Since moving to southern Spain in 2004 after 25 years of experience in the construction industry in the UK, Iâve spent over two decades building a trusted reputation in the local and expat communities. I began by renovating my own cortijo and soon found myself working on neighboursâ homes. Iâve mastered local building methods, learned how to navigate the Spanish licensing system, and built lasting relationships with reliable tradesmen and suppliers. I personally oversee every project, provide honest estimates, and deliver work to a high standard â clean, on time, and with no hidden surprises. Many clients return to me again and again, a testament to the quality of my work and the trust Iâve earned.
What I can do for you
Although I enjoy all aspects of building work, bathroom reforms and general tiling are particularly rewarding. There is something pleasing about a project taking shape day by day. Bathrooms can be challenging, generally because of the lack of space, but with the modern day range of tiles and bathroom fittings, creating a stunning and practical bathroom is possible. Likewise tiling a floor is very satisfying and can transform the appearance of a room.
Outside of the house a new terrace or patio, be it modern or more rustic, will help you enjoy the warm weather of southern Spain. Should you want some shade from the weather I work closely with both local Spanish providers and also other ex-pat builders, and between them they can provide you with toldo or a pergola to beat the summer heat.
Should your project be a little more extensive I can also help you with replacement windows or patio doors. A kitchen reform, possibly with a new granite work surface is also something that will help transform you property.
In an area of the country where water can often be in short supply many country properties need a water tank to store the water required for the house and garden. I can build you a storage tank, be it concrete or steel, that will meet your specific needs.
Gallery
House in tORRECUEVAS
The customer had recently bought the house and wanted to reconfigure the internal layout. I was tasked with removing the internal walls on the upper floor and rebuilding them in the new positions. In places metal studding was used to save space and to speed up the works. On the lower floor new patio doors with persianas were fitted. To link the two floors a spiral staircase was fitted and the floors were then retiled.
House in Motril
The task was to convert a storage area into a den. Metal framed stud walls were used to help hide the services and add a level of soundproofing. Electric underfloor heating was laid over the entire floor with Travetino tiles then laid over it. All walls and the ceiling were then painted.
Pergola
The customers asked for somewhere to sit, relax and enjoy the evening sunshine, so we built this beautiful pergola to add some shade. The ideal place to sit back, unwind and enjoy the outdoors in comfort.
Testimonials
In a land where very little gets done on time, to budget or to a high standard, Phil is a breath of fresh air!
Mark Levesley
Reliable, tidy and efficient. I have known Phil for many years and he has done numerous jobs for me. I cannot recommend more highly.
Rosemary Rutherford
About Me
On leaving school at 18 in 1980 I started work as a self employed labourer for a sub contractor doing the roofing and cladding on farm buildings and industrial units. 10 years later I took over the business and expanded into the preparation of the foundations and steel erecting as well as the cladding. I employed a small team and soon learnt the art of time management alongside the skills of preparing estimates, invoices, risk assessments and method statements. At the same time I built extensions on both my first house and then my last house, doing the vast majority of the work myself.
In 2004 I moved to southern Spain and spent the first year renovating and extending my cortijo. This taught me about both Spanish building materials (which are very different to British materials) and also building methods. During this first year friends and neighbours started asking me to do work on their properties, and so my career as a builder in Spain began. I learnt how to deal with local authorities when it came to building licences and more importantly how to be patient with regards to material deliveries and the processing of licence applications.
I have been here for 21 years and in that time have used a number of local and ex-pat businesses, some good others not so much. Over time I have whittled them down to a handful in who I have trust and confidence, and would not hesitate to recommend to you.
Due to my background in the UK construction sector my standards are higher than some of those you may see while driving around Spain. It doesn´t take any more time or effort to do the job right first time. I am always happy to come and discuss your requirements and give you a free no obligation estimate. I will start the work when I say I will and always leave your property clean and tidy at the end of the job. If the project is too big or something I am not comfortable doing I will tell you up front. Unless vast quantities of materials are needed or high value ones I wont ask for up front payment. If it´s a long job I may ask for an intermediate payment but generally you will pay me once the job is finished.
I enjoy my work. I enjoy living here in Andalucia and being with the locals. I think this is reflected in the way I go about my work and my dealings with my customers, many of whom have invited me back time and again over the years.
If you ask me to work at your property I will be the one doing the work with help, when necessary, from other craftsmen. I will not pass the work on to other builders who you do not know.
I will oversee your project from start to finish, ensuring timely supply of materials and proper oversight of other tradesmen. If an architect´s input is needed I have worked for many years with an English speaking Spanish architect who is comfortable working with non Spanish speaking customers. I have also had long experience in dealing with the various town hall planning departments.
