HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT CRAFTSMEN IN BERLIN AND MALLORCA
CARLO Design’s guide from over 20 years of experience in creating one-of-a-kind interiors
Finding skilled, reliable craftsmen is one of the most important — and often most difficult — parts of any renovation or construction project, especially when managing a second home or a home in another country.
At CARLO Design, we’ve spent over two decades designing and delivering projects in Berlin and now Mallorca. Along the way, we’ve learned that great design is only as strong as its execution — and that the team behind the walls, floors, and finishes makes all the difference.
This guide shares what we’ve learned across countless client projects — so you can make confident, informed choices from day one.
Why Finding the Right Craftsmen Can Be Challenging
In both Mallorca and Berlin, there’s no shortage of craftsmanship — but finding professionals who are not only talented, but also reliable, communicative, and aligned with your project’s goals can be surprisingly difficult.
Many of our clients come to us after trying to manage trades on their own. This isn’t unusual — especially in Mallorca, where seasonality and demand often create bottlenecks. Even in Berlin, a saturated construction market can lead to delays and frustration.
Our goal is to bridge that gap — and help you avoid common pitfalls from the very beginning.
What to Look for in a Quality Craftsman
A craftsman’s work should speak for itself — but so should their professionalism. Here's what we consistently look for when bringing anyone into a CARLO Design project.
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Not just years in the field — but experience with the kind of work you need, whether that’s intricate stone tiling or precision carpentry.
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Especially in Mallorca, this often means navigating Spanish, German, and English. We ensure everyone is aligned in real time.
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Clear, detailed proposals with timelines and scope. We avoid vague “handshake” agreements.
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From tile alignment to joinery — excellence is always visible.
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We work almost exclusively with professionals we’ve vetted on previous projects — and who share our high standards.
For our clients, we often bring in craftsmen we’ve worked with before. This allows for smoother communication, better alignment, and a more reliable project flow.
How (and Where) to Start Looking
If you’re looking for craftsmen independently, here are some starting points
Local tile and material showrooms often know the best tilers and installers.
Architects and designers (like us) work daily with vetted professionals.
Word of mouth is gold — but should always be backed by a clear quote and portfolio.
Sites like abc-mallorca.com or helencummins.com for Mallorca or www.houzz.de for Berlin spotlight companies.
Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with carpenters, builders, and electricians who meet our standard of speed and quality.
Why Our Clients Let Us Handle It All
At CARLO Design, we select and brief all craftsmen based on your project goals and aesthetic, negotiate pricing and contracts on your behalf, coordinate timelines, deliveries, and dependencies, and supervise on-site to maintain consistency and quality.
“They gave us excellent advice and ensured smooth implementation with their craftsmen.”
5 Essentials when Hiring on Your Own
Prefer to manage trades directly? Here’s our shortlist for success:
Trust your instincts — if communication feels off now, it won’t improve on-site.
Ask to see recent, real work — ideally in person.
Always request a detailed, written quote and payment structure.
Agree on a realistic timeline from the beginning.
Don’t rush. Planning well avoids cost overruns and subpar results.
BOOK YOUR PERSONAL CONSULTATION
Behind every exceptional space is a team that brings your vision to life. At CARLO Design, we pride ourselves not just on what we design — but on how seamlessly we deliver it.
If you’re planning a home in Mallorca or Berlin and want peace of mind from start to finish, we’d be happy to support you.