Help
Frequently asked questions
The questions people ask us before starting, grouped by topic. Each answer links to the page where it is explained in more detail.
Websites, apps, 3D and management
How much does a website cost?
It depends on the scope: a presentation site is not the same as one with bookings in three languages. After a first conversation we send you a fixed written quote.
More on: Custom web design that turns visitors into customers
How long does it take?
A presentation website takes weeks; a project with 3D, bookings or several languages takes longer. The exact timeline is in the proposal, before we start.
More on: Custom web design that turns visitors into customers
Will it show up on Google?
Yes. We build the site so Google understands it: structure, speed, copy with the words your customers search for, and Search Console from day one.
More on: Custom web design that turns visitors into customers
Do you only work in Girona?
We are based in Girona and work remotely with clients across Spain and Europe. Meetings are held by video call.
More on: Custom web design that turns visitors into customers
How much does an app cost?
It depends on the features and whether a server is needed. We start with a prototype and, with it in front of us, send you a fixed written quote.
More on: Mobile app development for iOS and Android, from prototype to the stores
iOS, Android or both?
We decide based on your customers. Often one codebase serves both platforms and makes the project cheaper.
More on: Mobile app development for iOS and Android, from prototype to the stores
Who publishes the app on the App Store and Google Play?
We prepare everything and publish it in your developer account, so the app is yours.
More on: Mobile app development for iOS and Android, from prototype to the stores
Can I start with a website and move to an app later?
Yes. Sometimes a well-made website is enough to start; the app comes when customers ask for it.
More on: Mobile app development for iOS and Android, from prototype to the stores
Do I need to have 3D models?
Not necessarily. If you have drawings or factory models we use them; if not, we build them from photos and measurements.
More on: 3D configurators: your product, explored in the browser
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. We optimise models and textures so the configurator loads fast and works with a finger.
More on: 3D configurators: your product, explored in the browser
Does it integrate with my online shop?
Yes. The configuration can arrive as an order, a quote request or a product in the cart.
More on: 3D configurators: your product, explored in the browser
How much does a 3D configurator cost?
It depends on the number of parts and options. Once we see your product we send you a fixed written quote.
More on: 3D configurators: your product, explored in the browser
How is it different from accounting software?
Accounting records what happened to satisfy the tax office. A management system tells you what is happening and what will happen, using your business’s own indicators.
More on: Custom management software: every euro on one screen
Who designs it?
An economist, not only a programmer. First we understand how your business makes money; then we write the code.
More on: Custom management software: every euro on one screen
Do I have to stop using Excel?
Not overnight. We start by importing your current spreadsheets and automate what takes most of your time.
More on: Custom management software: every euro on one screen
Is my data safe?
The data is yours. Login with user and password, encrypted connection and backups.
More on: Custom management software: every euro on one screen
Is your studio in Girona?
Yes, we are based in Girona. Meetings are by video call, and we work the same way with clients across Spain and Europe.
How much does a website cost in Girona?
It depends on the scope: a presentation site is not the same as one with bookings and four languages. After a first conversation we send you a fixed written quote.
Does my website have to be in Catalan?
We have not found an article that says so in those words, but the law does regulate commercial information and customer service in Catalonia. We explain it in our article on business websites in Catalonia. For a local business we always recommend it.
Will I appear on Google when people search for my business in Girona?
We prepare the site for that: structure, speed, text with what your customers search for and Search Console set-up. A position cannot be guaranteed: it also depends on the competition and your Google profile.
Do you build mobile apps in Girona?
Yes, we are based in Girona and we build iOS and Android apps. Meetings are by video call, and we work the same way with clients across Spain and Europe.
How much does an app cost in Girona?
It depends on the features and on whether a server is needed. We start with a prototype and, with it in front of us, send you a fixed written quote.
Does my business need an app or is a website enough?
It depends on how often the same customer returns and on whether you need notifications or phone features. We explain it in our article on app or website, and we will tell you frankly if you do not need one.
Will the app be in my name?
Yes. We prepare the listing and the Apple and Google review, and publish it on your developer account, so that the app is yours.
Garden, house and industrial building projects
How is it different from a 3D render?
A render is a picture. We deliver the project: dimensioned drawings, a list of materials and plants, an itemised budget and the 3D model to walk through.
More on: Turnkey projects: gardens, renovations and buildings in 3D
Do you sign the building project?
When the work needs a permit with a signed project (new builds, extensions, structural changes), it is signed by a registered architect or engineer. We prepare the model, documentation and quantities for that project.
More on: Turnkey projects: gardens, renovations and buildings in 3D
What does follow-up include?
A phased schedule, video-call meetings, review of site photos and videos, supplier coordination and change and cost control until handover.
More on: Turnkey projects: gardens, renovations and buildings in 3D
How much does a project cost?
It depends on the area and the level of detail. With drawings or photos of the site we send you a fixed written quote.
More on: Turnkey projects: gardens, renovations and buildings in 3D
Who signs the project for a house?
In Spain, the project for a dwelling is signed by a registered architect (Law 38/1999 on Building, LOE). We prepare the 3D model, the layout, the quantities and the estimate, and we work with the architect who signs and applies for the permit. If you already have an architect, we work with them.
What do I need to get started?
The address or cadastral reference of the plot, the planning certificate from the town hall if you have it, a topographic survey if the land slopes, and your brief: floors, bedrooms, bathrooms and the budget you do not want to exceed. The sheet above collects all of that.
How much does it cost to build a house?
It depends on the size, the land, the finishes and the area, so we do not quote a blind figure per square metre. We calculate an itemised estimate from the model itself, and it updates instantly when the layout or a finish changes.
Can I see the house before it is built?
Yes. You see it in 3D on your land, with the garden and access, and walk through it on video. Windows, heights and views are decided before the works, while changes still cost nothing.
Do you work outside Girona?
Yes. We are based in Girona and work remotely across Spain; meetings are by video call and the works are followed with photos and videos.
What can I build on my plot?
The town’s planning rules decide it (in Catalonia, the POUM): land classification, permitted use, buildable area, site coverage, height and boundary setbacks. The town hall certifies them in the planning certificate. With those figures and the survey we model in 3D the volume that fits and how it sits on the land.
More on: Plot study in 3D: what fits on your land and what it costs to prepare it
What is buildability?
The floor area that can be built per square metre of plot (floor area ratio). Multiplied by the plot area it gives the maximum buildable area; site coverage also limits how much ground the building may occupy.
More on: Plot study in 3D: what fits on your land and what it costs to prepare it
Can I build on a steep plot?
Yes, with terraces, walls, ramps and stairs. The difference lies in the cost of earthworks and walls, which we measure in the model. See two examples below with 15 m and 7.8 m of level difference.
More on: Plot study in 3D: what fits on your land and what it costs to prepare it
Do I need a topographic survey?
If the land slopes, yes: it gives the real levels and avoids surprises on site. On a flat plot the cadastre and a few measurements on site are sometimes enough.
More on: Plot study in 3D: what fits on your land and what it costs to prepare it
Is it useful before buying the land?
It is the best moment. With the study you know what you can build, where, and what it costs to prepare the plot before you sign.
More on: Plot study in 3D: what fits on your land and what it costs to prepare it
Who signs the project for an industrial building?
Under the Spanish Building Act (LOE), an industrial building can be designed by an architect, an engineer or a technical engineer, according to their speciality. We work with the professional who signs and applies for permits; we provide the 3D model, the layout, the quantities and the estimate.
More on: Industrial building project in 3D, from the plot to the estimate
What details do you need to start?
The plot and its planning rules, the activity, the production, storage and office areas, the clear height, docks and doors, loads and machinery, the number of people and the budget. The sheet above collects them.
More on: Industrial building project in 3D, from the plot to the estimate
Which fire regulations apply?
Industrial buildings follow the fire safety regulation for industrial establishments (Royal Decree 164/2025, which replaced the 2004 regulation). The risk depends on what is stored and on the floor area, and it determines compartments and exits, so it is best defined at the start.
More on: Industrial building project in 3D, from the plot to the estimate
Is another permit needed besides the building permit?
Yes: the activity needs its own municipal permit, which depending on the activity may be a licence or a notification to the town hall. The professional who signs the project handles it; we provide the drawings and the areas.
More on: Industrial building project in 3D, from the plot to the estimate
Do you work on extensions to existing buildings?
Yes. We model the existing building and the extension, to see how they join, how the routes change and what it costs.
More on: Industrial building project in 3D, from the plot to the estimate
Are you based in Girona?
Yes, the studio is in Girona. Meetings are by video call or in person when needed, and the works are followed with photos and videos.
Where can I check what I can build on my plot in Girona?
At the town hall: the planning report or certificate states the land classification, the use and the POUM parameters. We start the model from that document.
Can a masia be extended?
It depends on the town and its catalogue of farmhouses and rural houses, which sets what can be restored and extended on non-developable land. With that record and a survey of the masia we model the current state and the proposal.
Can you show how the house will cope with the tramuntana and the sun?
Yes: the 3D model shows the orientation, the porches and the areas sheltered from the north, so you decide where the pool and terrace go before building.
Do you work in the Maresme while based in Girona?
Yes. We work remotely across Spain: meetings are by video call, the plot is modelled from the survey and photos, and the works are followed with photos and videos.
How do you design a house on a very steep plot?
By stepping the house and garden with the land: terraces, retaining walls, the garage at the lower level and access by ramp or stairs. See two examples below with 15 m and 7.8 m of level difference.
Do you visit the plot?
We work with the site data: the topographic survey, photos and videos, and meetings by video call. Before starting we agree in writing what data is needed.
Who builds the garden?
We prepare the documents so that you can get comparable quotes from gardeners and builders. We can follow the works remotely.
How much does a garden project cost?
It depends on the size, the land and the level of detail. After a first conversation we send you a fixed written quote.
Which plants do well in Girona?
It depends on the area and the water. You can start with our Mediterranean plant selector: it filters by sun, water and type.
Industries
Can you connect the website to my current booking system?
Yes, if your system allows it: we check this in the first conversation. If you have none, bookings can arrive by email or WhatsApp, or in a system we build for you.
More on: Websites, bookings and management for restaurants and hospitality
Will the website be in Catalan and English?
Yes. Each language gets its own address so that Google shows it to people searching in that language.
More on: Websites, bookings and management for restaurants and hospitality
Do you work with businesses outside Girona?
Yes. We are based in Girona and work remotely across Spain and Europe; meetings are by video call.
More on: Websites, bookings and management for restaurants and hospitality
Do you sign the project?
No. A project that needs a permit is signed by the architect or qualified professional; we prepare the model, the drawings and the quantities.
More on: 3D models, videos and drawings for architects and landscape architects
What do we start from?
Whatever you have: drawings, sketches, photos of the site or a survey. We look at it in the first conversation.
More on: 3D models, videos and drawings for architects and landscape architects
Which languages are the drawings in?
Spanish or Catalan. Web pages and presentations can also be in English.
More on: 3D models, videos and drawings for architects and landscape architects
Can you use our prices and our materials?
Yes. The prices in the examples are fictitious; on a real project the estimate is calculated with your line items, your materials and your prices.
More on: Renovations, kitchens and bathrooms in 3D, with plan and estimate
Does it work for made-to-measure kitchens and for bathrooms?
Yes. The two demonstrations are a kitchen with two layouts and a bathroom with a shower or a bath; the same system works for other rooms.
More on: Renovations, kitchens and bathrooms in 3D, with plan and estimate
Can the client see it on a phone?
Yes. The model turns with a finger and the estimate reads well on a phone; the summary of the choice can also be sent.
More on: Renovations, kitchens and bathrooms in 3D, with plan and estimate
Example projects
Who signs the retaining walls?
Walls that hold back soil must be calculated and signed by a qualified professional. We prepare the 3D model, the ground sections and the quantities they work from.
More on: Gardens on a slope and sloping plots
Can I see the result before the works?
Yes. The model can be explored from any point and we record a video walk-through with the plants as they will look after a few years.
More on: Gardens on a slope and sloping plots
Can water be added to an existing garden?
Yes. We model the garden as it is and test in 3D where a pond or fountain fits before you decide.
More on: Gardens with water: ponds, fountains and waterfalls
Which plants go by the water?
It depends on the sun and climate of the plot. In our projects we use, for example, irises, rushes, sedges and ferns along the edges; every plant in the model has its species.
More on: Gardens with water: ponds, fountains and waterfalls
How big are the ponds in the examples?
From 24 m² in the flower garden to 169 m² in the park with a waterfall. In your project the pond is sized to the plot and its use.
More on: Gardens with water: ponds, fountains and waterfalls
Tools and guides
How many steps do I need to climb 1 metre?
With comfortable steps of about 16.5 cm, six steps of 16.7 cm. With treads of about 30 cm, the stair takes around 1.5 m on plan.
More on: Garden stair calculator
What is Blondel’s rule?
A classic relation between tread and riser: two risers plus one tread should equal one stride, about 63 cm. So the lower the riser, the deeper the tread.
More on: Garden stair calculator
How steep can a garden ramp be?
As a reference, the Spanish code limits general-use ramps to 12 %, and on accessible routes to 10 % for runs under 3 m, 8 % for runs under 6 m and 6 % otherwise.
More on: Garden stair calculator
Do you only work remotely?
Yes: video-call meetings, review of photos and videos, and shared documents. We are based in Girona and work with clients across Spain and Europe.
What is the buildability ratio?
The square metres of floor area you can build for each square metre of plot (m²/m², in Spanish m²t/m²s). With 0.4, a 500 m² plot allows 200 m² of floor area, adding up all storeys.
How much can I build on a 1,000 m² plot?
It depends on the ratio and coverage of your zone. With 0.3 it would be 300 m² of floor area; if coverage is 20 %, the footprint cannot exceed 200 m², so you would need two storeys to use it all.
Where do I find my plot’s buildability?
In your municipality’s planning rules (in Catalonia, the POUM or subsidiary rules), in the planning certificate the town hall issues and, for a quick look, in the Mapa urbanístic de Catalunya.
Do a pool or a porch count as floor area?
Each plan decides: the zone rules say what counts towards floor area and coverage. Check the rules or ask the town hall before drawing.
How do you calculate a slope percentage?
Divide the rise by the horizontal distance and multiply by 100. If the ground rises 2 m over 25 m, the gradient is 2 ÷ 25 × 100 = 8 %.
More on: Slope calculator: %, degrees and 1:n
How many degrees is a 100 % slope?
45°. A 100 % slope rises as much as it advances: 1 m of rise over 1 m horizontally.
More on: Slope calculator: %, degrees and 1:n
What is the maximum gradient for a ramp?
As a reference, the Spanish CTE limits general-use ramps to 12 %. On accessible routes, to 10 % on runs under 3 m, 8 % on runs under 6 m and 6 % otherwise.
More on: Slope calculator: %, degrees and 1:n
What does a 1:20 slope mean?
That for each metre of rise there are 20 horizontal metres. It is 5 %, about 2.9°.
More on: Slope calculator: %, degrees and 1:n
Which plants need the least water in a Mediterranean garden?
On this list: mastic, Italian buckthorn, carob, grey-leaved cistus, rosemary, thyme and cotton lavender. Once established they ask for very little, but they should be watered in the first two summers.
More on: Mediterranean garden plants: selector by sun and water
Which Mediterranean hedge can replace cypress or thuja?
Mastic, Italian buckthorn, laurustinus, myrtle or bay, depending on height and sun. They are evergreen and can be clipped, some more than others.
More on: Mediterranean garden plants: selector by sun and water
Which plants do well in part shade?
Laurustinus, myrtle, mastic, strawberry tree and Mediterranean honeysuckle tolerate part shade. Aromatic plants such as rosemary and lavender need full sun.
More on: Mediterranean garden plants: selector by sun and water
Can I plant pampas grass or century plant?
They are on the Spanish catalogue of invasive alien species, so we do not recommend them. The list has alternatives of a similar size.
More on: Mediterranean garden plants: selector by sun and water
How much gravel do I need for 10 m²?
At a depth of 5 cm it is 0.5 m³, about 0.55 m³ with margin. At 1.6 t/m³ that is about 0.9 tonnes.
How much does a cubic metre of gravel weigh?
As a rough figure, about 1,600 kg. It varies with the stone size and moisture, and your supplier can give you the exact figure.
How deep should topsoil be for a lawn?
As a guide, 15 to 20 cm of good soil. It depends on the ground you start from.
How do I convert cubic metres to bags?
Multiply the m³ by 1,000 to get litres and divide by the litres in the bag. One cubic metre is 20 bags of 50 litres.
Are they really free?
Yes. There is no sign-up, no paid version and no usage limit.
Is my data sent anywhere?
No. The sums and the plans are made in your browser. What you type does not reach our server.
Do they replace a professional?
No. They help you get your bearings before talking to an architect, a surveyor or a gardener. Walls, structures and licensed projects are calculated and signed by a qualified professional.
Can I link to them from my website?
Yes, and we appreciate it. Copy the link under each tool. If you need a logo or a description of the studio, they are on our press page.
PlanEditor app
How do I open a saved plan?
Plans are saved as HTML files. In the app tap “Open plan” and pick the file, or open the file in Files and choose “Open in PlanEditor”. If you already have an unsaved plan, the app asks before replacing it.
More on: PlanEditor: support
Is my work saved automatically?
Yes. While you draw, the app keeps an automatic copy on the device and restores it when you reopen the app, also after a sudden close. Autosave is not a substitute for exporting: save the plan to a file when you finish or before changing device, because deleting the app also deletes that copy.
More on: PlanEditor: support
The camera result is not at the right scale. What can I do?
Put the drawing and a sheet of known size (A4, A3, Letter or the size you enter) on the same flat surface, in good light and without shadows. Shoot from directly above, as square-on as you can, and mark the four corners of the sheet precisely using the magnifier. Choose the correct paper size. The result is approximate: check one measurement with a tape measure before relying on it.
More on: PlanEditor: support
Does the evacuation plan comply with regulations?
We do not claim that. The app helps you prepare a sheet with signs and routes from your plan, with data for Spain and Catalonia, but it is not an official document and does not replace a professional. Show it to a fire inspector or your lawyer before using it.
More on: PlanEditor: support
What is “Save as standard drawing”?
It creates an A4 or A3 PDF with a title block, at true scale, to print or send. It is a tidy way to present your plan; it names no standard and has no official validity.
More on: PlanEditor: support
Can I use feet and inches?
Yes. In the “Field” section, under “Units”, switch between metres and feet and inches. Every length field follows it, and the choice is saved with the plan.
More on: PlanEditor: support
The app tells me a new version is available. Why?
Every few days the app looks up the latest version number on the App Store and, if it is newer, shows a discreet notice. No personal data is sent; details are in the privacy policy.
More on: PlanEditor: support
Does it need internet?
No, except for that version notice. Drawing, saving, 3D, camera and sheets work offline.
More on: PlanEditor: support
Can’t find your question?
Write to us and we will answer. If a question comes up often, we add it here.