Construction
In Turkey an education system comparable to the one we know from Europe for learning a trade is only available in some parts of the country. Step by step the government is introducing more schools and places for people wanting to learn a profession. So it is easy to understand that, quite often, it is only the less well-educated people taking up construction jobs and, even worse, a lot of them only work in construction during the winter time as they have their jobs in the tourist industry in hotels and restaurants during the summer.
Most new property buyers are amazed at the poor quality of construction and the lack of real knowledge, even though there are many construction businesses all along the coast. Poor education is one of the most important reasons for this. What does sometimes seem to be strange is that Turkish workers are quite often clever enough to work with different materials but the necessary tools are not always available for them to use.
In terms of jobs to do with electricity, water and sewage, heating systems and plumbing, the situation is quite different. Even here, there is not a comparable system of education available but the producers of heating and electrical equipment in particular offer training courses alongside the practical experience gained doing the job. Another factor which firms have to take into consideration is that there are now lots of rules and regulations in place governing things like standards of workmanship, planning permission and so on. The introduction of the TSE-norm (Turkish Standard Institution) has been quite helpful because they provide details of technical specifications for the checking of such things as electricity supply etc.
These new requirements are followed more and more in all areas of construction. If you decide to settle in Turkey, you should make yourself aware of all the available materials and construction methods. Don't listen to people who tell you this or that is not available in Turkey. Almost without exception, all European materials are now produced in Turkey, if not directly, then under license by Turkish firms. Background research into details like this can save you money when buying or building property.
Alongside these European products, lots of high quality Turkish products are available which can be used without any misgivings. All known methods of proving and testing are used here as well, from the testing of pressure systems to grades of heat insulation. You can also get certificates of guarantee for these materials.
Whenever possible get an architect to supervise the construction. The cost of employing the architect will immediately be repaid in terms of much better materials and a higher quality of construction.