I don't have any references for you, but you might ask some of the people in the immediate vicinity of where you intend to construct who their builder was (whose homes you think seem to be well constructed).  Aside from that, perhaps drive around in a wider perimeter of say 5km, and see what projects are going up that appeal to you; the builder should have their info posted at the site.

The only tip I have is about payments.  Divide the project up into significant stages, such as (1) foundation laid, (2) walls up and wiring/plumbing set, (3) roof up and tiles laid (4) walls stuccoed, (5) completion.  That's assuming you're doing traditional Brasilian tijolo construction.  In the case above you'd pay 18% of the total project at the completion of steps 1-4, and then 28% at the end.  You want to keep the builder 'hungry', so to speak.

If he's going to control the material ordering and purchasing, you can expect to pay him an additional 10%, based on the total costs of the materials.  But he most likely gets a 10% discount at the construction supply places he buys from, so this 10% payment should be a wash.  Just be sure to have him run the orders through you first.  I had the builder of a project place the orders for materials, but then the company would email me an invoice, which I'd pay by a DOC on-line (you'll need the company's bank info and CNPJ to do this, which they're all happy to provide).

I recommend you make that additional 10% payment at the very end, and not along the way.  Of course, if you feel competent in knowing how to calculate and order the required number of tijolos, sacks of cement, cubic m2 of sand, argamassa, brita, quantity and dimensions of lumber, etc, then no need for you to pay this 10%.  Lastly, be sure you get notas fiscais for big expenditures!

Boa sorte!

EDIT: Hopefully, you can observe the progress of the work on a regular basis.  If after the first few weeks, things seem to be going well, I heartily recommend you stop by each Friday afternoon (if possible), and drop off some beer for the workers (a six-pack for each), and actually tell them you appreciate their good work.  Doesn't need to be Bohemia, Skol will do.  Yeah, this goodwill gesture will brand you as a stupid gringo, but trust me, they will greatly appreciate this, and will go the extra mile for you!  Once the project is completed, provide the goods for them to make a simple churrasco at the construction site (with more beers)....

EDIT#2:  Be sure you have something about 'change orders' in the contract with the builder, because there will undoubtedly be things you want to alter along the way.  Have the builder print you up a separate quote for each change you want to make (two copies, which you both sign).  These should be paid along with the regular payments, as suggested above, depending what category (stage of construction) the change order entails (have that spelled out in the contract with the builder).  If the change you want to make is minor, this is where your goodwill gesture of bringing beer on Fridays comes into play.  The change will probably be done at no extra charge! 



Edited by Gringo.Floripa - 03 June 2012 at 12:13

Thanks for the tips.............very much appreciated,

Originally posted by mark k I am still not sure though i reckon i would be better off using my wife to deal with constuction companies that have no knowledge of a gringo being involved or am i being to paranoid.  What do you think ??

No, you're not being paranoid.  A wise approach, yet I think in this instance you do it together, but play the good cop/bad cop game.
Can your wife be good at playing a mean b*tch? (don't answer that).

Construction crews know all too well that women are emotional, not rational (sorry gringas, no offense intended), so let her be the complainer, and you the peacemaker (with offerings of beer even).  She can be the one that says something is too expensive, "no way are we paying this price", "this was done wrong!", etc.  The builder will know you'll need to find a middle ground to keep her happy, and he'll also want to keep her happy! 


EDIT: Obviously, you don't get estimates from just one builder.  You need at least three (then you'll be able to tell if one is really trying to scam you).  Also, have your real estate agent buddy access a site called CCfacil, and pull reports on both the CPF and CNPJ of the respective builders.  A full report only costs R$17.  A worthwhile expenditure!

(If you happen to have your own CNPJ, you can access CCfacil yourself)




Edited by Gringo.Floripa - 03 June 2012 at 12:10

Originally posted by Gringo.Floripa Originally posted by mark k I am still not sure though i reckon i would be better off using my wife to deal with constuction companies that have no knowledge of a gringo being involved or am i being to paranoid.  What do you think ?? No, you're not being paranoid.  A wise approach, yet I think in this instance you do it together, but play the good cop/bad cop game. Can your wife be good at playing a mean b*tch? (don't answer that).

This also works in asking around for recommendations. The men are more brag and show off the wonderful work they had done on their homes.   The wives are more likely to air their complaints among themselves and show each other the "mistakes" they found with the work, and gripe about it.

If their is a lot of work being done in your area, have you wife make friends with the biggest gossiper.  Provide her with wine and she will tell your wife all of the good and bad construction jobs that have been done.

Have your wife introduce herself and visit the homes of those who were rumored to have had the best jobs done.  Have the woman show you what they did/how it looks. Bring the gossipy neighbor, if possibly, so they can help you ask about the prices for everything.  Get the contact info for the guys they used.  Knowing what they have done, how long it took and how much they charged someone else will help give you a better base line in negotiations.

Thanks people for all the advice , it has been very helpful and Gringo.Floripa your construction advice has been very very helpful.