Most plan services provide construction drawings that are minimally compliant with building codes. You're going to need more information before you sign a contract with a builder, and before you submit your plans for a building permit.

Before You Sign A Contract With A Builder

In addition to the construction drawings you've purchased, you'll need a set of specifications. "Specs" are the details of all the stuff in the house. The plans show where the toilets are placed, for example, but don't specify what kind of toilets they are. The plans show where the cabinets and countertops go, but don't tell you anything about the style, finish, or cost of these items.

How important are the specs? They are often the difference between a happy new homeowner and an unhappy one. Good, accurate and complete specs will prevent the frustration and disappointment you'll feel if the completed house isn't exactly what you expected, or if it costs a lot more than you thought. Lack of good specs is the root cause of many contractor "horror stories".

Specs will also tell you - up front - how much the finished house is really going to cost. The finishes and fixtures in your house (flooring, lighting, paint, trim, etc.) make up 30% to 40% of the cost of the house - it doesn't take much of a change in the specification of those items to show up in a big way on the bottom line.

Before You Submit For A Building Permit

The building department issues the building permit - but only after your plans pass muster at the zoning department.

The good folks at the zoning department will require you to submit a site plan for review. The level of detail they'll require on the site plan varies - from not much more than a quick sketch to a highly detailed drawing prepared by a surveyor or a civil engineer.

Expect to pay extra for this service, from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the size of the property, the size of the house, and the requirements of the zoning department. And some rural township zoning departments may not require a site plan at all.

Costa Blanca villas have become more popular in recent years. Purchasing a villa in the Costa Blanca region is a good investment and can be a good source of rental income since it is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Spain. The best place to start in gathering information on how to find a Costa Blanca villa is with a reputable real estate agent.

A few things should be taken into considering when beginning your search for a villa. First, consider the location. The most popular areas with tourists are those areas close to beaches and other main attractions. If you intend to rent the villa, you definitely want to consider the villas proximity to these attractions. Villas near the beach, for instance, may cost you more upfront at the time of purchase but keep in mind that you will also be able to charge a higher rental fee. Also consider the amenities offered with the villa. Tourists often desire a private pool, a scenic view, maid service, convenience to the beach, shopping, night life and restaurants. The décor is also something to consider. When advertising online, pictures of the villa are important in advertising and a nice decorated villa will attract much more attention. Again, spending money to furnish and decorate the villa may cost you more money upfront, but it will be a good investment if you are renting the villa. Finally, you should also consider the resale value of the villa since you may decide to sell it at some point in the future. Popular locations will provide more flexibility and options when you do decide to sell.

Once you have purchased a villa, you can get a good weekly rental rate if it is in a location popular with tourists. This can become a great source of income, especially during the summer season. The rental rate you can charge is influenced by such factors as the villa’s size, location, amenities and features, and proximity to public transportation, the beach and other attractions. June through September are the prime months for vacation rentals, and you may find that your villa is booked almost every week. Be sure to advertise your villa in advance as people begin planning and booking accommodations up to six months prior to their trip. You will find that July and August have the highest demand for rentals, as well as Christmas and Easter holidays which are also especially popular. Many travelers visit the area for these holiday festivals, processions and celebrations. During the winter months, you may be able to rent your villa to those coming from Northern Europe to escape the colder weather. You may also find retired individuals seeking somewhere to rent during the winter months, which can be a good source of steady rental income during these seasons not as busy as the summer months. The basic rental rate will be less than in the summer, but at least it is still a source of incoming rental cash flow.