When our clients ask us how much it costs to renovate a house, we always answer the same thing: it depends. Not because we want to be ambiguous, but because every home is different. The initial state, the size, the finishes and the type of renovation make the difference.
Even so, we can offer a realistic orientation based on our experience in integral reforms, design anddesign and construction of houses in different regions of Spain.
Here is what we usually explain in the first meetings when someone wants to renovate a house, an apartment or even an old house.
Average price to renovate a house in Spain
In general, the price of renovating a house is usually between 600 and 1,200 €/m² for a standard renovation and between 1,200 and 2,000 €/m² when we are talking about a complete renovation of a house with medium-high range finishes.
For reference:
- Partial renovation (kitchen, bathroom or specific changes): from €4,000 to €12,000.
- Renovation of a complete apartment of 70-90 m²: between 25,000 and 60,000 €.
- Complete renovation of a single-family house: from 45,000 € and may exceed 100,000 € depending on materials and complexity.
- Renovation of an old house: usually requires more investment, starting at 900 €/m², especially if installations, structure or thermal envelope need to be updated.
| Type of renovation. | Estimated price | What is included | Additional considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partial reform | 4.000 – 12.000 € | Renovation of a room (kitchen, bathroom), change of flooring or painting, small improvements. | Ideal for upgrading without intervening in installations. Minor licenses (150-400 €). |
| Complete renovation | 1,200 – 2,000 €/m² (average) Total approx. 40,000 – 100,000+ € | Complete change of installations, redistribution, carpentry, kitchen, bathrooms and finishes. | Licenses and fees: 8-15 % of the budget. Terms of 2-4 months. |
| Renovation per m² | 600 – 1,200 €/m² (standard) 1,200 – 2,000 €/m² (high qualities) | Estimate by surface for general or integral reforms. | Useful for calculating average works. Fees and licenses not included in the price per m². |
| Complete renovation of a 150 m² house | 80.000 – 180.000 € | Complete project, updating of installations, redistribution, kitchen, bathrooms, insulation and carpentry. | Licenses + technicians: between €7,000 and €20,000, depending on complexity. |
| Renovation of an old house | 900 – 2.000 €/m² In total 60.000 – 200.000 €. | Structural rehabilitation, envelope improvements, reinforcements, new installations and finishes. | May require technical reports, ITE, structural reinforcements. Higher licenses. |
Factors That Influence the Cost of a Renovation
- Size of the house: The larger the house, the higher the cost of the renovation. Costs are generally calculated per square meter. Example: A complete renovation of a 100 square meter house can cost between 40,000 and 70,000 euros, depending on the materials and finishes.
- Current state of the house: It is not the same to renovate an apartment that only needs redistribution and finishes than an old house with humidity problems, structure or obsolete installations.
- Type of reform: partial or integral: If your objective is to reform your house in a complete way, including installations, floors, carpentry and distribution, the budget will be higher than a light reform.
- Materials and finishes: The choice of materials directly influences the cost. High quality materials guarantee durability, but are more expensive. Using marble instead of ceramic for flooring can significantly increase the budget.
- Location: Prices can vary by region. Renovating in a large city such as Madrid or Barcelona may be more expensive than in rural areas. The cost of labor and permits can be significantly higher in large cities.
- Technical fees and licenses: When we refurbish a house, we always include construction management, technical project when necessary and license management. This represents between 8% and 15% of the total budget.
What does a complete renovation with our architectural firm include?
In Fran Cortés Arquitectos, our integral reforms usually include:
- Project and architectural advice.
- Interior design.
- Updating of facilities.
- Redistribution of spaces.
- Renovation of kitchen and bathrooms.
- Interior and exterior carpentry.
- Finishes (painting, flooring, lighting).
- Coordination and control of work from start to finish.
How much does it really cost to renovate your home?
The final cost depends on the type of renovation, the initial state and the quality of the materials. In Fran Cortés Architects we always recommend starting with a preliminary study to define needs and avoid surprises. If you are thinking of renovating your house or need a realistic budget, we will be happy to help you and accompany you throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it mandatory to have an architect to renovate a house?
It depends on the type of work. For structural changes, redistribution or important interventions, an architectural project is necessary. For very simple reforms it is not always mandatory, but having a professional avoids mistakes and cost overruns.
2. How long does it take to renovate a house?
A partial renovation can take between 3 and 6 weeks, while a complete renovation usually takes between 2 and 4 months depending on the complexity and size of the house.
3. Can I live in the house during the construction work?
In small renovations yes, but in a complete renovation it is usually complicated by the noise, dust and lack of temporary facilities.
4. Does the renovation increase the value of the home?
Yes, in most cases, a well-planned renovation can increase the value by 15% to 30%.
