I recently completed the renovation of my apartment in Madrid, and throughout the process I encountered quite a few pitfalls while also accumulating some valuable experience. Seeing people frequently asking about renovations on the forum, I thought I’d share my journey in hopes of helping friends who are preparing for renovations.
How to Choose a Renovation Company
When finding renovation companies in Madrid, the most important thing is to compare multiple options. I contacted 5 companies at the time and discovered that price differences can be quite significant - quotes for the same project can vary by over 30%. I strongly recommend everyone request a detailed presupuesto rather than just looking at the total price. Additionally, checking the company’s licencia and seguro is crucial, as this can prevent many subsequent disputes.
Renovation Price Reference Table
Based on the market rates I learned about when registering a company in Madrid, I’ve compiled an approximate price range for reference:
| Renovation Project | Price Range | Notes |
|---|
| Basic Refurbishment | 400-600€/㎡ | Includes walls and flooring |
| Kitchen Remodeling | 800-1200€/㎡ | Includes cabinets and appliances |
| Bathroom Renovation | 1000-1500€/㎡ | Includes bathroom fixtures |
| Complete Home Renovation | 600-900€/㎡ | Varies based on material grade |
Recommended Company Types
Large Chain Renovation Companies
Major home improvement stores like Leroy Merlin and Bricomart all offer integrated renovation services with transparent pricing and standardized construction, suitable for friends with sufficient budgets who prefer a hassle-free experience. However, their schedules are usually quite full, and you may need to book 2-3 months in advance, as I discovered when exploring options like Saint-Gobain Madrid.
Local Small Renovation Teams
If you’re working with a limited budget, similar to situations when [customizing trademarks in Madrid], you can consider local pequeña empresa or autónomo contractors. I ultimately chose a small team with a good reputation in the Vallecas area, which was about 20% cheaper than large companies and offered more flexible timelines. However, make sure to sign a formal contract specifying payment terms and completion dates.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
The areas most prone to problems during renovation are plumbing and electrical modifications and the licencia de obra. Many old apartments in Madrid have electrical systems that don’t meet modern standards and must be completely replaced. Also, never forget to apply for construction permits, especially for projects involving structural changes, as this can cause significant trouble when selling the property later.
Spanish renovation workers typically don’t start work until 10 AM and take a 2-hour lunch break - this rhythm requires advance adaptation. I recommend visiting the construction site at least 2-3 times per week to identify problems promptly.
Renovating in Madrid does require patience, but with proper preparation and choosing the right team, it can be completed smoothly. Don’t expect to finish in one month - typically a complete renovation of an 80 square meter apartment takes 2-3 months. Wishing everyone smooth renovations!
