We want to build our own house in traditional rural Spain. How should we go about it?

YL, Hertfordshire

If you want to be away from the crowds, buy a plot of land and employ an architect to help you build a house to your specifications. This is not, however, an easy task in your own country, let alone in Spain, where idiosyncratic ways of doing business can create a lot of red tape. Before committing yourself to buying land, rent in the area and get to know the local professionals and builders. You may also pick up useful tips from other self-builders. Employ a bilingual Spanish architect or a British one, as long as he or she has experience of working in the area. Choosing a lawyer who is familiar with local rules and regulations may also pay dividends.

The plot must be classified for development. In the past, properties built on incorrectly classified land have been given retrospective permissions. These days, planning laws are enforced more rigorously, and you could be made to demolish a house built without approval. You should also check the services – mains water and electricity, drainage – to your land.

The budget for building your house will depend on its design, size and location, as well as professional fees and payments for the required permissions. Build costs start at £500 per square metre. Your architect will charge 6%-10% of the overall building cost and will obtain the building permit (licencia de obra), adding 4%-5%.

Your architect will also be the engineer, and when he signs off the plans, this will give you a guarantee against design and construction faults for 10 years. The building work is usually overseen by a technician (aparejador), who will make sure the house is built to the architect’s designs and specifications. He will charge 1%-2% of the budget. You may also have to pay for a geological report and a safety study.

Your house should be designed with lots of insulation: summers may be hot, but winters can be cold, especially in the higher northern regions. Solar panels are compulsory on new buildings, so if the construction costs have emptied your bank account, at least you will be able to enjoy economical heating and hot water.

Michael Burrowes runs his own practice, M Burrowes Associates; e-mail mbassocs@btinternet.com

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