English Builder in Salares
Salares is renowned as one of the whitest villages in Spain – that brilliant traditional aesthetic attracts many buyers. I specialise in maintaining that character while upgrading properties to modern standards.
Salares: Traditional Village Character
Salares is special. The entire village maintains that iconic whitewashed appearance – it's not just a few buildings, it's the whole settlement gleaming white against the mountain backdrop. This traditional aesthetic is precisely what attracts buyers, particularly British owners looking for authentic rural Spanish character.
Properties here are almost exclusively traditional village houses, many dating back 100+ years. Narrow cobbled streets, thick stone walls, small original windows, and that continuous whitewashed exterior are typical features. The village maintains strict aesthetic standards – external changes need to preserve the traditional appearance, which I fully support and work within.
Like most Axarquía mountain villages, Salares properties commonly have damp issues from traditional construction methods and hillside positioning. The challenge is solving these problems effectively while maintaining the exterior appearance that makes the village so attractive. I've worked on numerous Salares properties, always conscious of preserving what makes them special.
Common Salares Projects
Traditional Property Renovations
Modernising Salares properties while preserving their traditional character. Exterior appearance stays traditional – whitewashed walls, traditional windows, terracotta roofs. But inside, everything is upgraded: modern plumbing and electrics, proper insulation, effective damp-proofing, contemporary bathrooms and kitchens. The goal is comfortable 21st-century living inside a building that maintains its historic charm.
Damp Solutions
Very common in Salares. Old houses built without damp-proof courses, directly on ground, often on hillsides where water naturally flows downward. Rising damp shows as tide marks on walls, peeling paint, and musty smells. I've solved damp problems in properties throughout the village, using methods proven effective for these traditional construction types. Each situation is different, requiring proper diagnosis before treatment.
Bathroom Renovations
Traditional Salares homes often have small, outdated bathrooms with poor waterproofing and ventilation. I completely strip back to bare structure, address any underlying moisture issues, install proper ventilation and waterproofing systems, then rebuild with quality fixtures. Space is usually constrained, so efficient layout planning maximises functionality.
Interior Upgrades
Many Salares properties are dark inside with small original windows. Where possible, I improve natural light through careful window enlargement or additional openings (always maintaining exterior traditional appearance). Internal walls can often be opened up to create better flow and spaciousness. The trick is modernising the interior experience while keeping the exterior faithfully traditional.
Working in Salares
The village maintains its traditional appearance through community pride and local regulations. Any external work needs to fit this aesthetic, which I completely respect. The village's beauty is its main attraction – preserving it benefits everyone. I work within these guidelines naturally, understanding that maintaining character is part of the job.
Access in parts of the old village can be tight. Some streets only accommodate small vehicles, occasionally requiring materials to be carried the final distance. I've worked in Salares long enough to know which properties present access challenges and plan accordingly.
Being just 7km from Cómpeta means I'm genuinely local. I can visit easily for site assessments, monitor ongoing projects regularly, and respond quickly if issues arise. That proximity ensures good communication throughout your renovation. Building permits are handled through Vélez-Málaga municipality, and I manage all the Spanish paperwork.
White Village Expertise
Based in neighboring Cómpeta for truly local service
Maintain traditional aesthetics while modernising interiors
Extensive experience with traditional property moisture issues
Handle permits and coordinate in fluent Spanish
Salares Renovation Project?
Sensitive renovations preserving traditional character. Free quotes and honest advice from a local builder.