Welcome to the newbies who need to read this cautionary tale, to the veterans who roll their eyes with a smile after their own experiences and a light apology if some of this comes across as a rant or complaining. I'm about to share my experiences recently about the harsh reality of renovating in Bulgaria.
This thread is a follow-up after a recent post I created seeking English speaking, and/or national trades people who are reliable and do good work. Aimed at building a network for a solid team of contacts.
New aspiring expats will discover that locals are very friendly and accommodating. Many will invite you into their homes to share food and drinks, even if they have only just met you. The countryside scenery is amazing, the rail and motorway infrastructure is gradually improving. It's a wonderful country with much to offer.
With these things in mind, Bulgaria is perfect - Almost.
Lesson number 1 - When suppliers and tradesman for materials or quoting works; hear or read "Angleeski" ... You don't see the fireworks explode in their mind, nor hear the sound of a winning slot machine. Yet somehow, it feels like you just changed from being a regular person like them, into an open source bank account or hedge fund manager!
Forgive my pessimism. I have spoken to locals about this and they completely agree. There's an assumption bias created by the currency difference. The pound is worth more than the Leva, so many Bulgarians believe all English people are wealthy. The reality on the ground in both countries, economic conditions with the cost of living far outweigh a currency being higher or lower.
Lesson number 2 - Want easy simple delivery of supplies? Forget about it. Especially if you have a limited time schedule. Let alone if they can find your address without you going on a missing persons hunt to find the delivery guys. If you aren't onsite 3-4 weeks or more, just to receive your supplies you might struggle.
In my situation, I have commitments at home. Turns out a 2 week schedule to get materials just will not work. Very rare to find a fixed day and delivery time, and when such luck happens it has been scheduled for just days before leaving country. Twice this has forced me to simply cancel orders and give up.
Lesson number 3 - This lesson has been given to me by multiple people. Local Bulgarians, people in this forum and from my Youtube channel. Expect problematic trades and poor quality workmanship, unless you have a solid recommendations from someone you trust who has had good work done.
I am yet to experience this personally because the 2 things above have rendered my project floating dead in the water. At this point, to have my supplies onsite with quotes from good tradespeople... it would be a blessing.
Lesson number 4 - This Has been a difficult lesson for me to swallow. One that hurts the task of project management. BUDGETING. In the past, in the UK, I have worked on many different projects from rip-outs to renovations and landscaping. Professional jobs need professional trades, which all seamlessly work together in a plan, with fixed costs and a fixed budget.
This sounds like simple common sense. However, if you encounter any or all of the above lessons... Your plans for setting a budget are just not possible. While people say it's cheap in Bulgaria, and compared to UK this is plausible, it is not easy. I would advise you double your budget to allow for problems, and treble it for complete peace of mind.
In Summary -
I'm considering selling off my half acre with it's derelict renovation house unless I can overcome the issues above. Honestly, I don't want to fail and discard a property, in a place that I love.
If you are new to Bulgaria and you see renovation properties for sale, just remember this page.
I'm not saying don't do it, but what I am saying is be prepared for a challenge ahead of time. Use the lessons above to structure your approach and avoid the issues I have experienced.
NOTE - Still trying to build my list of good trades who can work nationally or at least will come quote me in Yambol. I need 5 windows and I need all the timbers in the roof replacing. The tiles are still good but it will need apex caps. Until this is done, can't install gutters spouts or facia and can't stop the winter causing more damage... If you can recommend anyone would appreciate if you can drop a private message - Thanks!
For everyone who reads this page, thanks for your time and for any feedback you give. Best of luck to newbies, I hope this post was helpful.
By for now
Sean 😎
