MDCI Blog

A recent survey reveals that 90% of construction projects fail to meet their original deadlines. For anyone planning a build in 2026, the right project management approach is critical. Drawing on over 25 years of experience and a 100% on-time, on-budget delivery record, MDCI Project Managers share 10 proven strategies to help you control costs, manage risk, and keep your construction project firmly on track from start to finish.

Buying a plot in Spain with a “ready-made” project and building licence can seem like the fastest way to start building your dream villa—but the reality is often far more complex. Many buyers don’t realise that a basic project is only the first step, and that the execution project, technical studies, contracts, and approvals are still required before construction can begin. This can lead to unexpected delays, extra costs, and even being tied to an architect you didn’t choose. From understanding what the basic project really includes to navigating builder quotes, contracts, and on-site supervision, there are many risks that can easily be overlooked. This article explains the key pitfalls and shows how professional project management ensures transparency, protects your investment, and keeps your villa build on time, on budget, and stress-free.

For overseas investors and property owners, understanding the Declaración de Responsable system in Spain is essential before starting any refurbishment or construction works. This streamlined process allows certain projects to begin without the usual long licence delays—but it also transfers full legal responsibility to you or your technical representative. In this article, we explain how the Declaración de Responsable Spain system works, when it applies, and why involving a qualified Project Manager can protect your investment and ensure full compliance with Spanish regulations. Learn why engaging an experienced Project Manager is essential to ensure your project stays legal, compliant, and on budget.

Power shortages on construction sites in Spain are more common than many developers expect. When the local grid cannot meet your project’s energy demands, Spanish law often requires the installation of a dedicated transformer station (Centro de Transformación) before utilities will approve a connection. This can have major implications for cost, schedule, and feasibility. In this article, MDCI draws on over 25 years of project management experience to explain what to do when there isn’t enough electrical power on-site — from understanding when a transformer is needed, to estimating costs, timelines, and design requirements. We also share real-world examples where careful planning and fast action helped our clients keep projects on track and avoid delays. Find out how MDCI can help you plan ahead and ensure your project has the power it needs to succeed.

Hiring an architect in Spain is one of the most important steps in your construction project. From verifying accreditation and insurance to defining the scope of services, agreeing fees, and signing a watertight contract, there are key steps that protect you throughout the process. With over 25 years of experience, MDCI’s Project Managers guide clients in choosing the right architect and ensuring contracts are fair and compliant. Why is Choosing the Right Architect Important? How Can I Find an Architect That Suits My Style and Needs? What Services Does an Architect Typically Provide in Spain?

As the property development landscape evolves, many developers are taking projects further—completing designs, obtaining licences, and preparing sites for immediate construction—to appeal to investors and home builders seeking reduced risk and faster timelines. MDCI, with nearly 30 years of experience managing complex developments, helps prepare these advanced opportunities for market. Whether you're looking to sell a ready-to-build site at a premium or invest in a project with the groundwork already done, our team provides expert support to streamline the process and ensure success.

When a hotel renovation in Spain spiraled out of control—missing licences, absent contracts, unpaid suppliers, and mismanaged timelines—MDCI was brought in to assess and advise. Although the project was ultimately beyond rescue, it serves as a cautionary tale. In this article, we break down what went wrong, and how future construction and refurbishment projects can avoid similar pitfalls through proper planning, clear contracts, timely payments, and professional project management from day one.

The last few years have seen a real boom in construction, but this survey suggests a slight slowdown, compared to previous quarters. This is certainly not a downturn, RICS refer to it simply as “decelerating growth across the industry”, adding that “twelve-month expectations for workloads are still positive across all sectors at the worldwide aggregate level”. There’s good news for MDCI’s base country of Spain. The survey revealed that Spain is the top performing country in Europe as respondents cite decent growth in activity across all sectors. The Construction Industry Sentiment sits at +46, although it was a slight drop from the last survey.

Project Consultants are highly valuable to the success of a project, offering benefits including better compliance, cost savings, and a smoother process through tricky stages such as licencing applications, contract negotiations and development process and feedback systems. When you’re developing in Spain, and dealing with different rules, regulations and building practices, in a foreign language and with unfamiliar construction processes, this is even more valuable. In this blog, we’ll be going into depth on the benefits of hiring a project consultant in Spain and explaining how MDCI’s project consulting service can help you.