FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions we are asked most often.

General questions

Which area do you cover?

Throughout Belgium: Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia. We are based in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw.

How do I get a quote?

Call us on 0491 52 22 37 or 0485 27 89 53, send us a WhatsApp message or an email to elite.building.gr@gmail.com. We then come to see the site and give you a written, detailed quote.

Why a visit before the quote?

Every building is different. The visit lets us see the actual condition of the surface and propose a suitable solution and quote.

Can I send photos before the visit?

Yes, it is even recommended: a few photos by WhatsApp or email help us prepare the visit.

Do you work for private clients and businesses?

Yes: private clients, co-ownerships and businesses, in houses as well as apartment buildings.

Can you combine several jobs?

Yes. Façade, roof and interior finishes can be coordinated by a single point of contact.

Do the illustration photos show your projects?

No. Photos marked 'Illustration photo' come from free image libraries. Photos of our own projects are on the Our work page.

Extensions

Do I need planning permission for an extension?

In the vast majority of cases, yes. The rules depend on the region and the municipality; an architect usually helps you with the application.

Do you work with my architect?

Yes. We carry out the work from the approved plans and stay in touch with the architect during the project.

Can I live in the house during the work?

Often yes, depending on the size of the project. We organise the work to limit disruption and close the building in quickly.

Do you fit the window frames?

We coordinate the fitting of the window frames with the chosen manufacturer or joiner, so that the junctions with the masonry and the façade are done properly.

Can you also do the roof and the interior?

Yes: flat or pitched roofs, insulation, plastering and plasterboard are all part of our services.

Façades

Do I need permission to renovate a façade?

It depends on the municipality and the type of work. A simple like-for-like refresh often does not require it, but a change of appearance or colour may need approval. We advise you to check with your municipality's planning department before work starts.

When is the best time to renovate a façade?

Façade work is best done in dry, frost-free weather. Spring, summer and early autumn are the most favourable periods.

Can I stay in the house during the work?

Yes. Façade work is done from the outside; we protect windows and entrances to limit day-to-day disruption.

Do you also offer façade insulation?

Yes, we carry out external wall insulation. See our External wall insulation page.

How long does a façade renovation take?

It depends on the surface area, the condition of the surface and the chosen finish. We give you an estimated duration in the quote, after the visit.

Render & façade plaster

Can render be applied to brick?

Yes, provided the brick is sound and properly prepared. Depending on the condition of the wall, a bonding coat or reinforced base coat is applied before the finish.

What is the difference between textured plaster and render?

In everyday language the two words are often used interchangeably. Render refers to the coating in general; textured plaster usually means a structured finish.

Which colour should I choose?

Light colours reflect more heat and often age better. We show you colour charts and can make a sample on site.

How do you maintain render?

Gentle cleaning from time to time and a regular visual check are usually enough. Depending on exposure, dirt or moss may appear; suitable cleaning removes it. Avoid high-pressure cleaning too close to the surface.

External wall insulation

Which insulation material should be used?

The most common are expanded polystyrene (EPS), stone wool and wood fibre. The choice depends on the surface, fire-safety requirements and your priorities; we advise you during the visit.

Is external insulation possible on a terraced house?

Yes, on the front and rear façades. However, the junctions with neighbouring façades need care, and local planning rules must be checked.

Is a permit required?

Insulation changes the thickness and often the appearance of the façade. Depending on the municipality, approval may be required: check with the planning department.

Are there grants?

Regional grants for wall insulation exist or have existed. Conditions change regularly: check your region's official websites before signing.

Can I live in the house during the work?

Yes, generally. The work is done outside; we protect the window frames and organise the site to limit disruption.

Repointing & façade cleaning

How do I know if my joints need redoing?

Recessed, crumbling, cracked or missing joints and damp on interior walls are common signs.

Can I choose the joint colour?

Yes. We can match the existing colour or suggest another depending on the effect you want.

Does cleaning damage the brick?

Too aggressive a method can damage it. That is why we adapt the technique and pressure to the surface.

Is scaffolding needed?

Usually yes, to work safely and evenly over the full height.

Can the façade be water-proofed afterwards?

It is possible depending on the surface; we discuss it with you during the visit.

Flat roofs

How do I know if my flat roof needs redoing?

Leaks, blisters, cracks in the membrane, standing water or moss are signs to watch for. We can come and carry out an inspection.

Can an existing flat roof be insulated?

Yes, usually by laying the insulation on top of the deck, under a new waterproofing layer. The height of upstands and sills must be checked.

Which waterproofing do you choose?

Bitumen, EPDM or other: the choice depends on the deck, how the roof is used and the details. We explain the options during the visit.

Do you fit rooflights?

Yes, we fit and replace rooflights and roof lanterns, with the corresponding waterproof junctions.

Which membrane: bitumen or EPDM?

Both are proven solutions. The choice depends on the roof, the junctions, accessibility and your budget; we advise you during the visit.

Pitched roofs

Can you insulate from inside or outside?

Both are possible. In a full renovation, external insulation (sarking) is worthwhile; otherwise the roof is insulated between and under the rafters from inside.

Do you also repair individual leaks?

Yes, we carry out localised repairs: broken tiles, flashings, chimney junctions.

Do I need permission to redo my roof?

A like-for-like renovation often does not, but a change of material, colour or shape may require approval. Check with your municipality.

How long does the work take?

It depends on the surface area and the scope of the work; the planned duration is stated in our quote.

Does the roof structure need replacing?

Not necessarily. We check its condition after stripping; only damaged parts are repaired or reinforced if needed.

Roof insulation

Insulate from inside or outside?

From outside when the roof covering is being redone; from inside if the covering is in good condition. We advise you based on your situation.

Which insulation material should be used?

Mineral wool, wood fibre, PIR boards… The choice depends on the roof, the space available and your priorities.

What is the vapour barrier for?

It stops indoor moisture from getting into the insulation, where it could condense.

Can the attic be converted afterwards?

Yes, an insulated roof finished with plasterboard is a good basis for converting the attic.

Do you also insulate flat roofs?

Yes, generally from above, under a new waterproofing layer. See also our Flat roofs page.

Gutters & zinc work

How do I know if my gutters need replacing?

Overflowing, leaking joints, a gutter that sags or comes loose, water marks on the façade: these are signs to take seriously.

Do you also repair existing gutters?

Yes, where possible: a leaking joint, a fixing to redo, a section to replace.

Which material should I choose?

Zinc is very common in Belgium for its durability and appearance. Other materials exist; we advise you according to the building.

Do gutters need cleaning?

Yes, leaves and moss can block them. Regular checks, especially after autumn, prevent overflowing.

Do you work alongside a roof renovation?

Yes, it is actually the ideal time to look at the zinc work.

Chimney renovation

My chimney is causing stains in the attic – what should I do?

Common causes are worn joints, a faulty flashing or a missing chimney cap. An inspection finds the source.

Do you sweep chimneys?

No. We carry out masonry and waterproofing work; sweeping and flue lining are for a chimney sweep or heating engineer.

Can an unused chimney be removed?

Yes, the stack can be taken down and the roof neatly closed. Check beforehand that no appliance is connected to it.

What is a chimney cap for?

It limits rain and debris getting into the flue.

Do you work on chimneys during a roof renovation?

Yes, it is the right time to restore the chimney and its junctions.

Plastering

How long before I can paint?

The plaster must dry completely before painting. The time depends on thickness, season and ventilation of the rooms; we tell you when you can paint.

Do you plaster in an occupied house?

Yes. We protect the rooms and organise the work room by room if needed.

Can you plaster over old plaster?

Yes, if the old surface is stable. Loose areas are removed and repaired first.

Plastering or plasterboard?

Both have their advantages. Boards are quick and allow partitions or suspended ceilings; traditional plastering works very well on masonry. We advise you depending on the project.

Does plastering create a lot of dust?

Plaster itself creates little dust; it mainly comes from preparation and any sanding. We protect the rooms and clean up at the end of the job.

Plasterboard

Are plasterboard partitions solid?

Yes, a well-built partition is stable. For heavy loads (furniture, television), reinforcements are built into the frame.

Can plasterboard be used in a bathroom?

Yes, with moisture-resistant boards and suitable protection in areas exposed to water.

Does a partition insulate against noise?

With insulation between the studs and a suitable frame, a partition clearly improves sound insulation between two rooms.

Is the finish ready to paint?

Yes, after jointing and sanding, the surfaces are ready for painting.

How long does it take to put up a partition?

It depends on the length, height and finishes. Installation is quick as it is a dry method; we set out the schedule in the quote.

Interior painting

Do you paint in an occupied house?

Yes. We protect the rooms and organise the work room by room if needed.

Can exposed brick be painted?

Yes. The wall is cleaned and prepared, then painted with a product suitable for masonry.

Does it need plastering before painting?

Not always. If the surface is stable and even, preparation is enough; otherwise we can also do the plastering.

Hedge trimming & outdoor maintenance

Do you trim tall hedges?

Yes. For pleached screens and hedges at height, we use a mobile scaffold to work safely and achieve an even line.

Do you remove the green waste?

Yes. Trimmings are collected and removed at the end of the job.

Do I need to prepare anything before you come?

Clearing access around the hedge and pointing out sensitive areas (terraces, pool, planting, exposed pipes) helps us organise the job.

Do you also do other outdoor maintenance?

Yes, in addition to hedge trimming, according to the maintenance needed around the house.

Do you only work in summer?

The timing depends on the vegetation and the weather. We advise a suitable moment during the visit.

A façade, roofing or finishing project?

Tell us about your project: we come to see the site and give you a detailed quote.