Turnkey, contractor or managing it yourself
This is not only about price. It is about who answers when something goes wrong, and how much time you can give the project from wherever you live.
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Three ways to build
| Turnkey | Contractor | Self-managed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who coordinates | The builder | The contractor on site; the rest is yours | You |
| Contracts | One | Several | Many |
| Your time | Little | Some | A lot |
| If it fails | One party answers | Possible disputes | The risk is yours |
If you live abroad, turnkey is usually the realistic option. See what to include in turnkey homes.
Warranties to check
In a building contract, the Civil Code gives an owner 5 years for defects in long-lasting property, with short periods to report them (Supreme Court summary). When buying from a professional, Decree-Law 84/2021 sets 10 years for structural defects and 5 for others. Ask a lawyer which applies to you.
Common questions
Is turnkey more expensive?
It can be, because you pay for coordination and risk. Compare quotes with the same scope.
Can I manage a build from abroad?
It is hard. You would still need qualified professionals on site and someone to act for you.