I?ve bought a house near Almeria in Spain, it's only 4 years old but
still needs some work and alterations. I have been looking for any
books and/or English web sites, which would help with project managing
the renovation. I?ve found lots of information on how to do the work
but not the order it should be done in ? e.g. should I do the
electric?s first or plumbing , knock walls down, replaster, install
solar power, install new kitchen and bathroom, replace floor tiles
etc. Information on the pitfalls and do and don?t of renovation in
Spain would also be useful as would information on what the planning
regulations are in Spain.

Planning regulations.
There are strict planning regulations in Spain. Failure to follow the
planning regulations will result in a fine. In addition breach of the
rules may mean that a property becomes impossible to sell or may be
ordered to be demolished.

According to Property Guide Lines, there are two types of building
license in Spain. A Licencia de Obra Mayor is need for extending the
house or changing its structure. A Licencia de Obra Menor (minor works
licence) is required for any minor change to a building like painting
the house or changing the colour of the bathroom tiles. The licences
are obtained from the town hall?s planning department (urbanismo).
There is a tax on works carried out. For minor works a licence costs
42 Euros plus 3.6% of the estimated value of the project.
http://www.guidesouth.com/guidesouth/property.htm

According to this site the cost of a minor works licence varies
between 2% and 6% of the estimated value of the project.
http://www.immo7.com/index/_en/news/morenews/all/_ib/128/2/0/

This site quotes a cost of 5% for a building licence. If the works are
being carried out by the owner, then estimated value of the project
must also include labour costs at a professional rate. Minor works
include changing floors or tiles, building or removing partitions
inside the house and raising the garden walls.
 http://realestate-spain.com/Eng/advisor/ADVISER.htm

Planning law.
It is illegal to build within 100 metres of the coast.
Any external building work like swimming pools require planning
permission. http://www.spanishlegalnet.com/Planning.htm

According to graysworld.co.uk, it is easier to get a license to repair
an existing building than to construct a new one. A license for ?obra
menor? (minor repairs) is needed. Architects plans are often not
required ? a sketch is sufficient.
http://www.graysworld.co.uk/spanish-property/buying-property-in-spain.htm


Building regulations in Spain.
According to the Land Register, there are limits on how much a
building may be extended. An existing building may be extended by an
area of 2% on each floor as long as the size of the plot of land is at
least 10,000 m2. General rules are that the building?s ascetic
appearance should be maintained. For example a stone building should
be restored with stone. Large modern fittings like PVC patio doors
that are visible from the exterior are not allowed.
http://www.thelandregister.com/building-restoration-regulations-spain.htm


Spanish law for the regulation of constructions.
http://www.novalex2000.net/docs/construct256.htm


This site describes the building of a house on a plot of land. It says
that it takes about 6 months to get planning permission and architects
charge 9% of the building costs.
http://costablancaexpats.net/pats/buildyourown.txt

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Schedule of works.
I have found several building schedules that list the work in the following order.

Application for building licence.
Knock down walls.
Fix the floor.
Fix the walls ? remove plaster and make any necessary repairs to the walls.
Roof repairs.
Doors and windows.
Heating rough ? install all duct work and flue pipes. 
Rough plumbing ? all the plumbing that need to be in the walls or
frame of the building.
Rough electrical work ? installation of electrical wires, outlet,
switch and fixture boxes.
Drywall installation (plastering).
Interior and exterior trimming ? door frames, skirting boards etc.
Prime painting.
Floor and wall tiling.
Install cabinets ? kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
Plumbing trim ? installing toilets, hot water heaters, sinks,
connecting gas pipe to appliances.
Electrical trim ? installation of plugs, switches, light fixtures,
smoke detectors etc.
Insulation.

Example construction schedules:

This schedule applies to Spanish property.
http://www.alboxfincas.com/restoration.htm

New home construction schedule.
http://www.keidel.com/guide/project-n.htm

Construction schedule.
http://www.b4ubuild.com/resources/schedule/6kproj.shtml


<Additional links:>

<Building terms.>
<http://www.realestatehelper.org/building%20terms%20e.htm>


<Search strategy:>

<spain  "obra menor">
<://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=spain++%22obra+menor%22>

<licencia spain restoration>
<://www.google.com/search?q=licencia+spain+restoration&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&start=10&sa=N>

<Hope this helps.>

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction