2 Bedroom house

• Two bedrooms
• One bathroom
• Living room with dining area and open plan kitchen
• Utility room
• Total built up area 79 m²

3 Bedroom house

• Three bedrooms
• One bathroom
• Living room with dining area and open plan kitchen
• Utility room
• Total built up area 85 m²

3 Bedroom house

• Three bedrooms
• Two bathrooms (one en-suite)
• Living room with dining area and open plan kitchen
• Utility room
• Total built up area 120 m²

The floor plans above are samples of real houses built by Investconsutl Ltd for customers from the UK. The floorplans are designed exclusively by our company . The houses – solely built by our building company - are primerely designed for a holiday home in Bulgaria. The 2-bedroom house and the medium sized 3-bedroom houses are a cost-effective solution for a summer house in Bulgaria. The larger 3-bed house can be used all year round (because of the entrance hall)

As said before these house designs are cost saving and perfect solution for a limited budget. Contact us for a quote and you will be surprised by the low cost.

When saving from the size of your house you will be able to have built up a nice fence, a landscaped yard, a swimming pool and a BBQ for an outdoor family diner. We would like to advise you, that if you intend to let your house then a swimming pool is a must.

It is difficult and rather impossible for a builder to give a cost estimate of a renovation project without seeing the property or just by looking at several pictures presented by the homeowner. This applies to everywhere in the world and so with us in Bulgaria. As the doctor needs to see the patient so a builder / renovator needs to see the property / house / villa / etc. to check the current condition and prescribe the right ‘treatment’.

Investconsult Ltd has been in the property construction & renovations business for many years. We have build, constructed, renovated and refurbished many houses, apartments, pools, house extensions, bathrooms, kitchens etc. home improvements and have done every other job the building and construction branch. Apart from the professional knowledge and the skilled builders, we also have the know-how of the house renovation in Bulgaria.

Our experience

We can tell you right away the full list of renovation works required for the property in question – starting from the outside with roof repair or partial replacement, external walls rendering, insulation and painting, further to construction consolidation, and then we can give you an advice about the architecture – where to put the bathroom (many old houses in the villages in Bulgaria don’t have internal toilet or bathroom at all), where to build an internal staircase, etc.

Having done many renovation projects in the past, unlike many builders in Bulgaria we can give you an exact estimate (offer in written) for the renovation works required by the homeowner, and the renovation will cost you not a penny more of what we have quoted. Our quote is very detailed giving you the cost for every work required and ordered. It will also give you an idea of what renovation works.

When dealing with us you will receive an advice that is professional and that will save you a lot of troubles, time and most important money.

There is one advice on price that we can give you without seeing your property:

A FREE ADVICE:

Pay no attention to what you have been told from the real estate agent about the renovation cost of the house you are viewing.

Real estate agencies are interested in the sale of the property only, as everybody in the property sale chain, they have absolutely no interest of telling you the true cost of the renovation. They sell properties for commission, they are not doing renovations.

You can contact us before you buy a property in need of renovation. This might prevent you from making a big and expensive mistake.

Our company is based in Bourgas and therefore your enquires should refer to properties located in Bourgas region or within the distance of max. 100-150 km from Bourgas city.

In case your property is located at larger distance we can view the property and give you a renovation survey but we would probably not be able to perform the repair.

We usually offer property maintenance once the houses are being renovated, but as we are a small company this is only possible if the property is close to Bourgas. It is very difficult to find “people for work” these days in Bulgaria despite the economic crises. Besides, the builders should be supervised and controlled all the time within the renovation process in order to achieve better efficiency of labor so the property should not be too far away from Bourgas.

Further to the above mentioned we would like to explain you how we proceed in practice:

First we have to view the property. In most cases it takes about one day to inspect a property – to take pictures of everything, to take measurements of the house (outside and rooms inside). Back at the office we review the pictures and together with the measurements we put everything on paper, making a plan of the house, this is a kind of working drawing, that can be used for work.

We will provide you with competent opinion about the requirements for:

• constructive reinforcement of the property if needed;
• electric wiring and renewal if needed;
• condition of the water pipes and their renewal if needed;
• setting the location of the internal toilets and bathrooms;
• setting the location of an internal staircase;
• extensions to the house
• placing of extrnal insulation;
• landscaping of the yard, building of a swimming pool, BBQ, etc. (additionally on request)

At the end we will give a price quote in written that includes all required building works, terms and conditions

At this point you will have a full information about what the renovation will cost you and what you will get for your money.

We can give you a price quote in term of one week from your initial contact. We believe it will meet your agreement and we will be pleased to renovate your property as per your requirements.

If you are not happy with our price offer and you decide to use another building company for the renovation you are welcome to contact us in case you need someone to supervise the renovation process on your behalf and to control the quality of the works.

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You can contact us if you are looking for a Builder in Bulgaria. We are general builders covering all aspects of construction including Property Renovation, Repairs and Property finishes in Bulgaria.
Click here to >> Contact us <<

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You may also be interested in:

• Old property renovation in Bulgaria
• Things you should know before building your swimming pool in Bulgaria
• Obtaining building permit in Bulgaria

Planting the right plants on the right place in your garden

The first and most important decision you should take when designing your garden is to plan the various plants you would like to plant in your yard. Planning and planting trees, shrubs, flowers and lawn is a significant process when landscaping your yard and you should take your time to plan everything right. The following advices will help you to pick the right plants and their layout in the garden.

Selecting the right plants makes your garden unique and beautiful

Trees

Rising above shrubs, flowers, herbs, and other smaller plants, trees are the backbone of your landscaped garden. Planting trees will add height and color to your property all the year around but before planting them consider the size of your garden. If your garden is pretty small about 500 m2, you do not have enough space to plant trees such as oak, beech tree, walnut-tree or any other large trees. People often seem to forget that these plants also grow. Use small trees: apple tree, Japanese maple, hawthorn and cypress. Arrange them by the fence and never too close to the house. You may plant some of the trees in odd-numbered groups of three or five depending on the space you have available. Only an exotic tree or a very rare tree could stand alone but not in a central position. Better plant different types of trees to add some diversity to your garden rather than several trees of one type. Do not arrange trees symmetrically and in close distance, consider the trees’ size and shape and most important take a good care of your trees.

Trees add height to your house - imagine the picture below without the trees!

Shrubs

Shrubs are the frame of a garden’s design. Especially shrubs that flower are a vital part of any garden and form its “filling”. You may plant the shrubs in rows, groups or individually but look for asymmetry. There is a great variety of gorgeous shrubs and if you choose them carefully you will have a garden full of colors and texture no mater what the season is. Flowering shrubs can be grown in a shrub border or in a mixed border, meaning they will be mixed with other different plants. The color combination is very important and also the size of the shrubs that will be grown in one group. It is advisable to plant shrubs in contrast colors to get the combination right and it they are grown in groups they should “start” from a tree or from another garden feature. Use your imagination when cutting the shrubs – try different shapes to add a uniqueness of your garden and to express your personality.

Shrubs add color - look for asymmetry when planting shrubs


Evergreen shrubs are perfect for adding year around color to the garden. They should not be a dominant element of your plant composition. Use evergreens to frame interesting architectural details or as hedges in a formal garden. They are also very effective for framing an entrance way. Large evergreen shrubs (laurel, Oregon grape, rhododendron, magnolia) have to be combined with some lower and small-leaved shrubs to achieve a proper balance. Most of the evergreens do not require much sunshine so you may use this advantage and plant them in places where flowering shrubs and perennial flowers do not grow. Do not mix them with roses and seasonal flowers - this combination does not really work.

Climbing and wrapping shrubs differ in that, the first ones climb around walls, trees and stones while the second ones wrap themselves around pipes, beams or other garden structures. Otherwise they look quite similar; both have long stems and grow very fast forming deep foliage.
Vines & Ivy are not wrapping shrubs. Do not waste your time to make them wrap around the beams of your summer house. Climbing vines &ivy can be used on either brick or masonry walls, fences, trellises and other garden structures.
Wrapping shrubs such as wistaria require support such as a trellis or arbor to wrap. They are excellent for pergolas, summer houses, garden lighting and green tunnels.

Flowers

Annual flowers which live for one season require more maintenance and more knowledge. Their blossoms are bright and colorful; they change their density and height and thus require more upkeep to maintain them fresh. Moreover, since they only live for one season, they need be replanted each year. Do not arrange them in rows or in squares. Look for mild, oval shapes and mix different heights and colors but be sure they are of same color group. For instance you may combine yellow, orange and scarlet flowers. The rule ”one blue, one red flower” is out of the question in modern landscaping. Try to arrange them as simply as they are in real nature. It is not advisable to mix annual flowers with potted plants. And mostly avoid long and constant color groups when arranging them.
Perennial flowers form the spine of garden’s plant composition. They are due to decorate the garden as they survive the winter and reemerge each spring. Perennials bloom either early in the spring, during the middle of summer or late in the autumn. When arranging them try to copy the nature and do not plant them in complicated geometric groups. Perennials are ideal for exterior decoration; they match perfectly well to different architectural elements and garden features – rock gardens, ponds, etc.

Group flowers of same color in oval forms

Lawn

A beautiful lawn requires some efforts to be kept fresh and well mowed. Lawn grasses need to be watered thoroughly and deeply thus if you are to water it once in a month better do not waste time and money. The most important thing is to keep it healthy and fresh. You may increase its decorative effect if you choose more unconventional shape for the lawn, irregular oval shape for example. The edge that separates the lawn from the surrounding vegetation should be clearly visible otherwise the effect to your beautifully shaped lawn will not be the same. You may accentuate by placing an interesting tree, a large stone or an exotic bush but central positioning is not advisable.

Do not place benches on the lawn; parasols and some garden furniture could be set over the weekends but do not leave them permanently. In case your lawn has some yellow spots they may need more water and less fertilization. If the grass at the edges is too grown up and it is difficult to reach you may mow it by hand. The lawn’s level should be similar to the surrounding areas or it could slightly dominate.

The lawn requires lots of effort and maintenance

Flowerpots

Flowerpots are not just containers in which flowers are grown; they are an integral part of the aesthetical value of the flowers. It is important that you choose the right flower pots for your needs. Although they vary in shapes and sizes consider the surrounding area and their location first. Small flowerpots in the middle of the lawn would look out of place. The plants requirements are also of great importance – some flowers with small roots would need smaller flowerpots, while other plants like trees or climbing plants need room for their roots so big flowerpots would be more suitable. Plants with dramatic foliage or flowers look better with simple flowerpots. Flowerpots are useful as highlights – you could place two large flowerpots on either side of your front door for striking effect. A beautifully crafted glazed flowerpot in the middle of the yard would catch someone’s attention immediately. Sometimes you do not even need plants in them, the flowerpot speaks for itself. Avoid using flowerpots of different colors and materials unless you are not sure of the final effect. Use the nesting principle – one big flowerpot and four smaller ones surrounding it. If you do not have enough space and your yard is rather small, the a few big flowerpots is better than lots of little one.

For further reading:

• Basics of landscaping
• Landscaping services

Related articles (external sites)

• Gardening design points
• Front Garden Landscaping
• Garden ideas

Why is your garden design important?

No matter if you are renovating your old house in Bulgaria or if you are constructing a new home, landscaping your garden is what makes your home look completed and attractive. With us you can plan an attractive landscape design and then enjoy it the way you want it to be.

Naturally your home is the center of interest on your property and a proper landscaping will enhance the good points and distract attention from the weak points. The design of your garden makes your house unique and completed. Landscaping is more beyond putting a couple of plants in your garden. There are also lots of details to bring a sense of style through designing your garden area.

When we plan the layout of your garden we will discuss with you the architectural components of your yard design:

• Paths and walls
• Decking or Patio area
• Fence and gate
• Wall fountain, Pond, Waterfall, Rock garden
• Barbecue area
• Garden lighting
• Watering system
• And last but not least: The plants - trees, shrubs, flowers and lawn

Apart from these items you may also consider building a swimming pool. A well designed swimming pool adds the final touch to your yard and is the perfect place for family gathering and point of relaxation in the summer heat.

The plants

We will pay attention first to the layout of the plants in your garden. The plants are the backbone of your garden and affect the look of your garden. Appropriate plants must be grouped together and in proper order for the sun rays to reach them. The green plants in the garden can hide views from the house or to the house; they can create an intimate area or large open spaces. The right layout of the trees in the garden can allow you to use the garden all year round and provide maximum sun to specific areas – like the swimming pool for example.

Architectural components

Architectural components in your yard will be built on your request. You should think about the fence (type and material), gate, front yard, backyard and/or swimming pool. Keep in mind that the front yard will be seen all year round and must be designed attractive, because it is you card to others and must look inviting.

The help you make the right decision about layout, type and materials in your yard we have put together the

• Basics of Landscaping

We hope they will be helpful.

Low maintenance garden?

A garden can be landscaped to require minimal maintenance, but all garden/outdoor spaces will at some stage require maintenance. Even if this involves maintaining plants several times in the year, and additionally cleaning, repainting, staining natural and man-made materials. The amount of maintenance is down to personal preference. By choosing good-quality, robust materials that are well designed and built to a high level of construction method will reduce the amount of on-going maintenance you will have to undertake in the future. Good design and implementation reduces maintenance.


Having in mind that many houses in Bulgaria are owned as a second home it is very likely that you will not be in Bulgaria all year round and it will be not possible for you to maintain your garden. We offer property management as a standard service; you can contact us about property maintenance.

A word of warning:
The planting looks smaller than I expected. Why is this?

Instant perfect effect results are made in show-gardens only. It is absolutely normal to see more soil than anticipated when your new garden is completed. The plants will grow to their optimized size in about 3 seasons (5 seasons for larger plants – slow growing shrubs and trees). It is not good to have young plants competing with each other for nutrients and by buying them smaller it gives them time to grow into the space to find their own source of nutrients. This also gives some time to transplant them if required and you get emotionally connected to the plants in your garden. If we put grown up plants in the garden they will start immediately competing for their own space and many plants will be lost.

Two samples “before and after 2 seasons’

Designing and planning your garden is a significant process and if the job is done well you will be rewarded for many years to come.


You can contact us here for landscaping your yard.