Underbuilds - General property discussion in Torrevieja - Torrevieja forum - Costa Blanca forum in the Alicante province of Spain
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Anne49

Posts: 47

14 helpful points

Location: Torrevieja

Joined: 27 Jun 2019

Hi I own a house in jardin del mar. Strict building regulations does not allow me to add extensions to my home although all neighbour's have added all kinds to theirs.

Alot of neighbour's have underbuilds.  Is it hard to get permission to do this as I want everything legal . What's Peoples advice on on underbuilds.

Are they good or could they be damp and dark.

Any advice as I'm not sure to look at buying something bigger or build underneath 

.

Stephanie86

Posted: Sat Mar 6, 2021 11:16am

Stephanie86

Legendary helpful member

Posts: 2748

2065 helpful points

Location: Lliber

Joined: 4 May 2017

Posted: Sat Mar 6, 2021 11:16am

The problem is going to be whether the Ajuntamiento in principle will permit it, a visit to them and a discussion with the Architect will clarify. 

If the existing ceiling height does not comply with building code requirements, you may face having the floor dug up and lowered, I think the minimum habitable ceiling height permissible is 2.5 metres.

If it is completely underground, then lighting will be a problem as will  ventilation, but if you have a wall where windows could be installed that will help. For what purpose do you want/ need the conversion? Bedroom? Study? Damp could be a problem ,but you would need the area completely sealed against any ingress of water.I would schedule an appointment with the Town Hall Architect and take details of what you would like to do, in the first instance, to see if it would be allowed. You can then employ an Architect to draw up plans for you as this will require the correct licence. The conversion will have to be added to the Escritura as it increases the floor area of the property.

Kimmy11

Posted: Sat Mar 6, 2021 5:20pm

Kimmy11

Legendary helpful member

Posts: 6869

12554 helpful points

Joined: 8 Aug 2017

Posted: Sat Mar 6, 2021 5:20pm

Hi Anne,

Is your property part of a 'community'?  If so, you need to check with your President or Administrator whether the community allows this type of development.  Just because neighbours have done similar work, doesn't mean they sought the appropriate permissions.  If the community of owners agrees the development, you would then approach your Town Hall for 'in principle' agreement and planning permission, as described by Stephanie.

Kind regards,

Kim

Grannyrose

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2021 10:19am

Grannyrose

Super helpful member

Posts: 1256

1569 helpful points

Location: Torrevieja

Joined: 5 Dec 2017

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2021 10:19am

Please be  careful. Many British people have spent thousands of pounds making their underbuild habitable only to encounter floods and the whole place destroyed. Builders will take your money, do the job and vanish. The climate in Spain is so unpredictable and when it rains, there is nowhere for the rain to go! No drains so it floods into people’s beautiful home instead. slow down if you have only recently bought, observe the weather and see how your place holds up when attacked by torrential rain. Examine it for flakey walls which should indicate dampness. Speak with your neighbours and ask how they have fared. In due course, if all goes well, then you can attend your urbanisation’s AGM and apply for permission to convert your underbuild. 
I hope in time you manage to achieve your dream. All the best. 

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