What Is a Technical Control Body (OCT) and Why Is It Key in Construction?

ARCHITECTURE

Apr 16

Written By Francisco Javier Muñoz Fuentes

In the context of construction in Spain—especially in projects that require technical guarantees to ensure their viability and long-term sustainability—the term OCT often comes up: Organismo de Control Técnico, or Technical Control Body. While not always legally mandatory, its involvement is increasingly common, particularly in real estate developments involving financing or requiring ten-year insurance (seguro decenal).

In this article, we’ll explain what an OCT is, its role, the types of projects it’s involved in, and the value it adds to the construction process.

Technical Control Body OCT Munoz Barcia Architects

WHAT IS AN OCT?

An OCT (Organismo de Control Técnico) is an independent technical entity whose main purpose is to verify and monitor the technical quality of a construction project. Its core mission is to closely follow the building process—especially the structural aspects—and issue the necessary reports that serve as a basis for taking out the ten-year insurance.

Although their role isn’t explicitly required by urban planning regulations or Spain’s Código Técnico de la Edificación (CTE), insurance companies typically demand their involvement in order to underwrite a ten-year structural warranty policy.

WHAT DOES AN OCT MONITOR?

An OCT focuses mainly on the structural integrity of the building. It doesn’t design, direct, or build—rather, it independently audits whether what has been built matches the technical plans, and ensures that construction standards are met for insurance purposes.

Their tasks usually include:

Reviewing the structural design and geotechnical study
Monitoring the execution of foundations and structural elements
Conducting quality control on structural materials
Ensuring compliance with the technical specifications of the project
Issuing technical reports at each critical phase of construction

An OCT does not intervene in design or construction decisions, but it does flag any deviations or failures that could affect the building’s structural safety.

WHO HIRES THE OCT?

The OCT is usually hired by the developer, though sometimes the contractor or even the designer might take the initiative, depending on the business model. Regardless, the OCT’s independence is essential—it must not be involved in the design team, construction team, or any of the other agents carrying out the building works.

Ideally, the OCT is brought in during the project phase, since one of its first tasks is reviewing the technical documents before construction begins.

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WHY AN OCT REQUIRED FOR TEN-YEAR INSURANCE?

Ten-year insurance (seguro decenal) is mandatory in Spain for any residential building intended for sale. Its purpose is to cover structural defects for ten years after construction. For an insurer to assume such a long-term risk, it requires technical validation—favorable reports issued by an OCT.

In this way, the OCT acts as a technical guarantor of the process, ensuring the structure complies with both the project specifications and the standards required by the insurer.

OCT vs. CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Although often confused, the OCT is not the same as the Dirección Facultativa (Construction Management team), which includes the Project Manager and Site Manager.

The Dirección Facultativa is actively involved in the project, with legal and contractual responsibilities.
The OCT is external and neutral, with no executive authority—its role is to audit, not to manage.

Its job is objective and technical, focused on preventing structural failures, rather than overseeing the entire project or coordinating teams.

If you’re planning an architecture project in Málaga, Marbella, Sotogrande, Estepona, Mijas, or anywhere else in Southern Spain, at Munoz Barcia Architects we’d be happy to help answer all your questions. Don’t hesitate to give us a call—no strings attached!

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