How much does it cost to renovate an old house?
Renovating an older home can be an exciting and rewarding project, but before embarking on this adventure, it’s essential to understand the factors that influence the cost of the remodel. From the scope of the renovation to the quality of the materials used, every detail can significantly affect the final budget.
Factors that influence the cost of a renovation
- The scope of the renovation plays a crucial role in determining its price. Depending on the changes you want to make, the cost will vary.
- The quality of materials also greatly influences the budget. Opting for high-end materials can significantly increase costs, while choosing more affordable options can help keep expenses under control.
How much does it cost to renovate an old house, and where do I start?
The sequence of renovation stages is crucial to ensuring an efficient process and a satisfactory end result. Here is a detailed guide on the main areas to consider when calculating the cost of renovating an older home:
Evaluation and licensing
Planning is essential in a complete renovation ; the first step is to assess the property. It’s advisable to hire a qualified professional who can determine and examine the condition of the house’s structure and systems. Once the house has been assessed, you’ll need to apply for a project plan and a building permit.
The assessment, the project and the license can range from €1,500 , depending on the deterioration of the house.
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Demolition and debris removal
Before beginning any improvements, it’s necessary to remove obsolete structures and unusable materials, which can represent a significant expense. Additionally, the cost of debris removal, including containers and landfill fees, must be factored in.
The estimated average price is around €3,000 .
Masonry
A complete renovation of an old house can require many hours of masonry work. The price varies greatly depending on the structural condition of the house, the renovations you want to do, and what the house needs (repairing or reinforcing walls, repairing floors, building walls, etc.).
The total estimated cost of masonry work in a complete renovation of an old house can be around €6,000 .

Exterior carpentry
New windows and doors can significantly improve the energy efficiency and aesthetics of the house, but they also add costs to the renovation.
Given that thermal break systems are currently usually installed in PVC or aluminum, the average price can be around €3,800 .
Plumbing and lighting
Modernizing the plumbing and lighting is essential for both functionality and safety in an older home. Replacing both the plumbing and lighting will significantly increase the cost. Replacing the hot water and heating systems alone can cost around €5,000.
The sum of the lighting and plumbing expenses can amount to €10,000 .

Ceramic material
The cost of tiles and flooring can vary depending on the quality and design selected. It’s important to accurately measure the entire space to know exactly how many square meters you’ll need to cover.
The average estimated price for floors and walls can be around €6,000 .
Kitchen
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and its renovation can represent a substantial portion of the total budget. This includes the cost of appliances plus installations, which in older homes are often entirely new.
Considering a complete kitchen renovation, it could cost up to €8,000 .
Bathrooms
Renovating bathrooms involves updating toilets, accessories, and furniture.
A completely renovated bathroom can cost €1,500 .

Paint
The choice of colors and finishes can have an impact on the budget, being a final but no less important phase.
If we include painting walls, ceilings and the facade, the cost would be around €2,500 .
To all of this, you must add the cost of decorating and any unforeseen expenses that may arise. Therefore, the price of renovating an old house ranges from €30,000 to €80,000 .
Is it worth renovating an old house?
The decision to renovate an old house goes beyond financial considerations. The appreciation of history and architecture, the preference for a home with character, and the possibility of personalizing every detail are aspects that can make renovating an old house worthwhile, offering a unique experience and a tailor-made home.
In conclusion, renovating an old house is a challenging but opportunity-filled project. With careful attention to the aspects mentioned and proper planning, it’s possible to transform an old property into a modern and functional home, tailored to individual needs and desires.
If your project is in Barcelona, at OAK Constructora we specialize in complete renovations in Barcelona, with over 25 years of experience rehabilitating and renovating all types of homes. Tell us what you have in mind.