Hi everyone, I’ve been a lurker for a long time and finally finished renovating my old apartment in Barcelona. The process is hard to put into words, and my wallet took a huge hit! I decided to write down my experience and a detailed cost breakdown as a reference for anyone who might need it, hoping to help you avoid making the same mistakes.
We bought a second-hand apartment of about 90 square meters. It’s quite old, so we decided to do a complete overhaul. I thought our budget was solid, but unexpected expenses kept popping up. Renovating is truly a bottomless pit; budgets are always meant to be exceeded.
A Full Breakdown of Renovation Costs
Before I get into the specific costs, I want to emphasize that labor costs in Spain are very high and make up the bulk of the total expense. Also, it is crucial to hire a licensed renovation company or team and sign a detailed contract that specifies every task, as well as the brand and model of the materials used. Don’t try to save money by hiring undocumented workers; if problems arise later, you’ll have no recourse.
Here is the main cost breakdown for my renovation to give you a clear idea:
| Item | Budget Range | Notes |
|---|
| Full Kitchen Remodel | 9,000 - 16,000€ | Includes cabinets, countertops, appliances |
| Bathroom Remodel | 5,000 - 9,000€ | Depends on tile and fixture brands |
| Full Electrical & Plumbing | 4,000 - 7,000€ | Essential for old homes, safety first |
| Flooring Installation | 30 - 70€/m² | Material and labor; we chose laminate flooring |
| Full House Painting | 2,000 - 4,000€ | Greatly affected by area and wall condition |
| Window & Door Replacement | 5,000 - 12,000€ | PVC windows offer good sound/heat insulation but are expensive |
Those Unexpected “Miscellaneous” Fees
Besides the major expenses above, there are many small but significant costs that add up. For instance, the fee for the building permit can range from a few hundred to several thousand euros depending on the scale of the project. Additionally, there are the fees for an architect or technician to prepare blueprints and reports (property purchase costs in Spain), which can also amount to one or two thousand euros. Finally, construction waste removal is a separate charge. Make sure to ask if these are included in the initial quote!
When renovating in Spain, you must set aside a contingency fund of at least 15%-20% more than your initial quote for unforeseen needs. The whole process is a real test of patience and communication skills, but seeing your brand-new home at the end makes all the hard work worthwhile. I hope my sharing is helpful to you all, and feel free to share your own renovation tips!
