PROFESSIONAL GUIDE · SPAIN

Site supervision in Spain: from the design to decisions on site.

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In brief

The director de obra interprets the design, resolves issues and documents instructions so that the works match the project. This is distinct from the contractor’s site manager and from supervision of material execution.

What is dirección de obra in Spain?

Dirección de obra directs the development of building works in their technical, aesthetic, planning and environmental aspects in accordance with the design, licence and other authorisations. For works covered by Spain’s LOE, the director de obra is part of the dirección facultativa, the professional supervision team. Article 12 sets out the duties.

Duties and responsibilities

Check the starting conditions

Verify setting out and the suitability of the designed foundations and structure for the ground’s geotechnical characteristics. Identify drawings, revisions, checked points and observed differences.

Resolve issues and issue instructions

Resolve issues arising on site and record necessary instructions in the Libro de Órdenes y Asistencias. Visit minutes help with follow-up but do not automatically replace that required book.

Manage design changes

Prepare applicable modifications at the promoter’s request or with their agreement, within the relevant rules. Distinguish a proposal from an approved change and retain the versions.

Document the start, progress and closeout

Sign the setting-out or start record and completion certificate, approve interim certificates and the final account, and prepare as-built documentation as specified by the LOE.

Site supervision and execution supervision: differences

Focus

Site supervisionDevelopment of the works in accordance with the design.

Execution supervisionMaterial execution and qualitative and quantitative control.

Checks

Site supervisionSetting out and suitability of foundations and structure for the ground.

Execution supervisionSetting out, materials, execution and element placement.

Records

Site supervisionInstructions, design changes and as-built documentation.

Execution supervisionInstructions, product controls, tests and results.

Relationship

Site supervisionDuties under LOE article 12.

Execution supervisionDuties under article 13, coordinated with the director de obra.

What to check and document on each visit

  • Identify the project, date, attendees and current design revision.
  • Review previous actions and record what was checked rather than closing items on verbal assurances.
  • Separate observed facts, instructions, proposed changes and approved decisions.
  • Link each observation to its location, photo and drawing reference where applicable.
  • Record owners and deadlines only where agreed, keeping unresolved details explicit.
  • Review, identify the version and distribute minutes to the relevant people while maintaining required records.

Example: a difference between the design and the works

If an access level differs from the current drawing, record the point, reference and available measurement. Separate the outstanding check from any instruction issued by the competent person. A photograph of a difference is not approval of a design change.

Which record to use at each project stage

Before startingSetting-out record: references, checks and starting conditions.
During site visitsVisit minutes: instructions, actions, owners and deadlines.
To explain observationsPhoto report: ordered images, location and context.
When checking finishesSnagging record: an identifier and verified status for each issue.
When closing documentationCloseout record: deliveries and open items, not a substitute for certificates or reception.

The PDF is a site visit record.

Frequently asked questions

Who may act as director de obra?
It depends on the building use and qualifying degree. Article 12 of the LOE requires an architect for uses in group a) of article 2.1. For other groups, check the applicable specialisms and professional powers. Not every qualification permits supervision of every project.
Is the director de obra the same as the site manager?
No. The director de obra belongs to the professional supervision team. The jefe de obra is appointed by the contractor and acts as its technical representative under article 11 of the LOE.
Do visit minutes replace the Libro de Órdenes?
Not on their own. Minutes support the tracking of observations and decisions. Mandatory instructions and records must still use the appropriate format and formalities.
How frequently must the site be visited?
This guide sets no universal frequency. It must fit the appointment, project stages, risks and applicable duties. Recording relevant visits makes checks and decisions traceable.

Official sources

Informational guide to building works in Spain covered by the LOE. Check the appointment, professional qualifications and rules applying to your case. This is not a substitute for professional advice.

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