Renovation works in Spain are often a preferred option, as most apartments require restoration or refreshing work. This demands a real ability to envision the space, whether when reviewing an ad or during a visit. It’s essential to have the right ideas to transform the space, whether it’s for living, renting, or especially for reselling, although this isn’t always the main goal.
What’s important is to create a minimum number of bedrooms to optimize the resale value. Indeed, a three-bedroom apartment will generally be more valuable than a two-bedroom one.
Transform your property in Valencia: custom renovations designed to maximize its value!
Options: Major or Minor Work License?
Major Work License (Licencia de obra mayor)
What types of works ? Structural works, major modifications (load-bearing walls, façades, change of use, etc.)
Examples:
- Redistributing spaces with structural intervention
- Changing the use of a property (e.g., garage ➝ residence)
- Creating new openings in the façade
- Works in shared properties affecting common elements
Requires:
- A complete technical project drafted by an architect
- Explicit authorization from the municipality
Processing time: several weeks to months - Payment of municipal taxes (ICIO and urban planning fee)
Minor Work License (Licencia de obra menor)
What types of works? Simple works without structural impact or change of use.
Examples:
- Refurbishment of kitchens or bathrooms
- Changing floors, painting, windows
- Electrical or plumbing work without altering the structure
- Installation of non-load-bearing partitions
Procedure:
- Simplified request to the municipality
- Sometimes accompanied by a technical report
Do You Need an Architect?
Minor Work License (Licencia de obra menor)
It is not always necessary to hire an architect.
When it’s not needed:
- Simple works: painting, changing coverings, replacing fixtures, small plumbing/electricity, installing non-load-bearing partitions.
- Often, a responsible declaration or prior communication (comunicación previa) can be made without a technical project.
- A technician (engineer or technical architect) may be required for some works, but not necessarily an architect.
When it may be needed:
- If the works involve complex technical installations (e.g., complete rewiring or plumbing in an old building), it may be recommended to consult a professional.
Major Work License (Licencia de obra mayor)
Yes, an architect is required
Mandatory when the works:
- Affect the structure (load-bearing walls, floors, roofs),
Modify the façade or interior volumes, - Change the use of the property (e.g., commercial ➝ residential),
- Impact the common elements of the building,
- Require a major activity license (restaurant, industrial unit, etc.).
The architect will be responsible for:
- Drafting the technical project (proyecto básico y de ejecución),
Providing the plans, structural calculations, and regulatory documents, - Sometimes overseeing the works (dirección de obra).
What Are the Timelines?
In Spain, and more specifically in Valencia, the average timelines for carrying out renovation works in apartments generally range from 2 to 4 months. This estimate applies to properties with an area between 60 and 120 m². These timelines can fluctuate depending on various factors such as the scope of the work, the initial state of the apartment, and the complexity of the renovations required. For example, a light renovation aimed at refreshing the paint and changing coverings will take less time, while a more comprehensive renovation involving structural changes or significant improvements to electrical and plumbing installations may take longer. Furthermore, working with experienced and well-organized teams helps optimize these timelines, ensuring a quick and efficient execution of the project.
What Are the Prices?
- Light Renovation (300 – 500 €/m²):
Painting, floors, partial kitchen/bathroom, minor updates - Standard Full Renovation (600 – 900 €/m²):
Redistribution, electrical/plumbing, complete kitchen and bathroom - High-End Renovation (1,000 – 1,500 €/m²): High-quality materials
On our side, we work in synergy with all the necessary trades: electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and several teams specializing in heavy works (demolition, plasterboarding, tiling). All our teams are independent, each with their own businesses, but they have been working together for over 10 years on numerous projects every year. This shared experience ensures smooth and fast management of the works, without delaying the progress of the project. The communication between the various service providers is thus simple and efficient.
Carrying out works with a serious team is a guarantee of success.
Here’s an example of before-and-after from a project we followed in 2024. This is an apartment purchased by American clients, located near Plaza de España in Valencia. They opted for a complete renovation of 140 m². The works were completed in 3 months for a total cost of 100,000 euros.
Before
After