ALL THE INFORMATION FOR YOUR PROJECT
What is a project for changing the use of a commercial space to a residential one?
These types of projects are becoming increasingly common, driven primarily by the high cost of housing, which has reached unprecedented levels. Opting for a change of use can be more cost-effective than purchasing a new dwelling with the necessary permits.
A change of use project must adhere to the same requirements as a new residential construction. It must comply with the standards outlined in the Building Technical Code (CTE) and local regulations for habitability, which can vary by region. This adherence is crucial, as upon completion of the project, the new residential unit will be granted the corresponding Certificate of Habitability.
STEPS TO OBTAIN YOUR License
Feasibility Study
This feasibility study will provide us with the assurance that this Change of Use project can be carried out, and that upon completion, we will be able to obtain the occupancy certificate, and consequently, register this property as a residence.
Having a well-conducted feasibility study for the Change of Use project is crucial, as failure to meet any of the requirements, whether at the urban planning or habitability level, could result in the denial of the corresponding Change of Use license.
In addition to outlining the interior works to be carried out in the premises, this change of use project justifies all the urban planning regulations in the area to enable the establishment of a residential unit. As such, it must justify points such as:
Minimum Spaces: Every residential unit must consist of several rooms.
Living-Dining-Kitchen: This can be designed as a single space, but must be distinctively separated.
Main Bedroom: Must have sufficient space to accommodate a double bed and a wardrobe.
Bathroom: Equipped with a toilet, sink, shower or bathtub.
Entrance Hall or Foyer: Must be suitable for handicap access, allowing for a circle with a diameter of 1.5 meters to be inscribed.
Hallways: These distribute the residence's access to other rooms, requiring a width greater than 0.90 cm.
Living Room: A minimum surface area of 12m² is required, allowing for a minimum circle with a diameter of 3 meters to be inscribed.
Dining Room: A minimum surface area of 10m² is required, allowing for a minimum circle with a diameter of 2.5 meters to be inscribed.
Living-Dining Room: These two spaces can be combined into one, with a minimum surface area of 15m² and a minimum circle with a diameter of 2.5 meters to be inscribed.
Kitchen: This room must include all necessary elements for food preparation and cleaning, such as sink, countertop, oven, exhaust hood, etc.
Minimum Ceiling Heights of Rooms: Must not be less than 2.5 meters.
Justification for ventilation in each area, achieved through windows to the exterior.
Justification for natural lighting, mandatory in bedrooms.
Structural Resistance, etc...
Once the project is completed, the corresponding license will be processed, from which we can carry out the adaptation works by a construction company. Obtaining the license means that the change of use is approved by the municipality, so the next step will be to carry out the works.
These works are usually straightforward, as in most cases no structural modifications are made, but it's important to have the supervision of a technician to ensure they are executed according to the project specifications.
Completion of the Change of Use Works
The completion of the change of use works involves the preparation of a series of necessary technical documentation to obtain the certificate of habitability. This documentation includes:
Final Works Certificate: A document issued by the technician who supervised the execution of the works, certifying that the works have been carried out according to the project. If there have been any modifications, they should be reflected in the As-Built project.
Energy Efficiency Certificate: Since it's treated as a new dwelling, the corresponding energy efficiency certificate must be obtained.
Certificate of First Occupancy: A certificate issued by the municipality after the technical inspector has conducted an on-site inspection of the project. This certificate is essential to proceed with the processing of the certificate of habitability and also serves to close the works file associated with the project.
Others: Depending on the locality, other documents may be required, such as a certificate of acoustic insulation (as is the case in Barcelona).
Certificate of Habitability: A document issued by the architect responsible for the project, certifying the compliance with the habitability conditions of the dwelling, thus accrediting it as such.
Once all this documentation is prepared, it should be submitted to the cadastre office to ensure proper registration and to officially designate your property as a dwelling, completing the change of use process.
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