5 questions you should ask yourself before starting a complete renovation of your home

Why careful planning of a comprehensive refurbishment helps to avoid mistakes and cost overruns

A poorly planned renovation can lead to delays, last-minute changes, cost overruns and inconsistent results. By contrast, a well-planned renovation allows you to make decisions with greater confidence: what to keep, what to change, how much to invest, what planning permission to apply for and which professionals to involve.

Planning ahead also helps to prioritise tasks. It is not always necessary to do everything at once, but it is worth knowing which measures are structural, which affect the building’s infrastructure, and which are purely cosmetic. This distinction is key to avoiding having to redo work at a later date.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda regards urban renewal and regeneration as a priority area linked to the improvement of the built environment, sustainability and urban quality. You can find further information in the official section on urban renewal and regeneration on the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda’s website.

1. What do I hope to achieve with this comprehensive reform?

The first question to ask before renovating a property is what you hope to achieve. Renovating to create more space, improve energy efficiency, modernise an older property, let or sell it, adapt the home to a new stage in family life, or enhance day-to-day comfort are all very different things.

Defining the objective enables better decisions to be made regarding layout, materials, facilities and budget. It also helps to distinguish between what is essential and what is desirable.

Functionality, energy efficiency, natural light and property value

Some common objectives of a comprehensive refurbishment are:

• open up the kitchen to the living room;
• free up storage space;
• to improve the amount of natural light entering the room;
• refurbish the bathrooms and kitchen;
• replace obsolete facilities;
• improve insulation and joinery;
• adapting the home for older people;
• to increase market value;
• to improve thermal and acoustic comfort.

If the aim is to create a brighter home, it is worth considering right from the start how light enters and is distributed. Our guide on making the most of natural light at home explains which architectural decisions influence orientation, natural lighting and the perception of space.

2. What is a realistic budget for the refurbishment?

The budget is one of the key factors in any comprehensive renovation. Before you start, it is advisable to set a realistic figure that covers not only the building work, but also professional fees, planning permission, charges, taxes, materials, furniture, any temporary accommodation and unforeseen costs.

During renovation work, unforeseen issues are common because many problems come to light when demolition work is carried out or finishes are removed. Outdated installations, damp, uneven floors, structural problems or poor-quality joinery can alter the initial scope of the project.

Construction work, projects, licences, taxes and unforeseen circumstances

A well-structured budget should include:

• drafting of project proposals or technical reports;
• licences or statutory declarations;
• municipal charges;
• demolition and waste management;
• bricklaying;
• electrical installations, plumbing and air conditioning;
• exterior and interior joinery;
• insulation and energy efficiency improvements;
• cladding and finishes;
• technical management;
• contingency allowance.

To find out more about this, you can read our guide on how much it costs to renovate a house, which explains the factors that influence a renovation budget.

Before requesting quotes, it is also worth checking what a comprehensive refurbishment entails, as the scope can vary considerably depending on whether the work involves only the finishes or also the layout, installations, building envelope, structure or energy efficiency.

3. Heb ik een architect nodig voor mijn grondige renovatie?

Not all refurbishments require an architect, but many comprehensive refurbishments do require technical expertise. When changes are made to the layout, structure, façade, key installations, accessibility, the use of the property or listed features, a technical project, a supporting report or project management may be required.

Having an architect on board from the outset makes it possible to assess the feasibility of the refurbishment, optimise the layout, make arrangements for planning permission, coordinate the installation of services and ensure that the work is carried out in accordance with the plans. Furthermore, it helps to translate the owner’s requirements into coherent spatial, technical and financial solutions.

When are technical plans and site supervision required?

An architect may be needed when the renovation includes:

• structural modification;
• creating or enlarging openings;
• significant changes to distribution;
• work on the façade;
• change of use;
• renovation of a listed building;
• energy efficiency improvements to the building envelope;
• works requiring planning permission;
• co-ordination between trade unions and technical management.

In the case of complex refurbishments, particularly where work involves walls, floor slabs or load-bearing elements, it is advisable to review the structural calculations beforehand to ensure safety, technical feasibility and compliance with regulations.

4. What licences and permits do I need to carry out renovation work?

Planning permission depends on the scope of the works and the local authority. Minor alterations may be processed by means of prior notification or a declaration of compliance, whilst alterations involving structural changes, alterations to the façade, a change of use or a significant reorganisation of the layout may require planning permission and a technical design.

Before starting the building work, it is essential to check the correct procedure with the relevant local council. Starting a renovation without the proper authorisation may result in fines, the work being halted, or subsequent problems with the sale, letting or legalisation of the property.

Planning permission, statutory declaration and local regulations

The most common procedures may include:

• prior notice;
• affidavit;
• minor works permit;
• major building permit;
• authorisation from the owners’ association;
• waste management;
• obstruction of a public thoroughfare if there is a bin;
• technical documentation;
• final completion certificate, if applicable.

If you have any queries about the necessary documentation, you can consult the guide on the licences required for a comprehensive refurbishment, which is particularly useful before you start the application process with the local council.

If the renovation forms part of an existing property that requires proof of suitability for use, it may also be necessary to check the certificates of fitness for secondary occupation.

5. How long will the refurbishment take and how will it affect my day-to-day life?

The duration of a comprehensive refurbishment depends on the size of the property, the scope of the work, the availability of materials, the coordination of tradespeople, planning permission and the technical complexity. A well-planned refurbishment must have a clear timetable and defined phases.

It is also worth considering how the building work will affect day-to-day life: whether it will be possible to live in the property whilst the renovation is taking place, whether it will be necessary to move out temporarily, how communal areas will be protected, what working hours the residents’ association permits, and how waste, noise and utilities will be managed.

Good planning does not eliminate all unforeseen events, but it does reduce their impact. When a project is clearly defined, key decisions are made before work begins rather than during the construction phase, which is when changes tend to be more costly and complex.

Checklist before starting a comprehensive refurbishment

Before starting a comprehensive refurbishment, check the following points:

• the main aim of the reform;
• maximum budget and contingency allowance;
• actual condition of the facilities and structure;
• necessary licences;
• municipal regulations and owners’ association rules;
• selection of an architect and technical team;
• construction schedule;
• materials and grades;
• energy efficiency strategy;
• communication plan whilst the works are in progress.

A well-designed comprehensive renovation can also provide an opportunity to improve the energy performance of the home. In such cases, it is advisable to consider passive design solutions, orientation, insulation and ventilation before deciding on any installations.

You can also visit the home renovation page if you’d like to look at this type of project from a more specific perspective.

Frequently asked questions about comprehensive refurbishments

What does a comprehensive home refurbishment involve?

A comprehensive refurbishment usually involves the reorganisation of spaces, the renovation of fixtures and fittings, bathrooms, the kitchen, joinery, flooring, wall coverings, lighting and, in some cases, structural, energy efficiency or accessibility improvements. The exact scope depends on the initial condition of the property and the owner’s objectives.

How much does a complete refurbishment cost?

The cost depends on the square metres, the initial condition, the quality of finishes, the technical complexity, planning permission, the installations and the scope of the work. It is advisable to draw up an overall budget that includes a contingency allowance.

Do I need planning permission for a complete refurbishment?

Most comprehensive refurbishments require some form of local authority authorisation, whether this be prior notification, a declaration of compliance or a building permit. The exact procedure depends on the scope of the work and the relevant local council.

When do I need an architect to renovate a house?

It is advisable to engage an architect when the refurbishment involves changes to the layout, structure or façade, a change of use, energy efficiency, accessibility, regulatory compliance or the overall coordination of the works. It is also useful when seeking to optimise the property beyond a simple cosmetic refurbishment.

Can I stay at home whilst the house is being completely renovated?

It depends on the scope of the work. If the renovation involves the kitchen, bathrooms, plumbing, flooring or utilities, it is usually inconvenient or impractical to live in the property whilst the work is being carried out. It is advisable to plan this before you start to avoid organisational problems.

How can you avoid cost overruns during a renovation?

To avoid cost overruns, define the scope clearly, carry out a preliminary study, decide on the specifications before you start, check existing installations, request a detailed quote and set aside a budget for contingencies.

Plan your renovation with Velló Monfort Arquitectes

A well-planned, comprehensive renovation improves a property’s functionality, energy efficiency, natural light and value. But to achieve this, technical decisions must be made right from the start: objectives, budget, planning permission, layout, materials, structure and project management.

At Velló Monfort Arquitectes, we support you throughout the entire process: preliminary analysis, design, technical drawings, planning permission, coordination and site supervision. If you’re thinking of renovating your home, you can contact our architectural practice in Gandía or request an initial consultation via the Velló Monfort Arquitectes contact page.