Hi Sabine,
I actually bought a finca when i first came to Spain, and was told a pack of lies about what i could do etc etc etc, we have all heard the stories.........eventually i realised that i wasn't prepared to build an "almacen" and hope for the best, or like most people, just do what i wanted and then face the consequences, or pay a fine!!!!!!...........................so i bailed out and bought a village town house, because by that time my young son was established in the local school, and i had gone out of my way to integrate in to the local community........the house, which had not been lived in for about 25 years, and had never had a bathroom or proper services as we know it, obviously needed total renovation, so i decided i would not listen to most of the "Brits" who are either builders, plumbers or electicians, as i had already been "stung" by a very convincing guy in the Gandesa area, but if i mention names here, it would obviously be deleted.
So i dealt with a local Spanish company and their Architect, and other than the fact he said he could probably start in January, but he has only started this week, i have seen many of his past projects in our village, and watched his work grow.
I would recommend him to anyone, and i live in a village only 10 minutes from Mora d'Ebre. His work is exlemplorary, and he is a perfectionist, but obviously has a waiting list.
Email me privately if you want to talk.

Regards

Jools