Building, rebuilding, renovation; the possibilities.
The difference between urban and rural properties.
Urban properties are situated in or on the edge of a town, village or hamlet. If a property is deemed to be urban, you may build up to 40% of the plot size. It is often possible to build two floors.
Rural properties are agricultural plots. When a plot measures less than 10 hectares and there is no registered house on it, you are only allowed to build a shed or barne. Does the plot has a registered house, then you are allowed to build / reform a floor surface that doesn’t exceed the floor surface (footprint) of the existing structure. Adding a first floor isn’t always permitted. If the plot of land is more than 10 hectares, you may build a house with a floor surface (footprint) of 0,4% of the plot size.
In this region there are different areas (hamlets and natural parks) with building codes that differ from the usual ones. It is also necessary to make sure that the building or reformation is “in-keeping” with local styles.
Building permission
For building or renovation you have to obtain permission from the local council. Although it is possible to put in your own plans (f.i. interior renovation), there are many regulations that need to be adhered to, so in most cases the use of an architect is a must. You should allow several months for this process (first design to start execution).
With each of our properties, we in general will try to let you know what the possibilities are in terms of building. Prior to any purchase we will, of course, help you through the process of what can be done.
La Raya Property Design & Support:
design, consultation and local support for (re)building your house in the La Raya region. 
Let’s say you have found a beautiful property. It entirely fulfills your expectations and is within your budget. However, there is one major drawback: the house is a ruin (no exception here). Cosmetic modernisation is not enough; rebuilding is necessary. We can well imagine that for
various reasons the mere idea of extensive rebuilding in a foreign
country gives pause for a thought:
- “I can’t imagine what the house will look like after (re)building.”
- “I do have my wishes and criteria. Who can “translate” these into a blueprint?”
- “What am I allowed to do? Is what I want practical and do-able?”
- “The tenders I receive, are they correct? And will the builders stick to what we agreed upon?” 
- “Will they be building exactly according the plan?”
Why do we offer this service?
1. To take away the worry associated with the above.
2. Because the Spanish and Portugese criteria and preferences (sizes as well) differ from those that you are used to in Northern Europe.
3. Here, procedures and the way things work are different (not worse) as well.
4. Because we want to share our experiences in the purchase and building process, so you can save time and money.
The service consists of:
Program of requirements:
In close consultation and with the input of the “info & preferences form”, we outline a program of requirements. That is the first step on the way to a good and functional design of your future house.
Visualisation:
The program of requirements is the point of departure for the visualisation of your house: an artist impression and a lay-out / floorplan to scale (1:50). Depending on the size of the project this floorplan can be used as a briefing for the architect or you can present it to the local counsil for obtaining a permission.
The architect:
On the basis of the floorplan, the architect will make the technical design plan in accordance with all relevant building codes. This plan consists of the design, the materials to use and a quotation
of the building costs (incl. taxes). The architect cooperates with a technical consultant (aparejador or arquitecto técnico). This team will have the supervision of the building process and has final responsibility.
Building quotations:
Which constructor, rates and wages, what kind of materials, completion as a shell or total completion, planning? In short: with whom do you draw up the request for quotations and, do the different quotes cover the same
cargo? We take care that all information will be clear and transparent.
Interior design:
The interior of your house completely designed, or maybe only the kitchen or the bathrooms. Only a consult or a second opinion is also possible.
When you decide to make use of the services of La Raya Property
Design & Support, it is up to you for what phase in the designing and building process you want to hire our expertise. You are free “to step in” wherever you want.
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