I just bought a pre-owned apartment in downtown Madrid, and before the excitement of getting the keys could even fade, the headache of renovation began. After asking around, I realized that renovation quotes in Spain are all over the place—it’s a real minefield. I thought a few thousand euros would cover it, but that turned out to be completely unrealistic! To help others avoid the same pitfalls, I’ve decided to share the budget and experience from my own 90m² full apartment renovation as a reference.
Where Does the Renovation Money Actually Go?
First things first, you need to understand that renovation costs in Spain are mainly split into three categories: permits and design fees, material costs, and labor costs. Permits are essential, especially for major projects involving structural changes. Don’t try to skip this step, or you could face serious trouble if a neighbor reports you. Design fees can vary; for a simple remodel, a reliable contractor can handle it. Labor and materials are often a 50/50 split, but sometimes labor is even more expensive, as skilled craftsmanship here comes at a premium.
The kitchen and bathrooms are the biggest money pits in any renovation—¡un auténtico dineral! These two spaces involve plumbing and electrical work, tiling, custom cabinets, and various fixtures, with any single item easily costing several thousand euros. Therefore, if your budget for [renovation costs when buying a house] is tight, especially considering the overall [property prices in Spain], you might want to tackle these two challenging areas first.
Budget Reference for a 90m² Apartment Renovation
Below is a rough breakdown of my full home renovation, which is a significant part of the overall cost beyond the initial [real estate investment for residency in Spain], to give you a clearer picture. Of course, prices will vary depending on the brands of materials and the construction team you choose:
| Item | Budget Range |
|---|
| Permit Application & Initial Design | €1,500 - €4,000 |
| Demolition & Debris Removal | €2,000 - €3,500 |
| Complete Plumbing & Electrical Rerouting | €5,000 - €8,000 |
| Flooring & Wall Tiling | €4,500 - €7,000 |
| Wall Plastering & Painting | €3,000 - €5,000 |
| Complete Kitchen | €8,000 - €15,000 |
| Two Bathrooms | €6,000 - €10,000 |
| Door & Window Replacement | €4,000 - €8,000 |
It’s shocking when you add it all up! For a basic, full renovation like this, you should be prepared for a total budget of at least €40,000 to €60,000. And that’s not even including furniture and appliances! My advice is to get quotes from multiple companies or contractors—at least three—and carefully compare the itemized details. I hope my experience helps you all, and I welcome other residents to share their renovation stories and costs in the comments below!
