What Could Go Wrong? The Nightmare of Choosing the Wrong Partner in Spain
Buying or renovating a home in Spain should be an exciting adventure. But if you choose the wrong builder or renovation partner? That dream home can quickly turn into a never-ending disaster. Missed deadlines, skyrocketing costs, shoddy work—you name it, we’ve seen it.
For non-residents, the risks are even higher. You may not be on-site to oversee things, you’re dealing with a foreign legal system, and let’s be honest—some companies see foreigners as easy targets.
So, what happens when you get it wrong? Let’s dive into the real horror stories and how to avoid them.
The ‘Vanishing Builder’ Syndrome
One day, the contractor is on-site, tools in hand. The next? Gone without a trace. No calls, no responses, just a half-built home and a pile of excuses.
Why does this happen?
Some builders take on too many projects and abandon those they can’t handle.
Others run out of funds and disappear—taking your deposit with them.
A few are just scammers, preying on trusting foreign buyers.
How to avoid it:
Work with a trusted company with a proven track record.
Never pay large sums upfront—set milestones for payments.
Always have a written contract with penalties for delays.
Budget Explosion: The €300,000 Home That Ends Up Costing €500,000
Your builder gives you a “great price.” Everything looks affordable. Then—BAM! Extra charges start creeping in. Materials cost more than expected, permits weren’t included, "unforeseen" issues arise.
Why does this happen?
The contractor deliberately under-quotes to win the job.
Hidden fees and last-minute “necessary” upgrades.
Poor planning leads to expensive fixes later.
How to avoid it:
Demand a detailed, itemized budget before signing anything.
Ask for a fixed-price contract so costs can’t spiral out of control.
Have a professional project manager oversee expenses.
The ‘Looks Good… For Now’ Disaster
The house is finished! It looks amazing! But then…
Cracks appear in the walls.
Paint starts peeling.
The plumbing leaks.
The electrics short-circuit every time you turn on the kettle.
Congratulations—you’ve just bought a poorly built home.
Why does this happen?
The builder used cheap, low-quality materials.
Workers cut corners to finish the job faster.
There was zero quality control during construction.
How to avoid it:
Only hire reputable builders with strong references.
Insist on site inspections at every stage.
Work with a trusted project manager to supervise quality.
The Legal Nightmare: No Permits, No Property
You move into your new home, only to get a notice from the local authorities: your house is illegal. Suddenly, you’re dealing with fines, legal battles, or even demolition orders.
Why does this happen?
The builder didn’t get the proper permits and approvals.
The property is on protected land.
Construction violated local zoning laws.
How to avoid it:
Ensure all permits are in place before work begins.
Hire a lawyer and architect to verify everything is legal.
Only work with licensed builders who understand local regulations.
The ‘Lost in Translation’ Trap
Your builder speaks no English. You speak no Spanish. What could possibly go wrong?
You ask for a modern kitchen, and they install rustic wooden cabinets.
You want a spacious open-plan living area, and they build extra walls.
You expect high-quality finishes, but get budget materials.
How to avoid it:
Work with a bilingual project manager who can translate your vision.
Get everything in writing (with pictures if necessary!).
Regularly visit the site (or appoint someone who can).
The ‘Forever Delayed’ Project
The builder promised six months. It’s been two years. You’re still waiting for the keys.
Why does this happen?
The builder took on too many projects at once.
Poor planning caused supply delays.
Workers were pulled off your project to finish another one.
How to avoid it:
Demand a detailed construction timeline with deadlines.
Set penalties for delays in the contract.
Work with a professional project manager who ensures progress stays on track.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Your Dream Home Become a Nightmare
Building or renovating in Spain should be an exciting journey—but only if you choose the right partner. The wrong choice can lead to lost time, wasted money, and endless frustration.
At Clarante Concepts SL, we specialize in helping non-residents navigate the process smoothly. We only work with trusted architects, builders, and contractors, ensuring your project is completed on time, on budget, and to the highest quality.
Thinking of building or renovating in Spain? Let’s do it right. Contact us today and let’s make your dream home a reality—without the horror stories!
