Architects & Builders
Costa Esuri Homes believes strongly in the saying “You are only as good as your last job” and we apply that to ourselves while at the same time adopting the policy when helping you choose both the architects and builders to build your dream home.
First of all we would like to explain in a little more detail the process of getting your ideas from your head to paper, approved and built.
The steps involved:
Your project must be designed or least signed off by an architect who is affiliated in Spain and this means all plans are metric and in Spanish and the project must adhere to Spanish building regulations.
The architect will draw up the plans and present you with a duplicate of the project ( Proyecto básico y ejecución de obra) which will include all plans and specifications for build including the geotechnical study. This project is presented to the College of Architects in Huelva for approval (Visado).One of the sets of plans must then be presented to the town hall for planning permission (Licencia de Obras) and it is your architect that will do up a letter of presentation of the project (Solicitud de Licencia de Obras) which is signed by you and the architect.This set of plans will be retained by the Town Hall.
In Ayamonte two to three months is the period taken by the town hall to approve your project. You must have a person who is resident in the area who will represent you if you are not already resident in Spain. You must also pay for the planning permission to be processed, it is 4.2% of the total build cost as estimated by your architect and outlined in the project. Once planning permission has been granted you have six months to start and the build must never be abandoned for more than six months and it must be completed within three years.
The build must be supervised by a technical architect (Aparejador) who charges a fee different to that of the architect. The aparejador makes sure all works are carried out according to specification as outlined in the approved project.
Once the build has been complete, the architect must then present an end of works “Fin de Obras” which will outline any changes that may have been made during the build and this document must also be presented to the College of Architect in Huelva. Now you will be able to apply for your first occupancy license then followed by registration of your house in the notary and finally utility connections.
Choosing an architect
Taking into account the information in the paragraphs before choosing an architect is one of the most important choices you will make during the build and is on a par which the choice of builder.
We recommend that you have an idea already formed about what type of villa design you like before you sit in front of an architect. Books, magazines and above all real estate websites are a great source of information and ideas.
The design of a villa can take from 3 months to a year and the build of your villa will take anything from 12 -18 months so one of the best questions to ask yourself when choosing an architect is if you can see yourself communicating with them on a regular basis over the next two years. It is the same litmus test we would ask you to apply when contracting our services only add another couple of years.
Remember the time spent in the design stage is invaluable as you only get one chance to get it right and changes during build are both costly and time consuming. A good architect is not only a good listener but also a good guide not only in design but in the most suitable materials for your build.
We will take you to numerous builds designed by local and not so local architects so you can see what they designed for where.
Choosing a Builder
There are numerous builders plying their trade in this area and the quality of the build varies. We have and are constantly following building by various builders in the area and have been doing so for years. We present our clients with graphic reports on all builders and always recommend that you get quotes from at least three different builders so you can compare. We also believe that you should take the time out to come and visit the last builds by the builders you are thinking offering the tender to.
We will guide you on realistic prices of build and also give you background information on the building company you decide to employ.
