Step by Step: The Correct Order for a full Renovation
The perfect chronological order to tackle a comprehensive reform
One of the most frequent questions when undertaking comprehensive renovations in Barcelona is defining the order of the work. Working on isolated rooms is a common mistake: renovations are carried out in phases by different trades throughout the entire home simultaneously to optimize time, protect finishes, and avoid cost overruns.
1. Planning, design and processing of licenses
Before laying the first brick, finalize the layout with your architect or interior designer. Obtain the necessary building permit (license or assabentat) from the Barcelona City Council to comply with local regulations.
2. Demolition and debris removal
The partition walls to be removed are demolished, the old bathroom fixtures and kitchen cabinets are taken out, and the old tiles and flooring are chipped away. The rubble is disposed of using bags or approved containers on the public road.
3. Redesign of partition walls and new installations
The new partitions (brick or plasterboard) are erected. Then, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians cut the chases and run the wiring and pipes through the walls, floors, or false ceilings before closing them up.
4. Masonry, cladding and exterior carpentry
The kitchen and bathrooms are tiled, the plasterboard walls are plastered, and the new windows (exterior joinery) are installed. Enclosing the house from the outside is vital to protect the interior work from the weather.
5. Laying of floors (pavements)
Yes, the floor is laid before painting and installing the doors . If it's ceramic or porcelain tile, it needs to dry; if it's parquet or laminate flooring, it's immediately protected with cardboard or impact-resistant plastic to avoid damaging it in the following steps.
6. First coat of paint and interior carpentry
The first coat of paint is applied to the ceilings and walls to seal the surface. After this, the interior doors, built-in wardrobes, and baseboards are installed, finishing the frames against the wall.
7. Assembly of furniture, mechanisms and final coat of paint
The kitchen cabinets, bathroom fixtures, faucets, shower screens, and electrical fittings (sockets and switches) are installed. Finally, a final coat of paint is applied to repair any scratches from the installation and leave the home ready to move into.
Plan your project with qualified professionals
Following this chronological sequence ensures that materials are not damaged during construction and that the budget isn't increased by repeating work. To learn more about managing your home renovation, check out more articles on our specialized blog .