experiences with all the tradesmen involved in the building work and report on any obstacles that were encountered along the way.

About the building project.

The project was started with the architect in August 2009.

The planned completion date was January 2010, subject to work starting in September 2009.

The brief given to the architect was to create a modern contemporary villa incorporating new with old.

The existing villa was four bedrooms with three of them already en-suite and this format would be kept.

The kitchen would be extended so that it would then flow into the lounge area.

The lounge area would be extended by a substantial amount and would have a wide expanse of glass to maximise the superb view which was wasted in the original layout.

Bedroom 1 (master bedroom) would be extended to allow the en-suite to be increased in size.

Bedroom 2 would be extended to give more area for wardrobe space.

Bedroom 3 would remain pretty much the same.

Bedroom 4 (guest bedroom) would remain pretty much the same.

The main entrance would be extended with a covered area and video entry for the main gate.

A feature brick wall was to flow from inside the lounge onto the terrace area.

Feature lighting was to be incorporated where possible.

Electric underfloor heating was to be installed throughout the villa.

A new wall would be built around the perimeter of the property to give more privacy and to give some security.

August 2009.

1. Before the architect could proceed with any drawings, discussions had to be held with the local Camara (council) to understand what was allowed with regards to increasing the internal area of the villa.

2. The drawings were produced and submitted to the Camara for approval.

Contractors and suppliers involved in the project.

Architect - Paula A R Santos Ribeiro - Lagos

Builder - LagoPortico - Lagos

Tiles and bathroom fittings - Macoter - Lagos

Windows - Mestre Raposa - Loule