FAQ's About home renovation?

According to Inmodiario in 2020 in Spain, 160,000 homes were purchased that will need reforms to improve comfort and energy efficiency. We guide you towards yours without conflict with anyone.

1. When is the right moment to make reforms?

During holiday periods.

2. What types of reforms exist?

The little and big ones.

The first ones are: not very complex, quite cheap, moreover they do not affect any structural element and they do not need the elaboration of a project signed by architects. These projects can be of: decoration, repairs, closings, etc.   

The second ones require: a signed technical project by an architect - in accordance with municipal urban planning -, a Townhall licence and payment of fees (we will explain this in question 6). This type of works includes: porches, air-conditioning structures, or septic tanks.

3. Who should be informed of the execution of reforms?

Minor works must be communicated to the President of the Owners' Community and do not require any authorization from the Owners' Assembly. While the major works have to be approved by the Owners' community meeting. To be exact we quote points 2 and 3 of the article 553-36 of the Catalan Civil Code:

553-36.2: 'Owners of a private element may carry out conservation and renovation works provided that they do not harm other owners or the community and you must make sure that they do not diminish the solidity or accessibility of the property or alter the configuration or external appearance of the whole'.

553-36. 3: 'Owners who intend to carry out works on their private property must inform to the community president . If the work involves the alteration of common elements, the agreement of the owners' meeting is required (...)".

4. Can I do the reforms when I want?

No, at night it is forbidden to make any reforms. In Barcelona, the special noise protection periods are from 9 pm to 7 am.

5. Can I use the lift to transport ruins?

No. The lift is only for transporting people and objects. Likewise, the owner in the home where the reform is made is responsible for cleaning during the works.

6. How do I carry out the procedures required for a renovation/building project with Barcelona City Council? 

To ask at the Town Hall you must have the cadastral reference number at your disposal and go to a Citizen's Advice Office or click on the following link where you will be guided through the form to be filled in. In general, use this link for any procedure. Obviously, the application must be accompanied by the construction project and the required additional documentation.

Now you know more about how to make a reform.