Restoring Bosphorus‑Village Wooden Houses in Ortaköy & Beylerbeyi: Authority Guide to Conservation Boards and Material Choice

1. Conservation Board and Permit Process

Ortaköy and Beylerbeyi fall under the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s “Historical Building and Environment Conservation Board.” The first step is the owner’s request for a “Free Site Survey,” during which our specialists document structural integrity and heritage value.

After approval, a “Restoration Project Dossier” is submitted to the municipality, containing architectural drawings, material list, schedule, and cost estimate. The board usually decides within 30‑45 days; additional documents such as an archaeological assessment may be requested.

• •Free survey → Report preparation → Project dossier → Board approval → Permit issuance

2. Local Climate and Wood Selection

The Bosphorus area experiences relative humidity of 70‑80 % and temperatures ranging from –2 °C in winter to 28 °C in summer, demanding wood species resistant to rot and shrinkage.

The most common historic‑house timbers in Istanbul are oak (high durability, natural oils), pine (easy to work, needs protective treatment), and fir (lightweight, requires strict moisture control).

• •Oak: ~40‑50 % of material cost, ideal for façades and roof joists.
• •Pine: ~30‑35 % of material cost, preferred for interior partitions and furniture.
• •Fir: ~15‑20 % of material cost, suitable for lightweight roof sheathing.

3. Merging Traditional Craftsmanship with Modern Techniques

Traditional joinery—wooden dowels and mortise‑and‑tenon—must replace nails, while hidden steel reinforcement rods can be discreetly added to boost structural safety.

A lime‑mortars + natural cellulose blend provides a breathable yet water‑repellent barrier, echoing 19th‑century Ottoman practices.

• •Wood dowels → Invisible steel reinforcement → Lime‑mortars + cellulose insulation

4. Budget Allocation and Fixed‑Price Policy

Güven Kardeşler provides a written fixed price after a free site survey. For a typical Bosphorus‑village house, material costs account for ~70 % and labor ~30 %; cabinets, doors, and windows make up roughly 15 % of the total.

Pricing includes a “Written Workmanship Guarantee” that secures quality for 2 years, with the exact term stated in the contract.

• •Materials 70 % → Labor 30 % → Interior fixtures 15 % (included in total)

5. Project Monitoring and Final Inspections

Weekly progress reports with photos are shared. After board approval, the municipality’s “Final Compliance Inspection” must be cleared before the house can be occupied.

The final inspection focuses on roof drainage, wood protective coatings, and fire safety; any deficiencies must be corrected within 7 working days.

• •Weekly report → Municipal inspection → 7‑day correction period → Handover & guarantee start

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make changes to the house before getting conservation board approval?

No. Any alteration without board approval is illegal and can lead to fines and higher restoration costs later.

How can I prevent moisture problems in a wooden house?

Ensuring proper ventilation, applying a lime‑mortars layer, and using a breathable water‑repellent façade are the most effective solutions.

Can modern insulation materials be used during restoration?

Yes, but the material must be breathable; natural cellulose or lime‑based panels are preferred over mineral wool.

How long does the workmanship guarantee last?

The contract specifies a 2‑year guarantee; structural defects that appear within this period are repaired at no cost.