Tag: architects in Calpe

Architecture Alicante: Obtaining the energy certificate of your home
Obligatory nature of the energy certificate

If you are thinking of selling, buying or renting a property, please note that a regulation was established by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism as of June 1, 2013, which mandates the energy certificate, which is a report that contains several energy aspects of the property, specifying its consumption.

The content of this report is summarized in a label of energy efficiency similar to those of electrical appliances. It should be mentioned that if the person who wants to do the operation does not have the certificate will be legally punished through the payment of fines ranging from 300 to 6,000 euros.

However, there are exemptions for some dwellings such as: monuments, religious places, buildings under two years old, non-residential building areas, non-residential parts of buildings, homes with less than 50 m2, buildings used in industry or agriculture and buildings with less than 4 months of use.

How to obtain the energy certificate

For this reason, these are 5 simple steps to follow in order to obtain the energy certificate of your home
1. 1. Find a qualified technician.
    The Energy Certificate must be drafted by a trained and authorized personnel. The choice of the company of professionals to hire is left to the user’s authority. To this end, each community has a competent body where the user can go and being provided with the registration of authorized technicians to perform the certification. For example, in Madrid the accredited body is the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines as well as the Association of Engineers where there is a list of certified personnel.
  2. Ask the technician for a quote and an appointment.The cost of the Energy Certificate is not legally established, but is calculated according to the supply and demand existing in the market in that period. This situation has led to inconveniences because technicians sometimes request an amount of money for carrying out a positive certification or simply do not charge under the condition that the recommendations in said certification are made by them.
    That is why it is necessary for each community to apply the necessary controls to identify inconsistencies in the report. These errors are informed to the home owner who will have a stipulated period of time to make the corrections or relevant allegations to change the rating. If you get a good rating from the technical staff, your house will be revalued.
    Therefore, before requesting an appointment to the technician, check several budgets to choose the one that best suits you, and then request an appointment for the dwelling to be inspected. But an average a cost of 250 or 300 euros is stipulated, depending on the size of the property.
  3. Inform the Autonomous Community about the certificate.After the technician drafts the Energy Certificate report, you must inform the competent body in your area in order for the Regional Government to review it and subsequently validate it. The Regional Government is in charge of controlling that both the previous evaluation and the rating were correctly carried out.
    This action can be taken personally or by another person. It is worth mentioning that each community has established fees that must be paid off to be executed.
  4. Obtain the registration number.After a few days (2 or 3 working days) the energy label is obtained which shows a summary of the Energy Certificate, specifying the rating obtained regarding the efficient and rational use of energy in the house through a scale that goes from A (best performance) to G (worse performance) as well as a color that distinguishes them. Likewise, the label contains the assigned registration number. That is, the house is certified and registered in the competent body.
    Autonomous communities must create a registry with the properties and their rating, assigning each one their registration number. It is worth noting that the Energy Certificate is valid for 10 years renewable and users can request to update if the energy rating is to be changed due to any restoration made in the house.
  5. Announce the Energy CertificateAccording to the legal regulations, the label obtained must be included in any advertisement or publicity that is made for the purpose of selling or renting the property either by the user or real estate agencies.
Follow all these steps and you can quickly and easily obtain your energy efficiency certificate through which you can perform any purchase, sale and rental of the property.

Arquifach: Architectural Studio in Alicante, takes charge of your project

Contact Arquifach, architectural studio in Alicante, without commitment. It has overall services in the construction of new single-family homes or tourist apartment buildings. It has the support of a specialized team on the Costa Blanca. Arquifach covers the entire project: its design, construction, planning, pathology reports, assessments and general advice.
29 October, 2018
Architectural Studio Alicante: Recommended insulation for chalets in costa blanca

Why choose Alicante, Costa Blanca

Costa Banca is a privileged spot because it is located in the southeast of Spain, specifically in the province of Alicante, whose geographical and climatological characteristics attracts both for residents and tourists. Its wide coast and mild weather with dry season make it an ideal destination. In addition to this, it has an average annual temperature of 17.8º.

Alicante weather factors

It should be emphasized that because it is a coastal area, temperatures are mild in the winter and warm in the summer, and rainfall is low. One of the key climatological factors of the area is its humidity which extremely varies throughout the year, being the period of highest humidity between June and October; that is four months approximately.
The climate variability between humidity and dry weather existing in Alicante and in general all over Costa Blanca affects both its home structures, due to the fact that the materials weaken resulting in the appearance of cracks or fissures, and its inhabitants’ health.

Prepare your home

Therefore, people should check if their houses are prepared to resist these weather variations, especially humidity, in order to minimize the possible consequences, because these times are beautiful as long as you are in a safe and warm home.
One of the consequences of poor isolation is the high heating costs to be paid in order to regulate the temperature of the home, which implies a higher energy consumption. Likewise, having to withstand the various external factors of the environment such as street noise, the entrance of dust, humidity, as well as temperature changes. Apart from damaging home structures, all of these factors end up affecting people’s health.

Consequences of poor isolation

To avoid this, several insulating materials and insulation techniques are currently used and adapted to the client’s needs, the climate zone in which houses are located and the type of surface to be insulated. Therefore, it is necessary to ask for advice to architects and/or construction personnel who make a diagnosis by checking the areas of the house, such as: the roof, enclosures, doors, floors and windows and by choosing the right material and method to achieve a better comfort. It should be noted that windows, doors and enclosures are considered the easiest ones to isolate because they can be sellotaped to prevent any external agent from entering.

Optimum insulation: materials and techniques

In short, a chalet with a good level of insulation enjoys a better energy benefit, because the use of artificial methods to regulate temperature is minimal, which brings both money and energy savings.
For this reason, Alicante architects recommend to use high thermal resistance materials or insulators for constructions in the area. In other words, materials that protect us from temperature variations and external factors. Old buildings or those lacking adequate insulation should be improved by properly insulating their areas (roof, wall, floor, window, doors) by means of a material that has a lower conductivity and a high resistance in order to provide thermal and acoustic protection against humidity and allow money and energy savings.

Benefits of optimal insulation

Based on the aforementioned facts, the optimal isolation in the design of a home in Alicante and in general throughout Costa Blanca is an essential decision, given the weather conditions of the area and the advantages it has for both infrastructure and quality of life. This optimum insulation is possible when maximum protection is achieved through the appropriate materials and techniques. Whether in the case of a chalet lacking any type of insulation because it was built a long time ago or a chalet requiring some improvement, people should invest in an optimal isolation that provides them with adequate protection. It should be noted that said investment will be returned over time because energy consumption costs will be lower and it will also become an environmentally-friendly investment. Likewise, the comfort of a warm house free of external factors that disturb your tranquility makes any investment is minimal.

Arquifach: Architectural Studio in Alicante, takes charge of your project

Contact Arquifach, architectural studio in Alicante, without commitment. It has overall services in the construction of new single-family homes or tourist apartment buildings. It has the support of a specialized team on the Costa Blanca. Arquifach covers the entire project: its design, construction, planning, pathology reports, assessments and general advice.

22 October, 2018
Architecture Alicante Calpe: The Red Wall

Discovering architectural jewels in Calpe

We cannot hide our passion for the Costa Blanca because it is an ideal place to live or where to have a second home as our little paradise. All along the Costa Blanca and Alicante, small towns bathed by the Mediterranean Sea can be found. One of them is Calpe, a municipality known for its beaches and the Ifach Rock which is a huge stone with its own natural habitat. Once again, we will tour some of the most signature architectural treasures, monuments and buildings in Alicante within the Arquifach blog. Un

Calpe’s Architecture: The Red Wall

Calpe’s inhabitants have always been aware of the beauty of many of its corners, but the Red Wall has begun to catch experts’ and visitors’ eyes. Furthermore, it has lately become the setting chosen for advertising campaigns and influencers’ photos. In fact, more than 8,000 posts on Instagram with the hashtag #murallaroja and #lamurallaroja confirm it.

This housing complex has aroused so much interest that its owners have had to hang posters warning that it is illegal to sneak into the complex otherwise the relevant authorities are called.

The History of The Red Wall

It is a complex designed by architect Ricardo Bofill Levi and built between 1963 and 1973. Its architecture mainly consists of geometric patterns based on a Greek cross. There is also a peculiar series of patios communicated with each other through which the houses are accessed. There are separate solariums with stunning views and also a cross-shaped pool. Another of its peculiarities is its colors, a combination of reds and blues aiming at highlighting some points of this stairs and towers labyrinth.

The Red Wall’s Architectural Style, Calpe’s Architecture

The Red Wall’s architectural style is a fusion between the Mediterranean and Arabic styles. Some experts call this work Ricardo Bofill’s Casbah, alluding to the urban Arab fortifications.

The city council of Calpe has already begun the procedures to turn this peculiar construction into an Asset of Cultural Interest. If approved, a regime of guided visits will be established so that the people can enjoy this utopian paradise.

Arquifach architectural studio, helps you design your home in Alicante, Calpe.

This studio has more than 40 years of experience in the construction, architecture and urban planning sectors. The professional team of Arquifach -architectural studio in Costa Blanca- is led by architect D. Manuel Cabrera. Arquifach provides a 360 service, specialized in different areas of the architectural field, such as: design, construction, planning, pathology reports, valuations and general advice.

Arquifach, architectural studio in Alicante, accompanies works together its clients throughout the construction process. From the beginning to the end. The mission of our Architecture Studio is to make the project an easy process and totally satisfy its clients. customer satisfaction. Arquifach has a network of suppliers and partners to manage all projects professionally and efficiently.

Contact Arquifach, Alicante architectural studio without commitment. Our specialized team study the feasibility of your project and offer advice on the construction of new detached homes or tourist apartment buildings on the Costa Blanca.

* Article notes:
Main photography: Deisgnmilk (https://www.flickr.com/photos/designmilk/)
Photograph of the text: Martin Solveig – Do It Right ft. Tkay Maidza

5 October, 2018
Alicante Architects: How to do a Renovation of a Single-family Home or Villa

I want to do a renovation work. Do I have to ask for a license?

In many cases, right after buying a second-hand house, a house or an apartment we think about doing some renovations to adapt it to our needs or tastes. In addition to hiring a builder to do the work, what other actors are involved in the process? Do I have to ask for a license? How much can “paperwork” cost?

What many people do not know is that there is always a license to be asked for any type of work, be it a renovation, a change of facilities, painting, a change in the woodwork, or any other aesthetics or architectural change in the house.

Are all licenses the same?

To answer this question, it is essential to distinguish if it is a major work or minor work, because depending on whether it is of one type or another, the path is different.

According to judgments of the Supreme Court, in the case of renovation works, the difference between a major work and a minor work is that a major work affects the structure and (or) the facades, including the roof as a facade. The rest of the works can be considered a minor work.

Despite this clear definition, we must bear in mind that each city council has its criteria to define what type of work is greater or lesser, and based on this classification, the path is different. Therefore, it is advised to go the Town Hall where the construction is intended to be developed and ask for information.

What are the requirements for a major work?

In the case of a major work, the project and direction of the architect and the quantity surveyor will be needed, as well as the payment of the license and municipal taxes. In both cases: the technicians fees and municipal license fees are based on the cost of the work which is, in turn, calculated on the square meters of the renovation area.

In some cases, the builder is responsible for these procedures before the town hall, and may hire technicians at his expense, if necessary. It is very important that before starting the work, the builder, if he has been responsible for processing the license, delivers a copy of it to us due to two reasons. The first one is to justify that the property was licensed and, the second one, because a copy of the license will be required by a municipal inspector if they come to supervise the work.

What are the requirements for a minor work?

In the case of a minor work, in principle, technician intervention is not needed and the processing of the license is simpler and faster. Again, it must be said that each town hall has its own system of pricing and processing. There are town halls where the license is automatically granted by only paying said license through by the self-assessment method.

“Self-assessment” means that the owner who wants to do the renovation work, picks up a form at the town hall, fills it out and depending on the square feet and the intended work, an amount to pay for the license appears and must paid in a bank.

Arquifach, Alicante Architects, takes charge of your chalet renovation in Costa Blanca

Contact Arquifach, Alicante architectural studio, without commitment. We study the feasibility of your project and offer advice on the renovation of new single-family homes or tourist apartment buildings. We are supported by a specialized team in Costa Blanca. Arquifach deals with all the process and planning of the renovation adapting it to the needs of the client and complying with the municipal regulations.

26 July, 2018
Arquifach, architectural studio in Alicante, advises: legal and tax considerations in the purchase of a second-hand house on the Costa Blanca
There is a wide range of plots and land to build a villa on the Costa Blanca. But it is also possible to buy a second-hand plot that meets our needs. It is necessary to think that most of the plots with the best views, position and accesses are already built and occupied by chalets that in most cases are more than 25 years old. This type of plots allows us to demolish the existing building to make a new or comprehensive reform to modernize the home and adapt it to our needs.

There are several aspects to be taken into account when making a decision to buy a second-hand construction:
1. The legal aspect: regarding the possible encumbrances and easements the property might have, such as the ownership of the property.
2. The urban aspect: it means that there is no open file in the town hall against that property and other points to consider related to the urban planning.
3. The tax aspect must be controlled: all the receipts of the IBI (Real State Tax) are paid, who is the owner in the cadaster, as well as other data referring to surfaces and boundaries.
4. Finally, the construction aspect is important, since the state of the house must be known at least for the purposes of foundation, structure and rainwater problems. It would be convenient to clarify other aspects related to the state of the construction to be purchased. In addition, currently all homes for sale on the market must legally have and submit the Energy Performance Certificate to be able to write a deed on them.
The importance of documentation

Normally, a second-hand property is bought through a real estate agency or an intermediary. In general, they have prepared a series of documents regarding the house conditions. Otherwise you must provide them before proceeding to make any firm contract.

On the one hand, you have to request a simple note from the Land Registry to know the state of charges of the property. When the deed is signed, this information from the Land Registry must be electronically requested by the Notary and updated on the same day that the deed is signed so as not to have any last-minute surprises. Let’s suppose that at the beginning of the negotiations the seller’s representative brings a briefing note of the record where there is no charge on that property. If the negotiation lasts a few months, the seller could theoretically put a mortgage on the property, creating a burden on said property. If the aforementioned is carried out, this danger will no longer exist since the information obtained is from the same day that the deed of purchase-sale is signed.

Therefore, the submission of the briefing note of Land Registry by the seller is a starting point that informs us about the situation at that moment of the beginning of the talks. It should be said that the Land Registry is public and that anyone can go to the corresponding offices existing in the town, or near it, where the property for we are interested in is located and request a briefing note alleging interest in the subject, for example: a possible purchase.

Regarding ownership, there are cases in which the seller is the owner of a private purchase-sale contract, but the registered owner is another. It may also be the case that the seller does so with a power from the registered owner. It would be convenient to verify that this private contract or the power of sale are in force. It is also much better for the real owner is part of the signing of the initial private contract, since at the time of signing the deed, the Notary must make all the necessary verifications to be certain that the one signing as a seller can do it.

It must be verified that the home surfaces detailed in the deed, and therefore in the Land Registry, correspond to reality. It is normal that the owner of a villa has made extensions over the years and has not declared them, which may have tax implications at the time of fixing the price of the construction because it is not the original of the statement of New Work as of the value in the IBI since less square meters are being paid.

Arquifach, architectural studio in Alicante, advises you on the purchase of your home

Contact Arquifach, architectural studio in Alicante, without commitment. It has comprehensive services in the reform of second-hand homes and the support of a specialized team on the Costa Blanca. Arquifach covers the entire project: its design, construction, planning, pathology reports, assessments and general advice.
29 June, 2018