Building permits in Spain: major and minor works

In general terms, the difference between major works (obra mayor) and minor works (obra menor) depends on the scale of the intervention to be carried out on a property or building. Before carrying out any works, you need to obtain a building permit (licencia de obra). To do so, a georeferenced topographic survey is required.

Major works (obra mayor)

• Major works, which require a building permit, are any intervention that involves a significant change to the structure of the building. Examples of major works include:
  • Building a new floor
  • Removing a load-bearing wall
  • Changing the layout of the rooms.

Minor works (obra menor)

• Minor works, on the other hand, are smaller interventions, such as:
  • Replacing floors
  • Installing new doors or windows
  • Repairing walls or ceilings.

Why the distinction matters

The distinction between major and minor works is important because in many countries, including Spain, there are different requirements and administrative procedures to be met depending on the type of intervention to be carried out. In addition, major works usually require special licences and permits, as well as hiring qualified professionals to carry out the work.

Tags georreferenciacionlevantamiento topograficoplanopropiedadtopografia

Written by Vicent Doménech, geodesy and cartography engineer, chartered surveyor no. 8948.