Realistic Timeline for Spanish Village House Renovation

British buyers often underestimate renovation timelines in Spain. Projects take longer than equivalent UK work due to permits, material delivery logistics, traditional construction challenges, and the Spanish pace of doing business. After 27 years of village house renovations across Axarquía, I can give you realistic expectations.

The Honest Answer First

A typical village house renovation – bathroom, kitchen, addressing damp, decorating throughout – takes 3-6 months from permits to completion. More extensive structural work extends this to 6-12 months. Anything faster is either minor work or unrealistic expectations.

What Affects Timeline

1. Permit Approval

This is usually your first delay. Minor works permits take 2-6 weeks. Major structural changes need 1-4 months. You can't start until approval (legally, anyway).

2. Property Condition

Traditional village houses hide problems. Stripping walls reveals damp issues. Opening ceilings shows deteriorated beams. Discovery of issues adds time for assessment and remedial work.

3. Access Limitations

Properties in old village centers with narrow streets complicate logistics. Material deliveries require coordination. Waste removal takes longer. This adds 15-20% to timeline versus easily accessible properties.

4. Scope Creep

"While we're doing this, can we also..." is incredibly common. Homeowners see possibilities once work begins. Additions extend timelines. Not wrong to make changes, just factor reality into expectations.

5. Material Availability

Special-order tiles, custom carpentry, or unique fixtures can have 4-8 week lead times. Standard materials are available quickly, but specific choices might require patience.

6. Weather

External work pauses during heavy rain (rare but occasionally intense). Summer heat affects working hours. Winter occasionally brings cold snaps slowing certain processes. Generally weather is favorable, but it's a factor.

Phase-by-Phase Breakdown

Phase 1: Permits and Planning (Weeks 1-6)

What happens:

• Initial assessment and scope definition
• Detailed quotes and contracts
• Permit applications submitted
• Material selections finalized
• Ordering items with long lead times

Your involvement: High. Decisions on tiles, fixtures, colors, layout all happen now.

Phase 2: Strip-Out and Structural Work (Weeks 6-10)

What happens:

• Removal of old fixtures, finishes, damaged materials
• Structural repairs or modifications
• Damp treatment if required
• Opening up spaces if walls being removed

The messy phase: Dust, rubble, looks worse before better. Properties are uninhabitable during this.

Phase 3: First Fix - Services (Weeks 10-14)

What happens:

• New plumbing installations
• Electrical rewiring
• Drainage modifications
• Installing shower trays or bath
• Any underfloor heating

Services are hidden once plastering/tiling begins, so this phase requires careful coordination.

Phase 4: Plastering and Finishing Prep (Weeks 14-17)

What happens:

• Wall plastering or rendering
• Ceiling finishing
• Creating smooth surfaces for tiling/painting
• Waterproofing in wet areas

Phase 5: Tiling and Floor Finishes (Weeks 17-21)

What happens:

• Wall and floor tiling in bathrooms, kitchen
• Floor installations elsewhere
• Grouting and sealing

This is meticulous work. Rushing tiles leads to poor results that can't be hidden.

Phase 6: Second Fix and Finishes (Weeks 21-24)

What happens:

• Installing bathroom and kitchen fixtures
• Electrical outlets, switches, lighting
• Door hanging and hardware
• Painting throughout
• Final details and adjustments

Phase 7: Snagging and Handover (Week 24-26)

What happens:

• Your walkthrough identifying any issues
• Addressing snagging items
• Final cleaning
• Handover of documentation and warranties

Example Project Timelines

Minor Refresh (2-3 Months)

Scope: Single bathroom renovation, decorating throughout, minor repairs

• Week 1-3: Permits and planning
• Week 4-5: Bathroom strip-out and first fix
• Week 6-8: Bathroom tiling and fitting
• Week 9-11: Decorating throughout
• Week 12: Snagging and completion

Standard Renovation (4-6 Months)

Scope: Bathroom, kitchen, damp treatment, replastering, new floors, complete redecoration

• Weeks 1-6: Permits and detailed planning
• Weeks 7-10: Strip-out, damp treatment, structural repairs
• Weeks 11-14: First fix services
• Weeks 15-17: Plastering and prep
• Weeks 18-22: Tiling and floor installation
• Weeks 23-25: Second fix and painting
• Week 26: Snagging

Extensive Renovation (6-12 Months)

Scope: Structural changes, multiple bathrooms, complete services replacement, full property transformation

Timeline extends due to complexity, coordination requirements, and phasing to make specific areas habitable while others are worked on.

Working While Living In

Some owners want to occupy properties during renovation. This is possible but adds complexity and time:

• Work areas must be isolated and made safe daily
• Deep cleaning required regularly
• Noise and disruption limits working hours
• Access restrictions slow progress

Expect 25-40% longer timelines if occupying during major works.

When Things Go Wrong

Common delays and their typical impact:

• Undiscovered structural issues: +2-4 weeks
• Extensive unseen damp: +2-3 weeks
• Major scope changes mid-project: +1-8 weeks depending on extent
• Material supply issues: +2-6 weeks for special orders
• Permit complications: +2-8 weeks in worst cases

Managing Expectations

What's Realistic

You CAN realistically complete:

• Full bathroom renovation in 3-4 weeks (once permits approved)
• Single room renovations in 2-3 weeks
• Complete interior transformation in 4-6 months
• Major structural renovation in 6-12 months

What's Unrealistic

Expecting to:

• Get permits, renovate fully, and move in within 6 weeks
• Have no delays or complications whatsoever
• Complete extensive work in 2-3 months
• Renovate a near-derelict property in 3 months

How to Keep Projects On Track

• Make decisions upfront: Changing your mind about tiles mid-installation causes delays
• Choose standard materials: Exotic specifications need ordering time
• Accept reality of permits: You can't bypass this legally
• Understand Spanish schedules: August is holiday season; expect slowdowns
• Build in contingency: Add 15-20% to estimate timelines for peace of mind
• Communicate regularly: Regular site visits or updates prevent misunderstandings

When to Plan Your Renovation

Best times: Spring (March-May) or Autumn (September-November). Weather is mild, tradesmen are available, and material supply is reliable.

Avoid if possible: July-August (holiday season causes delays), December-January (cold weather can slow some works, though usually mild in Axarquía).

Village house renovations in Spain take time, but the results are worth patience. Rushing leads to compromised quality or corners cut. Proper planning, realistic timelines, and accepting that traditional properties have surprises makes the process far less stressful.