Q. If I buy a property for renovation purposes can I start the building work straight away?
A. If you buy any property in Spain you will need to have an architect. You can prepare your own plans but will have to work with the Architect to ensure they will be approved by the local Town Hall as they will need to be signed off. Usually it is better for the Architect to prepare them on your behalf.
Sign off in the Town Hall can take a couple weeks to a few months dependent upon many factors, so please be aware of this. You cannot start on any building works you have the license in your hands, or you can be fined for working without the adequate permissions.
Q. Should we go with the cheapest quotation? A. It is important to take in all of the above factors before deciding on what quotation to accept. You may go with the cheapest quotation but that builder may not be legal and may not be paying social security/taxes, hence they can afford to work cheaply. This can amount to further problems if things go wrong.
Q. Should we ask for a contract?
A. Builders should be happy to put something in writing to cover both sides. Contracts should be drawn up by a lawyer in English and Spanish.