To ensure the most profitable renovation, make sure everything is done properly, from planning to execution.

Surface Renovation vs. Total Renovation

We can categorize renovation work into total renovation and surface renovation — the difference being evident in the names.

Surface renovation can be a great solution to make your apartment fresher and more comfortable, while also maximizing its value affordably for a potential sale. We explore value-adding renovations, including both surface renovations and the differences from total renovations.

Consider time and needs carefully when planning a renovation. Determine what you need, what you can do yourself, and what requires professional help. Decide if you want to spend evenings and weekends painting yourself, or if you prefer professionals to complete the job quickly. Also, think about the scope of the renovation, such as whether an unused bedroom needs updating. By understanding your needs, you can achieve your renovation dream.

First, it's important to distinguish between a total renovation and a surface renovation, as these are very different projects. A surface renovation is significantly smaller than a total renovation. - Less complex and more affordable. It involves updating and improving the visible areas of a home to make the space more attractive and increase its value without costly structural changes.

A surface renovation typically includes the following elements:

- Painting surfaces

- Tile-on-tile in the bathroom and new bathroom furniture

- Sanding/polishing floors

- New kitchen fronts

A total renovation, on the other hand, is much more extensive and includes technical installations. Typical elements in a total renovation are:

- Demolition to the joists/concrete

- New technical installations: plumbing, electrical, ventilation

- Complete bathroom renovation

- New kitchen

- New floors and walls

- Often structural changes with altered room layouts

What drives the cost of a renovation project? 

Size of the house/apartment: 

Larger homes can have lower per-square-meter renovation costs due to economies of scale for the contractor (e.g., longer work periods at the same site, larger quantities of materials, less organization needed per square meter renovated).

Number of bathrooms/kitchens:

Bathrooms and kitchens are the most expensive rooms in a home. More bathrooms and kitchens drive up the price. Kitchen costs vary greatly among suppliers, and installation, plumbing, and electrical work are additional costs to consider.

Structural changes:

Changes to load-bearing structures are more expensive compared to changes in non-load-bearing walls.

Materials and standards: The choice of materials is a significant cost driver. There are notable price differences in kitchens, bathroom furniture, fixtures, parquet flooring, and tiles.

Choice of contractor:

Selecting skilled craftsmen and a project manager to oversee the project is crucial, especially if you are not present or do not speak Spanish. 

There are many unreliable players in the industry, and many people have had bad experiences with renovation projects. It is essential to find competitive and skilled craftsmen with good references. However, finding a reputable company that delivers high quality and good communication makes the entire project process easier.

At A&K Improvement, we have developed a network of skilled craftsmen we collaborate with.

There are many examples of projects where costs ended up being higher than initially planned. To limit project costs, here are some useful tips to keep in mind:

Obtain Multiple Quotes

There can be significant price differences between different contractors, so it is often recommended to get three quotes before making a decision. 

This is something we at A&K Improvement handle.  

Look for Good Prices on Materials You Buy Yourself

You can start planning early and keep an eye out for sales and discounts. 

This is something we at A&K Improvement handle.  

Stick to a Clear Budget

Many people get new ideas during the project or want to use more expensive materials. It can be wise to set a clear budget in advance and keep a running overview of costs to avoid exceeding it. 

We have experienced this ourselves in private projects. You get excited when you see how nice it turns out and want to make adjustments or add more upgrades.

Do you need help upgrading your home in the Marbella area? Contact us for advice and a no-obligation quote.

Avoid overpaying and get the guidance that ensures your project stays within budget.

At A&K Improvement, we have built a network of skilled craftsmen that we collaborate with.