Quality specifications: what to check and what to demand

The quality specification (memoria de calidades) is the document describing, element by element, the materials, finishes, equipment and installations of your future new-build home. It is the developer's commitment — what is written there is what they must deliver. If you cannot read it, you may end up paying a premium price for standard finishes. This article teaches you to tell good from fair, what to demand and the warning signs that reveal a development cutting corners.

What the quality specification is

A technical document annexed to the purchase contract detailing: structure, facade, roof, exterior carpentry (windows, access doors), interior carpentry (doors, fitted wardrobes), flooring, tiling, sanitary ware and taps, kitchen (units, worktop, appliances), installations (electrics, plumbing, HVAC, telecoms), paintwork, communal areas.

Each element should specify: brand, model or range, colour/finish and quality level. If the spec says 'ceramic floor' without detail, it is a red flag — it could be €5/m² floor tiles or €25/m² rectified porcelain.

Key elements: what level to expect

Windows

• Material: aluminium with thermal break (RPT) or PVC. Never aluminium without RPT — it is obsolete minimum quality. PVC offers better thermal insulation; aluminium RPT is more durable and aesthetic.
• Glass: double glazing with air or argon gas chamber (4/16/4 or similar). Triple glazing is premium and not always necessary in Costa Blanca's climate.
• Brands: Cortizo, Technal, Schüco, Kömmerling, Rehau are reference brands.
• Shutters: motorised (a plus) or manual (standard).

Flooring

• Large-format rectified porcelain (60×60 cm+): mid-to-high standard. Brands: Porcelanosa, Keraben, Saloni, Marazzi.
• Standard ceramic tiles (45×45 cm or smaller): mid quality. Cheaper but less aesthetic.
• Parquet or hardwood: in living/bedroom areas in premium specs.
• SPC vinyl: increasingly common in mid specs. Water resistant, easy maintenance.

Sanitary ware and taps

• Reference brands: Roca (most common in Spain), Grohe, Hansgrohe, Duravit.
• Wall-hung toilet: modern standard (more hygienic, aesthetic, easier cleaning). Floor-standing indicates more basic quality.
• Flush shower tray: mid-to-high standard. Bathtub only if specified as an option.
• Mixer taps: standard. Thermostatic is premium.

Kitchen

• Units: brand (Santos, Dica — high; generic 'laminate units' — mid/low).
• Worktop: compact quartz (Silestone, Dekton, Neolith) is premium standard. Granite is mid-high. Laminate is basic.
• Appliances: Siemens, Bosch, Balay are mid-to-high standard in Spain. 'Leading brand appliances' without specifying which — be suspicious.
• Hob: induction is modern standard. Radiant ceramic is lower quality.

HVAC

• Aerothermal (air-water heat pump): current standard. Brands: Daikin, Mitsubishi, Vaillant, Saunier Duval. Heating, cooling and hot water in one efficient system.
• Ducted air conditioning: mid-to-high. Uniform distribution throughout the home.
• Individual splits: mid quality. Cheaper to install, less elegant (visible wall units).
• Pre-installation only: basic. Developer leaves ducts and connections; you buy and install equipment. Adds €3 000-6 000 to cost.

Underfloor heating

Present in mid-to-high and premium specs. Water-based (with aerothermal) or electric. Water-based is more efficient and standard in quality new build. If the spec includes it throughout the home, it signals superior quality.

What the spec does NOT say (and you should ask)

• Exact brand and model: 'Roca sanitary ware' without specifying the model could be the most basic (€100) or high-end (€500).
• Tile thickness: 8 mm vs 12 mm porcelain differs in durability and quality perception.
• Paint finish: smooth plastic paint is standard. Ask how many coats and which brand.
• Electrical points: 4 sockets per room vs 2 makes a real difference. The spec should detail them.
• Front door: reinforced (security lock) is mid-to-high standard. 'Access door' without detail may be a standard non-reinforced door.

How to compare specs between developments

When choosing between two or three new-build developments, the quality spec allows 'apples with apples' comparison. Create a table with key elements (windows, flooring, sanitary ware, kitchen, HVAC) and note brand/model for each development. The one with most detail is usually the most serious — the most generic usually saves most on materials.

Frequently asked questions

Is the quality spec binding?

Yes. If annexed to the purchase contract (it should be), it is part of the developer's contractual commitment. If the delivered home does not match (inferior finishes, different brands), you can claim correction or financial compensation.

Can the developer change finishes after signing?

Only with your consent. If a specific material becomes unavailable (discontinued, supply issues), the developer can propose an alternative 'of equal or higher quality'. They must inform you and obtain approval. If the change is a downgrade, you can reject it.

How do I verify installed matches the spec?

At the snagging visit before completion: compare each installed element with the spec. Brands and models are usually printed on the products themselves (tile backs, appliance labels, tap stamps). If something does not match, note it and demand correction before signing.

Do communal areas also have a spec?

They should. The spec should detail lobby materials, lifts (brand, capacity), garage (flooring, ventilation), pool (type, dimensions, filtration), gardens (irrigation, planted species).

What is 'standard' quality on the Costa Blanca?

In 2025, standard quality for a mid-price development (€2 000-3 000/m²) includes: aluminium RPT windows with double glazing, mid-format porcelain flooring (60×60), Roca sanitary ware (mid-range), kitchen with laminate units and quartz worktop, aerothermal for hot water and HVAC, ducted air-con pre-installation, smooth plastic paint. Above this is premium; below is basic.

If you are comparing new-build developments, explore our available properties or contact us for a personalised consultation.