A Guide to Building Regulations in Andorra
- elizabethhelenpier
- Dec 16, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 8
Andorra building regulations can be quite strict and therefore give rise to costly construction methods. Moving forward with a new home, according to the rules and regulations, can be done in various ways but you will find it hard to engage with someone in Andorra who thinks outside the box. As an example, architects and developers love using astronomical amounts of concrete, which in some cases is overkill and spirals your budget through the roof. There are alternative methods accepted but you may find it hard to find the professionals to sign off, and to build your project in this case.
First step
When buying land in Andorra you will be required to carry out a costly soil assessment previous to anything else. This is in order to determine what type of ground you will be building on, and therefore, influencing the type of foundation or plot consolidation (if you are next to a hill or rock wall for example). Be aware that if a plot consolidation needs to be done, this could easily blow away one third of your budget. The soil assessment will be done on a just a number of points on the plot, so consider the fact you may find your soil does not always match the assessment in other areas of the plot.
Second step
Once that has been cleared, the engineer and architect can finalise the structure calculations and floor plans, which will then be submitted to the Andorra planning department for review. As mentioned, Andorra building regulations are fairly strict, not only structurally but also in terms of energy efficiency. As an example, triple glazing and thermal barrier window structures are mandatory, which can substantially affect your budget.
When it comes to aesthetics, Andorra building regulations also have a big influence on these, and more so in the modern day than in the past. They will state the quantity of rock and wood to use on the exterior cladding. This is mainly dependent on the parish wide building plan and can be discussed with the planning department at your local town hall before beginning any project. Although, there are a few basic requirements that affect all properties in the country such as the the need for all exterior roof tiles to be built from slate.
You will find a lack of creativity when in comes to the aesthetics, not just due to building regulations but also within the architectural scene (i.e. copy and paste of cube shaped houses) that occupy every possible metre squared of the plot for the sake of profitability. Other reasons for this type of architecture is also due to the fact that most architects are from Spain. Spanish architecture universities have been heavily promoting modern architecture (omitting any inspiration from historical local styles or architectural elements that define a region), hence the monotony of construction style in Andorra.
All that said, in the last couple of years, some interesting projects have come to light thanks to foreign designers.
Last step
When building a new home in Andorra, the best piece of advice is patience and more patience. Your project may take over a year to be approved before building can even begin.
