Renovating in Costa Blanca? Avoid the Headaches with These 5 Expert Tips

on 27 November 2024.

Dreaming of a sunny renovation but worried about local red tape and budget surprises? Here’s your guide to a smooth (and dare we say, enjoyable) renovation journey with 4D Builders.

Thinking of transforming your Costa Blanca casa? Whether it's a cosy update or a dream expansion, renovating as an expat in Spain comes with its quirks. As a trusted family-run renovation company, 4D Builders knows the ropes and is here to make your project easy, efficient, and even fun! Follow our five expert tips to dodge common pitfalls and create the home you’ve been envisioning.

1. Define Your Dream & Budget Realistically
Every successful renovation starts with a clear vision - what’s your goal? Extra space, a modern update, or solar-friendly efficiency? Setting these priorities early keeps you from facing the dreaded “Oops, we forgot the budget!” shock later. To cover surprises, add a 15-20% buffer for unexpected costs, like discovering your beautiful new kitchen warrants a new electrical system too. Need some guidance? Our project managers can help balance dreams with practicality.

2. The Spanish Permit Tango
Yes, you need permits, or licences - even in Spain! It can be a bit of a dance. For Costa Blanca renovations, the ‘Obra Menor’ and ‘Obra Mayor’ licence will cover most projects, with costs varying by municipality.
Consider hidden extras: Additional costs may include fees for technical reports, inspections, and in some cases, a municipal tax known as the Impuesto sobre Construcciones, Instalaciones y Obras (ICIO). This tax is typically 3% to 5% of the project's total cost.
Not a fan of Spanish paperwork? We’ve got you covered. At 4D Builders, we can handle all of this, cutting through the red tape to keep your project stress-free and ensuring your renovation project, or build is legally compliant at every stage. Please note, however, in some Marina Alta towns you can wait up to 12 months for an Obra Mayor to be granted - so prepare for more of a waltz than a tango, but we’ll stay on top of helping it along.

3. Watch Out for the Classic Traps
Skipping permits, hiring unlicensed contractors who will proceed without licences (at YOUR risk!), or assuming timelines won’t shift... these are the classic renovation mistakes. Please don’t fall for them. Always verify your contractors, allow flexibility, and keep communication open, within reason they do have a job to do. And when something doesn’t go exactly to plan (it’s a renovation, after all, previous bad wiring, faulty pipework, mould and even termites can crop up), a sense of humour goes a long way! At 4D Builders, we’re here to manage these hiccups, so you can keep smiling through the process.

4. Go Green (and Save Some Green Too!)
From solar panels to energy-efficient insulation, ‘going green’ not only saves on bills but also boosts your home’s comfort.
Solar Panels: Can reduce your energy bills by up to 70%.
Smart Home Tech: Automate and control your home’s energy use from your phone.
Efficient Insulation: Proper insulation cuts down heating costs because when it rains here, it pours down.
We know lots of clever tricks to make your renovation efficient and sustainable.

5. Choose a Contractor Who ‘Gets It’
Your contractor should be reliable, experienced, and upfront with estimated pricing and timelines. At 4D Builders, we offer all this plus a dedicated Project Manager for every stage of the project to ensure quality and peace of mind.

Ready to start? Book a free consultation with us today!
Call or WhatsApp: Gaynor at +34 711 06 68 90,
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.4dbuilders.eu.
Ready for a deeper dive? Email/WhatsApp the words, ‘Reno Guide’ to us for our FREE Renovation Guide, with everything you need to know from licensing to final touches. And follow us on Facebook / Instagram for lots more tips and project updates.