Frequently Asked Questions: Construction & Pool Costs in La Marina

Cost & Time

What does a full villa renovation cost per m² in Costa Blanca? A complete structural renovation starts at around €1,500/m² ( £1,281.02 ); an extension or structural addition runs €1,800–2,200/m² ( £1,537.12- £1,878.69 ), depending on scope. The exact price depends on the property's condition, chosen materials and the extent of electrical/plumbing work involved. We provide a detailed, free quote with fixed prices after a site visit.

How long does a full villa renovation take? Between 6 weeks and 4 months, depending on scope. We completed a full strip-out and rebuild of a detached house in just 2.5 months (Project Markus Wahl, La Marina).

What does an 8×4 pool cost in La Marina (2026)? A pool this size typically runs between €20,000 ( £17,109.25 ) and €27,000 ( £23,098.31 ), depending on construction method (reinforced concrete vs. sprayed concrete), tiling and extras (floor heating, salt water system, cover). See our real reference: Project Willi, La Marina.

How long does pool construction take, from permit to fill? The build itself takes 5–8 weeks. The permit (licencia/obra mayor) runs in parallel or beforehand and can add several weeks to months depending on the town hall – we handle the application for you.

What does a solar system with battery storage cost? Costs depend on system size and battery capacity – as a reference point: our project with a BYD HVS 10.2 battery storage unit and a 4.68 kW system (Project Marco, February 2026).

Project Marco in La Marina

Permits & Process

Do I need a building permit (licencia de obra) for a pool or renovation in San Fulgencio?

Yes, both pool construction and structural renovation work require council approval (obra mayor). We handle the full application process, together with our architect, as part of our project management.

What's the difference between obra menor and obra mayor?

Obra menor covers minor works with no structural changes (e.g. tiling, painting) and only needs a simple council permit. Obra mayor covers structural changes (e.g. extensions, load-bearing walls) and requires an architect plus a full building permit. We clarify which category your project falls under.

What happens if rock or old pipes are found during excavation?

This happens occasionally on the Costa Blanca, especially on older plots. We inform you immediately, adapt the plan and resolve it professionally – transparently, with no hidden costs added later. Real example: in June 2026, during a pool build, we hit exactly this – a neighbour's sewage pipe ran directly through the middle of the planned pool (known in advance, so we rerouted it) and, after 30cm of soil, we hit solid rock in large chunks, which cost us two extra weeks, partly because the excavator also needed repairs.

Trust & Remote Management

Can you manage my project while I'm outside Spain?

Yes, that's standard for us – many of our clients live in Germany, Switzerland or the UK during construction. Reinhard Schäppi manages the site personally and keeps you updated throughout.

Do I get photo/video updates during construction?

Yes, we document every construction phase with photos and videos directly from the site, so you can follow progress at any time, wherever you are.

Why choose a Swiss-led construction company since 1997 over a cheap local builder?

Since 1997 we've stood personally behind every project – Reinhard Schäppi manages construction himself, communicates in German, English and Spanish, and remains your direct point of contact throughout the build. Over 157 customer reviews at 4.8/5 stars confirm this reliability.

What warranty do you offer on your work?

3 years' warranty on general construction work, 10 years on pool construction. Machinery such as pool pumps carries the manufacturer's own warranty.

Are the before-and-after photos on your website real projects?

Yes, exclusively. Every photo shown comes from our own building sites in La Marina and San Fulgencio – no stock photos, no AI-generated images, no third-party references.

How much deposit should I pay upfront, and how do I avoid renovation scams in Spain?

As a general rule, never pay more than 30% upfront, and always get a detailed, itemised written quote (materials and labour listed separately) before starting – vague quotes like "kitchen renovation €8,000" invite disputes later. We provide fixed, itemised quotes and structure payments in stages tied to project milestones, not upfront in full.

Solar

How fast does solar with battery storage pay for itself in Costa Blanca?

Thanks to over 300 days of sunshine a year, a solar system with battery storage pays for itself significantly faster here than in northern regions – typically within 5 to 7 years, depending on system size, self-consumption and current electricity prices.

Do you handle registration with Iberdrola/Endesa and subsidies?

Yes, we handle the complete registration and grid feed-in process with your electricity provider.