Frequently asked questions
Renovating a second home remotely always raises the same questions: budget, VAT, follow-up, paperwork. Here are our answers. Another question? Write to us, we reply within 24 hours.
Do I need to be on site during the works?
No. Fray Services coordinates the site on your behalf and sends you a regular report: progress, next steps, points of attention and any action expected from you.
Which languages do you speak on site?
On site, we speak Catalan, Spanish, French and English. Your quotes, contracts and reports are provided in your language, and we handle day-to-day exchanges with local tradespeople in Catalan or Spanish.
How much does it cost to renovate an apartment on the Costa Brava?
The budget depends on the size, the condition of the property and the finishes. Fray Services prices every project with a detailed item-by-item quote, stating the applicable Spanish VAT rate.
Which VAT rate applies to my works: 10% or 21%?
The reduced 10% rate applies if the property is over 2 years old, the client is a private individual and the materials supplied account for less than 40% of the pre-tax amount. Otherwise the rate is 21%. Your quote states the rate applied and the reason.
How quickly will I receive a quote?
We reply to your enquiry within 24 hours. The detailed quote is free and delivered within 48 hours, with the cost per item, estimated timescales and the list of contractors.
Is the on-site assessment chargeable?
No. The assessment is free and the visit is offered in Palamós, Platja d’Aro, Palafrugell, Begur and Calella de Palafrugell.
How do I follow my project from abroad?
You receive a photo report every week, in English. It covers progress, next steps, points of attention and what we need from you.
Who are the tradespeople who carry out the work?
Qualified, vetted and insured local tradespeople whom we select and coordinate: masonry, plumbing, electrics, tiling, painting, air conditioning, façades.
Which towns do you cover?
Palamós, Platja d’Aro, Palafrugell, Begur, Calella de Palafrugell, Calonge, La Bisbal d’Empordà and the rest of the Costa Brava.
Do I need a permit from the town hall for my works?
Depending on the scale of works, a declaration or a municipal licence is required. We file it ourselves at the town hall and build it into the schedule.
Can works be carried out in summer?
Some municipalities limit noisy works during the summer season. We take these rules into account in the schedule to avoid any stoppage.
What happens after handover?
We draw up the snagging list with you, then provide after-works follow-up for 3 months.
Do you also sell solar equipment?
Yes, with Solandvolt, our solar energy equipment shop: solar kits, batteries and solar energy equipment, sold in France and Spain.