A slightly reform at home is not DIY: follow the 'precautionary principle'

1. The precautionary principle and the temptation to carry out the reforms of a private space oneself

On what assumption is the 'precautionary principle' based? In that when the consequences of a given action are unknown, but can have important or irreversible negative consequences, this action must be avoided.

In accordance with this principle we recommend that you never make reforms on your own.

2. Do I have guaranteed alternatives to doing a reform myself?

No doubt about it. Opt for an experienced professional.  

You can choose between:

•  The col-legiate architect: he will be in charge of projecting and executing the renovation.

•  The certified technical architect: professional who, as an added value, provides control of: quality, safety, health, as well as monitoring of costs.

• The interior designer: this is the profile most closely related to the fine arts, he or she sets up, decorates and enhances the comfort of a real estate product.

• The Home Stager: you have to make your product attractive for sale or rent? Then you need a Home Stager that "presents your real estate product with the best possible aspect by means of a provisional decoration, corrects small flaws and prepares it so that it can be taken dream photographs or tours attached to the web".

We also recommend that there be a Facility Manager hired prior to the renovation.  This professional is familiar with your real estate product. This means that he/she knows its condition and, therefore, can warn of potential risks that may threaten it. In short, it can predict what type of renovation you need. 

2.1 What is the difference between major and minor works?  

Their different degree of difficulty and impact. 

We can characterize minor works as: simple, they do not require changes to the general structure of the building and they are very cheap.

Major works are those that: involve structural changes, may affect other dwellings and require a qualified technician to draw up the project. This, in order to begin the work, must be:

a) Approved by the Official College. 

b) Presented before the Administration. 

2.2 What are the requirements for each type of work? Which is the competent Administration to authorize works on real estate products?

For the major works it is necessary to achieve a 'townwall license', whereas, for the minor ones the 'assabentat d'obres'. 

In this text we will talk about minor works. It is therefore necessary to answer four questions about 'the assabentat d'obres': 

2.2.1 What is l'"assabentat d'obres"?  A communication to the Administration that notifies the beginning of the works,

2.2.2 Does it have cost? No.

2.2.3 Does it require a project of works to begin execution? No, it does not.

2.2.4 Can I find out how to apply online? Yes, click on this link to access the milcuatrocientoscincuenta.com guide.    

Any document referring to renovations must be presented before the Town Hall of the municipality where the space is located.

2.3 Is it necessary to communicate to the co-owners the beginning of a minor work that will not affect them?

Yes, the fact that it does not affect other departments does not exonerate you. Specifically, you have to inform the President and the Administrator of the community. However, for minor works, the approval of the Board is not required.

Legal sources for this answer: Articles 553-36.2 and 553-36.3 of the Catalan Civil Code.   

3. Why are there owners who go straight ahead and are encouraged to make minor renovations?

Our Facility Manager, Joan Clar, explains it assertively:

a) People believe that 'easy execution' is equivalent to 'low risk': this is not always the case. For example, placing a doll is very simple, placing it too close to the tooth is also very simple and carries a very high risk of death.

b) To avoid the professional's salary.

c) Sometimes what needs to be fixed is causing great discomfort or harm. 

d) Both when we interact with the community of owners and when we interact with the local administration, the communication is extremely fast. This agility, close to facilitating small emergency repairs, also leads to irrational decisions. 

4. 22 Mistakes to avoid when you are choosing whether or not to do the renovation yourself

Joan Clar, assures: 

'There are  propietors who reform a privative space without knowledge'. Faced with this dreadful reality, we feel a professional duty and a moral obligation to advise you.

In the livingroom pay attention to all these points:

• That the ceilings are at the correct height. 
• That the radiators are well positioned
• That the air conditioner or heat pump is well oriented to fulfill the function of cooling or cooling the room.
• That the distribution of the room is harmonious and logical.
• That the TV is not placed against the wall.

Pay attention to all these points in the kitchen:

• That there is not less than fifty centimeters between the sink and a sink.
• To choose the right flooring and it is crucial to lay it well.
• To make sure that the rentavaixelles and the aigüera present a suitable orientation
• To watch that the smoke outlet and the filters of the same one do their function. If this mistake is made, we will intoxicate ourselves. In this sense, it is not superfluous to install a smoke detector in the room next to the kitchen. The reason for placing it a little far from the stove is to prevent it from going off too often.

Gallery pays attention to all these points:

• It is necessary to air-condition it
• In the need to dispense with air conditioning in this dependence
• If possible, the gallery should be annexed to the kitchen.
• In no room the illumination can be dispersed nor make shadows, on the contrary, it has to be centered in the work area. 
• The rails, in a retractable table, cannot be crossed.   

In bedrooms pays attention to all these points:

• That the width of the bed is correct.
• Do not use wardrobes with folding doors, if there is any obstacle they do not usually open well, it is much better to opt for sliding doors.
• The bed should never be attached to the façade.
• It is necessary to avoid locating those lenders that give in parets that do not follow mestres

In bathrooms pay attention to all these points:

• In no way can you place the dolls near the water because we can die (dutxa or piques).
• The shower must be waterproofed.
• There must not be any light inside the shower or bathtub because we can die.
• The sealing cannot be left to improvisation.

A reform, if it is done well, provides satisfaction and well-being.