There is a question I often hear at the studio:

“Álex, I want to build my own home. Where do I start?”

My answer is usually the same: do not start by thinking about the kitchen, finishes or swimming pool. Start by making good decisions.

Building a house from scratch in Alicante is one of the most important personal and financial projects you can undertake. It can also be one of the most exciting. But before imagining what it will look like, there are several points you should clarify.

What is the first step when building a house in Alicante?

If you have not yet bought the plot, my first piece of advice is simple: consult an architect before making the decision. Two plots that look similar may allow completely different homes depending on:

• The applicable planning regulations.
• Buildability.
• Setbacks.
• Orientation.
• Access.
• The geometry of the plot.

That is why, if you are looking for a plot in Alicante, Elche or the surrounding area, it is worth checking what can actually be built before buying. Timely advice can prevent a purchase from restricting the entire project.

Define the investment before designing the home

A home should not be designed first and costed afterwards. The budget must be part of the project from the beginning.

You need to consider construction, design fees, permits, installations, outdoor areas and all other associated expenses. My job as an architect is not to make the house as large as possible, but to ensure the investment makes sense and that every square metre has a purpose.

A well-designed home does not always need more space. It needs better decisions.

Your way of living should guide the project

When we begin a detached home at AMO Arquitectura, I do not only ask how many bedrooms you need. I want to understand how you live: whether you work from home, entertain friends, cook often, want to live mainly on one floor or expect the terrace and swimming pool to be part of your daily life.

A bespoke home should adapt to you, not force you to adapt to it.

In Alicante, orientation, light and outdoor space are part of the architecture

Our climate allows us to make the most of the home and its outdoor spaces. That is why orientation, natural light, shade, ventilation and the relationship with the garden must be considered from the very beginning.

It is not only about energy efficiency. It is about creating a more comfortable home throughout the year. Many of the best energy decisions begin with the design, before any system or installation is chosen.

The same applies to the terrace, garden and swimming pool: they should not be resolved at the end. When the interior and exterior are conceived as a single project, the home changes completely.

You can also view some projects completed by the studio.

Do not rush to begin construction

It may sound strange for me to say this, but careful preparation saves many problems later. Changing a decision during the design phase is relatively simple; changing it once the work has been built can be expensive and complicated.

The better defined the project is, the more control we will have over the result, the budget and the decisions that arise during construction.