Finding Contractors & Services in Spain

Last Updated: February 2026
Source: WhatsApp community groups (Drugovanje Valencia)

Overview

Finding reliable contractors, handymen, and service providers in Spain can be challenging, especially if you don't speak Spanish. This guide covers how to find, vet, and work with professionals for home repairs, renovations, and services.

Types of Services You'll Need

Home Maintenance

• Plumbers (fontanero, vodoinstalater)
• Electricians (electricista)
• AC/Heating (climatización)
• General handyman (manitas, majstor)

Renovations

• Painters (pintor)
• Tilers (alicatador)
• Carpenters (carpintero)
• Window installers (ventanas)
• Flooring specialists (suelos)

Specialized

• Architects (arquitecto)
• Lawyers (abogado/advokat)
• Accountants/Gestores (gestoría)
• Real estate agents (agente inmobiliario)

How to Find Services

1. Community Recommendations (Best)

WhatsApp Groups:

• Drugovanje Valencia - General recommendations
• Ask for "majstor" or specific service
• Get multiple opinions
• Check if anyone has recent experience

Why best:

• Tested by community
• Real feedback
• Often Serbian/English speakers
• Fair pricing (they know expat community)

2. Word of Mouth

Ask:

• Neighbors
• Building administrator
• Local shop owners
• Friends who've used services

Especially good for:

• Finding honest pricing
• Local, reliable workers
• Building-specific issues

3. Online Platforms

Habitissimo.com

• Post your project
• Get multiple quotes
• Read reviews
• Compare prices

Cronoshare.com

• Similar to Habitissimo
• Professional listings
• Price comparisons

Tusclasesparticulares.com

• For tutors, classes, specialized services

Google Maps / Google Reviews

• Search "fontanero Valencia"
• Check ratings
• Read recent reviews
• Call directly

4. Physical Locations

Ferreterías (Hardware Stores):

• Often have bulletin boards
• Staff know local contractors
• Can recommend for specific jobs

Building Supply Stores:

• Leroy Merlin, Bricomart
• Contractor references
• Some offer installation services

Vetting Contractors

Before Hiring - Check These

1. Get Multiple Quotes (Presupuestos)

• Minimum 3 quotes
• Should be written, not verbal
• Itemized costs
• Timeline included

2. Ask Questions

• ¿Tiene seguro? (Do you have insurance?)
• ¿Referencias? (References?)
• ¿Cuánto tiempo? (How long will it take?)
• ¿Garantía? (Warranty on work?)
• ¿Pago? (Payment terms?)

3. Check References

• Ask for 2-3 previous clients
• Call them (or WhatsApp)
• Ask about quality, timing, price

4. Verify License (for major work)

• Electricians: Must be certified (boletín eléctrico)
• Plumbers: Should be registered
• Gas work: Requires special certification

5. Written Contract

• Scope of work
• Price (fixed or hourly)
• Payment schedule
• Start and end dates
• Materials included or separate
• Warranty terms

Typical Prices (Valencia 2026)

Hourly Rates

Common Jobs - Fixed Price

Prices vary by:

• Complexity
• Materials
• Location
• Urgency
• Season

Payment Terms

Standard Practice

Small jobs (<€500):

• Pay after completion
• Cash or transfer
• Get receipt (factura)

Medium jobs (€500-2,000):

• 30-50% deposit
• Rest on completion
• Retention possible for issues

Large jobs (>€2,000):

• 30% on start
• 30% at midpoint
• 40% on completion
• Get factura for tax purposes

Payment Methods

Bizum: Fast, convenient (if contractor has it)
Bank transfer: Documented, traceable
Cash: Common but get receipt
Card: Rare for small contractors

ALWAYS get factura (invoice/receipt) - Proof of work for:

• Warranty claims
• Tax deductions (if property rental)
• Disputes
• Selling property later

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid

Pitfall 1: Verbal Estimates

Problem: Price changes later, "more work than expected"

Solution:

• Get written quote (presupuesto)
• Itemized breakdown
• "This price is final for described work"

Pitfall 2: No Timeline

Problem: Work drags on for weeks/months

Solution:

• Agree start and end dates in writing
• Penalties for delays (if large job)
• Regular check-ins

Pitfall 3: Poor Quality Materials

Problem: Contractor uses cheap materials, charges for good ones

Solution:

• Specify brands/quality in contract
• Buy materials yourself (if possible)
• Check invoices for materials

Pitfall 4: Disappearing Act

Problem: Contractor takes deposit, never returns

Solution:

• Small deposit only
• Check references
• Use community-recommended people
• Don't pay full amount upfront

Pitfall 5: Unlicensed Electrical/Gas Work

Problem: Work fails inspection, insurance won't cover issues

Solution:

• Ask for certifications
• Require boletín (electrical certificate)
• Only use licensed for these services

Pitfall 6: Language Barrier

Problem: Misunderstandings about work, costs, timeline

Solution:

• Use community members as intermediaries
• Written communication (WhatsApp)
• Photos/drawings to clarify
• Hire bilingual contractors when possible

Community Contact List

Note: These contacts are from the community-maintained list (last updated February 2026). Always verify in WhatsApp group before hiring.

General Contractor / Construction

• Jhony - General contractor for most construction work. Very affordable. Spanish-speaking, but has English-speaking colleague.

Cleaning / Housekeeping

• Melina - +34 692 465 046 - Has her own team, speaks English

Carpet / Furniture Cleaning

• Limpieza Tapicerias - +34 602 663 999
• Limpieza Profund - +34 632 252 673
• Also Ukrainians via Google Maps

Plumbers

• Suko - +34 637 689 646 - Works for Fontaneria Marco (+34 697 43 74 79)
• Toni - +34 649 112 333
• Martin - +34 673 950 617 - Recommended by Ana Lecic

Gas Services

• Gabriel - +34 650 982 802 - Colombian, speaks English and some Serbian
• José - +34 636 644 247 - JM Fontgas company

Carpenter

• Felipe Rocha - +34 622 800 555 - Built kitchens, bathrooms, shelves. Community tested.
• Made in VLC - https://madeinvlc.es/

Auto Services

• Auto body/paint - https://maps.app.goo.gl/NC1t4sqcVunhaBuR9
• Mechanic - https://share.google/KEJvXO2bpdULM3L7o - Serbian-owned
• Mechanic - https://maps.app.goo.gl/kPp1vb5SU73iB4Si8

Transport / Moving

• Ljuba - +381 63 490 332 - Serbia-Spain transport

Recently mentioned:

• Juan Carlos (AC/clima) - +34 675 642 757

Always:

• Verify current info in group
• Ask for recent experiences
• Get multiple contacts to compare
• Check if they're still active and prices are current

Working with Contractors

Communication Tips

Use WhatsApp:

• Send photos of problems
• Share examples of what you want
• Confirm appointments
• Track conversations

Be specific:

• Show pictures from internet
• Measure and provide dimensions
• Describe problem clearly
• Set expectations

Set clear times:

• "Between 9-10am" not "in the morning"
• Confirm day before
• Be available during work
• Provide access if you'll be out

During the Work

✅ Do:

• Check progress regularly
• Ask questions if unsure
• Document with photos
• Keep materials receipts
• Be present for major decisions

❌ Don't:

• Hover constantly
• Change scope mid-job (unless willing to pay more)
• Pay full amount before completion
• Accept "trust me" without seeing

Quality Check Before Final Payment

Inspect:

• All work completed as agreed
• Clean workspace
• Materials as specified
• Test everything (lights, water, AC)
• Take photos for records

Before final payment:

• Do walk-through together
• Make punch list of any issues
• Agree on fixing timeline
• Withhold 10-20% until fixes done

Renovation Projects

Small Renovations (<€5,000)

Examples:

• Paint apartment
• Replace kitchen
• Bathroom refresh
• New flooring

Steps:

1. Get 3 quotes
2. Check references
3. Agree timeline (usually 1-3 weeks)
4. 30% deposit
5. Monitor progress
6. Final payment on completion

Medium Renovations (€5,000-20,000)

Examples:

• Full bathroom renovation
• Kitchen replacement
• Multiple rooms
• Structural changes

Steps:

1. Consider architect for design
2. May need permits (licencia de obras)
3. Get detailed quotes
4. Payment in stages
5. Allow 1-3 months
6. Community permission if affects common areas

Major Renovations (>€20,000)

Examples:

• Gutting and rebuilding
• Adding rooms
• Major structural work

Requirements:

• Architect: Mandatory for structural
• Permits: Building license required
• Community approval: If affects structure
• Insurance: Verify contractor has proper coverage
• Contract: Detailed legal contract

Timeline: 3-12 months
Payment: Multiple stages, never 100% upfront

Permits & Licenses

When You Need Permits

Major obra (licencia de obras mayor):

• Structural changes
• Adding rooms
• Changing building use
• Balcony enclosures
• Pool installation

Minor obra (licencia de obras menor):

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Non-structural changes
• Sometimes not required (check local rules)

Where to get: Ayuntamiento (town hall)
Cost: Varies by project (€200-2,000+)
Time: 1-3 months approval

Community Approval

Need president's permission for:

• Façade changes
• Common area work
• Noise during restricted hours
• Contractor access

Get in writing - Email or letter

Emergencies

Urgent Issues

Water leak flooding:

1. Turn off main water valve
2. Call 24h emergency plumber
3. Notify neighbors below
4. Document for insurance
5. Expect premium rates (€80-150 minimum)

No electricity:

1. Check circuit breaker
2. Check if building-wide
3. Call electrician or building
4. Emergency: €60-120 minimum

Gas leak:

1. Open windows
2. Don't use electricity/flames
3. Turn off gas if safe
4. Call gas company emergency line
5. Evacuate if smell strong

AC broken (summer):

• Not truly emergency
• Most come within 24-48h
• Can negotiate better price if not urgent

Seasonal Considerations

Summer (June-August)

Pros:

• Many available
• Good weather for outdoor work

Cons:

• Very hot for indoor work
• August vacation (many closed)
• Increased prices sometimes

Winter (December-February)

Pros:

• Less busy, more availability
• Better prices
• Faster scheduling

Cons:

• Shorter days
• Weather delays outdoor work
• Christmas/New Year closures

Best times:**

• April-May: Good weather, pre-summer rush
• September-October: Post-vacation, good conditions

DIY vs Hiring

Do It Yourself

Good for:

• Painting (if you have time)
• Simple assembly
• Cleaning
• Minor fixes you know how to do

Where to buy:

• Leroy Merlin (large DIY store)
• Bricomart (trade/DIY)
• Ferreterías (hardware stores)
• AKI, Brico Depôt

Hire Professional

Always hire for:

• Electrical (safety + legal)
• Gas (safety + legal)
• Structural work
• Plumbing (if complex)
• Anything you're unsure about

Cost/benefit:

• Your time vs €20-30/hour
• Risk of mistakes
• Warranty on professional work
• Peace of mind

Language Cheat Sheet

Basic Phrases

Spanish:

• ¿Cuánto cuesta? - How much does it cost?
• Necesito un presupuesto - I need a quote
• ¿Cuándo puede venir? - When can you come?
• ¿Cuánto tiempo tarda? - How long does it take?
• ¿Tiene factura? - Do you have invoice/receipt?
• Hay un problema - There's a problem
• No funciona - It doesn't work
• Gotea - It's leaking

Serbian (if contractor speaks it):

• Koliko košta? - How much?
• Treba mi majstor - I need a handyman
• Kada možete doći? - When can you come?
• Ima problem - There's a problem

Red Flags - Walk Away

🚩 No written quote - Insists on verbal only
🚩 Full payment upfront - Professional scam
🚩 No references - Won't provide any
🚩 Pressure to decide now - "Special price today only"
🚩 Price too good to be true - Usually is
🚩 No insurance/license - For electrical/gas work
🚩 Poor communication - Never responds, always late
🚩 Asks for cash only - Tax evasion, no recourse

Dispute Resolution

If Work is Unsatisfactory

Step 1: Document issues (photos, videos)
Step 2: Contact contractor in writing (WhatsApp/email)
Step 3: Request fixes or refund
Step 4: Set deadline

Step 5 (if unresponsive):

• Withhold final payment
• Consult consumer protection (OMIC)
• Consider legal action (small claims)
• Leave honest review (if found online)

Prevention

Best defense:

• Written contract
• Clear scope of work
• Payment in stages
• Regular communication
• Document everything

Insurance & Liability

Contractor's Insurance

Professional should have:

• Liability insurance (seguro de responsabilidad civil)
• Covers damage to your property
• Covers injuries on job

Ask before hiring:

• "¿Tiene seguro?"
• Request proof
• Verify it's current

Your Insurance

Home insurance may cover:

• Damage during repairs
• Accidents related to work
• Water damage from plumbing

Check policy before major work - May need notification

Tips from Community

✅ Best practices:

• "Ask in WhatsApp group first - someone knows someone"
• "Get 3 quotes minimum, prices vary a lot"
• "Juan Carlos (clima) is great - many used him"
• "Don't rush - good contractors are worth waiting for"
• "Pay attention to references, not just price"
• "Written quote or don't hire"

❌ Lessons learned:

• "Same majstor charged me €10/m² + IVA but quoted neighbor €7/m²"
• "Always specify materials in writing"
• "Contractor said 'one week' took three weeks"
• "Paid upfront, guy disappeared - use community recommendations only"

Community Resources

WhatsApp Groups:

• Drugovanje Valencia - Ask for recommendations
• Majstor contacts - Maintained by community
• Recent experiences - Always ask for current feedback

Shared Documents:

• Contact list with phone numbers
• Price comparisons
• Recommended vs avoid list

FAQs

Q: Do I need to speak Spanish?
A: Helpful but not required. Many contractors work with expats. Use WhatsApp translation, pictures, or bring bilingual friend.

Q: How much should I tip?
A: Not expected, but appreciated. Round up bill or €10-20 for great service.

Q: Can I deduct repair costs?
A: If rental property: yes. If personal residence: no (unless affects property value for sale).

Q: Should I buy materials or contractor?
A: Depends. Buying yourself ensures quality. Contractor usually gets trade discount. Discuss upfront.

Q: What if contractor wants to start tomorrow?
A: If community recommended and you have written quote: okay. If random: red flag (probably desperate for work = bad).

Q: Hourly or fixed price better?
A: Fixed price for defined work. Hourly for exploratory or uncertain scope.

Q: Can I negotiate price?
A: Yes! Especially if getting multiple quotes. 10-20% negotiation common.

Finding good contractors takes time and patience. Leverage the community - their recommendations are gold. Don't rush, get everything in writing, and never pay 100% upfront. Good luck with your projects! 🔧🏠