At Fran Cortés Arquitectos, architects in Madrid, we receive a very specific question every day: how much does an architect charge for a renovation project.
And although we would like to give an exact figure, the reality is that the price of a renovation project depends on many factors: the type of intervention, the surface area of the property, the previous state of the property, the level of detail of the project and the services included by the architect.
In this article we explain how an architect’s fees are calculated in Spain and what price ranges you can expect depending on your case.
How is an architect’s fee calculated for a renovation?
There are three common ways to calculate how much an architect charges for a renovation project. Each one is best suited to a specific type of work or need.
Fees as a percentage of the cost of the work
Es la fórmula más común, sobre todo en reformas integrales . El arquitecto cobra un porcentaje sobre el Presupuesto de Ejecución Material (PEM), es decir, el costo real de la obra sin impuestos.
- The usual range is between 7% and 15% of the cost of the renovation.
- The percentage varies according to the complexity of the project and the services included.
For example, if you are going to renovate a house with a construction budget of €60,000, the architect’s fees can be between approximately €4,200 and €9,000.
This system is very transparent and allows fees to be adjusted proportionally to the actual scope of the reform.
Fixed price per renovation project
In many cases, especially in partial renovations, the architect can offer a fixed price from the beginning.
Prices are approximate:
- Basic renovation project: between 1,500 € and 3,000 €.
- Comprehensive home renovation project: between €4,000 and €8,000, which may increase if the project is complex or includes complete project management.
This model is ideal when the scope of the project is very well defined from the beginning.
Hourly rate
Some architects work on an hourly basis for one-off consultancies, preliminary studies or technical consultations.
- Typical price: between 50 € and 150 € per hour, depending on the professional’s experience and the type of consultancy.
It is an interesting option if you only need guidance before renovating a house or to solve specific technical doubts.
Price differences between complete and partial renovations
The type of renovation is key to understanding how much an architect charges.
Integral reforms
A complete renovation involves intervening in a large part of the house: distribution, installations, finishes, energy efficiency and, in some cases, structure.
In these projects, the architect is usually in charge of:
- Complete architectural design
- Technical drawings and legal documentation
- Home renovation project
- License management
- Construction management and supervision
As a result, the fees are usually higher, but they also provide greater control, quality and security throughout the process.
Partial reforms
Partial reforms include more specific works such as:
- Bathroom renovations
- Kitchen renovations
- Distribution changes without affecting structure
- Specific apartment refurbishments
In these cases, fees are usually lower and, in many cases, a fixed minimum price is established to cover the technical work required.
What services influence the final price of a renovation?
Not all projects include the same services, and that directly impacts the cost. When analyzing how much an architect charges for a renovation project, it is important to check if the estimate includes:
- Preparation of plans and technical report.
- Processing of municipal licenses and permits.
- Construction management and execution control.
- Coordination with contractors and unions.
- Measurements, budgets and cost control
The more services included, the higher the value of the project and the lower the risk of errors or cost overruns during the work.
Is it worth hiring an architect for a renovation?
From our experience, the answer is clear: yes. An architect not only designs attractive spaces, but:
- Optimize your budget.
- Avoid constructive errors.
- Ensures regulatory compliance.
- Improves the functionality and value of the property.
In the long run, having a good renovation architect usually translates into savings, peace of mind and better results.
Clear and unsurprising renovation estimates
In summary, how much an architect charges for a renovation project in Spain depends on many factors, but as a rule of thumb:
- Between 7 % – 15 % of the total cost of the renovation if charged on a percentage basis.
- Between €3,500 and €8,000 for medium-size comprehensive renovation projects.
- Lower rates for small partial renovations or basic projects.
If you are thinking of renovating a house, in Fran Cortés Arquitectos we specialize in integral reforms in Madrid, Malaga, Alicante and the Balearic Islands. Contact us and tell us about your renovation project.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it mandatory to hire an architect for renovations?
Not always. For minor works without structural changes it may not be mandatory. For major works or reforms with structural or installation impact, a project signed by an architect and approved by the professional association is normally required.
2. What is the difference between minor and major works?
Minor work involves cosmetic changes or changes without severe technical impact. Major work includes reforms with alterations to the structure, distribution or extensions. Generally, for major works, a complete technical project is required.
3. How long does a renovation project take?
It depends on the size and complexity, but design and licensing can take several weeks before construction begins, and then execution can range from a few weeks to several months.
4. Do the architect’s fees include taxes?
Fees are normally presented exclusive of VAT, which is added to the total. Municipal taxes and other administrative costs are usually charged separately.
