How should I handle deposits and payments?

Ask for a modest deposit before buying materials for larger jobs and state final payment terms in writing. On Websta card payments are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe - you set your prices and can confirm accepted payment methods with each client.

Can I work while employed elsewhere?

Many people do renovation work alongside employment, but you must check rules with AADE for tax reporting and with EFKA about social insurance. If you have an employment contract, also check with your employer about moonlighting restrictions.

How do I issue receipts or invoices for customers?

Ask AADE what documentation you must issue for the amounts you receive and whether your work requires standard invoices or simpler receipts. A local accountant can explain how to record income, handle VAT and file returns.

How will customers find me on Websta?

Websta lists providers by service and place in the marketplace - the category used is 'builders and renovators' and the path is /marketplace/construction - and a profile page works as a simple website you can send to prospects.

How to make money as a builders and renovator in Greece

Updated October 21, 2026

Where paying customers actually come from

In Greece the most reliable early customers tend to be local and personal contacts. Start with neighbours in your apartment block or village, friends and family, and people at your workplace. Landlords and small property managers often need quick repair work, and small shops or cafés may hire local hands for maintenance.

Online search and local Facebook groups, OLX-style classifieds, and national marketplaces also bring leads, especially for one-off jobs. Word of mouth is powerful in local communities - a visible job on the street or a clear photo before-and-after shared in a group will attract calls. Schools, churches and municipal facilities sometimes post small maintenance tasks, so check community notice boards and local municipal websites.

Neighbours and building residents
Friends, family and colleagues
Small landlords and property managers
Local businesses and shops
Online search, classifieds and community groups

How to set a first price and talk about money

Start simple: estimate the time, material cost and travel for the job, then add a margin for your labour and overhead. For small jobs you can give an hourly or half-day price; for whole-room renovations use a per-job estimate that lists materials and labour separately. Always include an allowance for unexpected work - renovation jobs often reveal extra work once walls or floors are opened.

When you first talk money, be clear and concrete. Give a written estimate that lists what is included and what is not. If you need to buy materials, say whether you will charge at cost or add a markup. Ask for a deposit for larger jobs - a modest percentage to cover initial material purchases. Confirm payment methods before you start so there are no surprises.

Estimate time + materials + travel + margin
Offer written estimates listing inclusions
Ask for a deposit on larger jobs
Confirm payment methods in advance

What your first ten customers usually look like

The first ten customers are often made up of people you already know and a few local strangers. Expect a mix of quick repairs for neighbours, a couple of jobs for friends or colleagues, one or two repeat clients who liked the work, and an online enquiry that becomes a paid job. A small business or landlord may give you the first larger contract.

Early customers tend to be low-risk - familiar people or short, well-defined tasks. Use these jobs to build a portfolio of photos and simple testimonials that you can show to new prospects. Delivering reliably on small jobs builds the word of mouth that produces the next clients.

Neighbours and friends for quick repairs
A repeat client from a successful small job
A landlord or small business for a larger task
A lead from an online ad or community post

What to sort out when taking money as an independent person

Before you take regular payments, check the official steps. For tax and income reporting ask the Independent Authority for Public Revenue - AADE - what registration you need, whether you should issue receipts or invoices for your work, and how to declare earnings. For social insurance ask EFKA what contributions apply to someone working independently or as a second job.

For professional qualifications, permits and building rules, check with the Technical Chamber of Greece - TEE - and your local municipality. Ask whether specific renovation tasks require certifications, building permits or inspections. For detailed, case-specific advice you can also consult a local accountant or lawyer who knows construction work in Greece.

Ask AADE about tax registration and issuing receipts or invoices
Ask EFKA about social insurance contributions
Check permits and professional requirements with TEE and your municipality
Consult a local accountant for bookkeeping and VAT questions

What tends to go wrong in the first months

New independents commonly underprice jobs, underestimate time, or miss the cost of materials and travel. Late payments are frequent - without clear terms you may do work and wait to be paid. Not documenting agreements leads to disputes about scope and finish. Also watch for permit issues if a job triggers building regulations - that can stop work and cost time and money.

Avoid these problems by writing simple agreements, taking before-and-after photos, asking for deposits on larger jobs, and keeping copies of receipts for materials. Plan your schedule to allow buffer time between jobs and set clear payment terms.

Underquoting and time underestimates
Late or missing payments without written terms
Scope creep - doing extra work without more pay
Permit or regulation problems halting work

How a Websta profile and marketplace fits in

A Websta profile gives you a single page to send to anyone - it looks like a small website with services, prices, photos, a contact form and online booking. People nearby can find providers by service and place on the marketplace - the category is 'builders and renovators' and the marketplace path is /marketplace/construction. Card payments from customers are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe and you set your own prices.

Use the profile as a neutral place to show your best photos, list typical services and sample prices, and let customers book or contact you easily. Share the page link in messages, adverts and community posts so prospects can see the same information you discuss by phone.

A single URL to send to potential customers
Services, photos and online booking on one page
Payments paid out to your bank account through Stripe
You set your own prices on your profile

Practical first steps and a simple checklist

Start with small, visible jobs for neighbours to build a short portfolio. Make one clear price sheet for common services. Register with the authorities if you plan to take regular paid work - ask AADE and EFKA what applies to you. Create a Websta profile in the 'builders and renovators' category and add good photos. For each job use a short written estimate and agree payment terms before you start.

Keep the tone factual with clients, document agreements, and expect work to grow slowly if you do quality work and communicate clearly. There are no shortcuts - earning takes effort, reliable delivery and time.

Do two or three small jobs for neighbours and collect photos
Create a price sheet for common tasks
Ask AADE and EFKA about registration and contributions
Make a Websta profile and keep it up to date

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to do renovation work in Greece?: Some renovation tasks and larger projects may require professional qualifications or permits. Check with the Technical Chamber of Greece - TEE - and your local municipality to ask whether your planned tasks need certification or a building permit.
How should I handle deposits and payments?: Ask for a modest deposit before buying materials for larger jobs and state final payment terms in writing. On Websta card payments are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe - you set your prices and can confirm accepted payment methods with each client.
Can I work while employed elsewhere?: Many people do renovation work alongside employment, but you must check rules with AADE for tax reporting and with EFKA about social insurance. If you have an employment contract, also check with your employer about moonlighting restrictions.
How do I issue receipts or invoices for customers?: Ask AADE what documentation you must issue for the amounts you receive and whether your work requires standard invoices or simpler receipts. A local accountant can explain how to record income, handle VAT and file returns.
How will customers find me on Websta?: Websta lists providers by service and place in the marketplace - the category used is 'builders and renovators' and the path is /marketplace/construction - and a profile page works as a simple website you can send to prospects.

About the numbers

Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.

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