What Working With Us Is Really Like, Step by Step From Abroad
It starts with a few photos sent from wherever you are and ends with photos of a finished, deep-coloured surface. In between, you agree the scope in English, arrange access through someone local, and follow the stages as they happen. Here is the real sequence, with the questions you may have at each point.
Send us a photo and the m²What happens when you first get in touch?
You send us photos and the approximate square metres, either through the contact form or by WhatsApp to 613 656 443. You can write in English. The most useful pictures are a wide view of the whole area, close-ups of any cracks or damage and a low shot along the surface.
At this point you may wonder whether the photos are good enough. If they are not, we will ask for specific extra shots rather than guess. Your property manager or a neighbour can take them if you are away.
What does our reply contain?
An honest view of what the surface needs and, if restoration fits, a quote based on the area, the condition and the access. If the photos suggest movement, sinking or widening cracks, we say so and explain why restoration is not the right first step.
A natural question here is: can you really tell from photos? For the surface and its defects, usually yes.
Where something is unclear, we ask. Our page on clean, restore or replace explains what we are looking for.
How are the dates agreed?
Around three things: your calendar, the weather and the drying times in the product data sheet. For rentals, that means a gap between bookings; for sales, a date before viewings; for your own use, a time when nobody needs the drive.
We plan conservatively, because rushing a coat in poor conditions is one of the things that can spoil a result. Our article on what can go wrong explains why.
How does access work when you are not there?
Through whoever looks after the property: a key holder, property manager, gardener, cleaner or neighbour. We agree in advance who opens the gate, who clears furniture, pots and vehicles, and who needs to know when the surface can be used again.
If the villa is in a gated urbanisation, tell us the access rules and we will follow them. Our villa terrace refresh page covers this in more detail.
What happens on site?
The same sequence every time. The surface is pressure washed; cracks and small defects are repaired; edges along walls, posts and steps are cut in by brush; and two coats of synthetic resin paint are applied.
On our Marbella reference job, those stages took a faded, cracked grey drive and carport to a dark, glossy, even finish. The full sequence is on our completed work page.
How do you follow progress from abroad?
Through photos sent by WhatsApp or email at the main stages: after cleaning, after repairs, during edging and at the end. Seeing the clean, repaired surface before the colour goes on matters, because it is the only moment when the preparation is visible; once the coats are down, it is hidden for good.
If you have questions during the work, ask them in English and you will get an answer in English.
What happens when the work is finished?
You receive photos of the finished surface, and the times from the product data sheet for when it can be walked on and driven on. Whoever has access is told the same, so that no car or furniture goes back too early.
Then the invoice, with VAT shown according to your situation. For general information on the service, see our patio refresh service page.
Is the process different for communities?
The work is the same; the decision runs through the administrador and the Junta. We provide the quote and description for the owners, in Spanish and English if needed. See our communal surfaces page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I arrange everything by WhatsApp?
Yes. Photos, questions, the quote, dates and progress updates can all run through WhatsApp on 613 656 443, in English. If you prefer email or the contact form, that works equally well. Use whatever is easiest from where you are.
Do I need to fly over for the work?
No. Access can be arranged through your key holder, property manager, gardener or a neighbour. You follow the progress through photos of the stages and receive photos of the finished surface. You may only see the finished surface in person on your next visit, having followed it from home.
Who moves the furniture and cars?
Whoever looks after the property usually does, before cleaning starts. We agree in advance who that will be and confirm with them on the day, so that the whole area can be treated evenly. If nobody is available, tell us early so that we can plan the start around it.
What if the photos you receive are not clear enough?
We will ask for specific extra photos, for example a close-up of a crack with something for scale or a low shot along the drive. We would rather ask than guess, because the quote depends on what the surface really looks like.
How will I know the preparation was done properly?
Ask for photos after the cleaning and repairs, before the colour goes on. A clean, sound surface with filled cracks shows that preparation was done. We can send those photos by WhatsApp or email. Those photos are also a useful record if you ever sell or let the property.
Can my property manager deal with you directly?
Yes. Some owners prefer their manager to handle the practical side while they approve the quote. We can communicate with the manager in Spanish or English and keep you copied in. You decide who approves what, and we follow that arrangement throughout the job.
What if it rains on the planned day?
We reschedule. Coating in the wrong conditions risks the result, and the product data sheet sets the conditions. We will let you and whoever has access know as soon as a change is needed. A flexible window in your calendar makes these changes much easier to absorb.
When can my guests use the terrace again?
Once the drying and use times in the product data sheet have passed, which depend on the weather. We tell you and your manager the timing before the work, so that bookings and arrivals can be planned around it. Allowing a margin before the next arrival is always sensible, in case the weather slows drying.
Do you send an invoice to an address abroad?
We issue the invoice to the details you give us, with VAT shown according to your situation. If the property is owned through a company, provide its details when you accept the quote. Tell us the correct name and address when you accept, so that the invoice is right first time.
What if I am not happy with something?
Tell us straight away, with photos if possible, and we will look at it. Raising a concern during or immediately after the work is always easier than weeks later, especially when you are not on site. Clear photos of the area in question help us understand the concern quickly.