Published on May 8th, 2006

Is it possible to build a log-house in the south of Spain

Question from a British reader:

We have spoken about the option of building a Canadian/Scandinavian type log house; is it permissable in the Lorca (Murcia) area ?

The log house is not a problem of permission, which should be granted without any doubt. But there are some slight differences between Canada or Sweden and Murcia in the south of Spain:

• Unless you import a ready-to-build house, you will have to find the timber from some other place in the country or even import it.
• You will have to find the skilled people able to cut it and build the house; in this remote area, it will be difficult.
• In summer, temperatures raise up to 42º C - 108º F (or more) in the shadow each year, the wood will dry very quickly and the fire risk will be important; I do not know how much an insurance company would charge to cover this risk, but I bet it will not be a small invoice.
• Eventually, we have termites (white ants) in Spain, which might be unknown in Sweden; so much so that in Lorca, even the roof beams are made of concrete.

Of course, you do whatever you want, but I am not sure it is the right idea… sorry !