Renovating an old apartment in Barcelona: tips to maintain its charm and improve its functionality

Renovating an old apartment in Barcelona can be a great opportunity to renew and modernize spaces without losing their original essence. Whether you want to update the layout, improve energy efficiency or recover original architectural elements, a well-planned renovation can make your home combine history and comfort.

Respect and restore the original elements

One of the biggest draws of old apartments in Barcelona is their architectural details. High ceilings with moldings, hydraulic mosaic floors, solid wood doors and period windows can add great aesthetic value to the property. Instead of removing them, consider restoring them to maintain the original charm of the apartment.

• Hydraulic mosaic floors : If they are in poor condition, they can be restored with specific treatments.

• Wooden beams: They can be sanded and varnished to restore their original splendor.

• Old doors and windows: Restoring them by stripping them and applying an ecological varnish helps to improve their appearance without losing authenticity.

Improve energy efficiency

Old buildings may have problems with thermal and acoustic insulation. To prevent the apartment from consuming more energy than necessary, it is advisable to apply energy efficiency solutions:

• Thermal insulation in walls and ceilings with ecological materials such as rock wool or cork.

• Replacing windows with double or triple glazed models with thermal break.

• Installation of efficient heating systems that work at low temperatures, such as aerothermal or underfloor heating, to reduce energy consumption.

Reorganize the space for greater functionality

Old apartments often have poorly functional layouts, with long hallways and small rooms. A renovation can help to optimize the spaces to make them more comfortable and adapted to modern life:

• Open concept: Combining the kitchen and living room can give a greater feeling of spaciousness.

• Modern bathrooms: Incorporating materials such as microcement and floating furniture optimizes space and makes cleaning easier.

• Built-in wardrobes: A great solution to make better use of storage in small rooms.

• False ceilings with loft: in hallways and distributors with access registers in each room.

Use sustainable and quality materials

Choosing sustainable materials when renovating a flat in Barcelona not only helps the environment, but also improves the quality of life within the home:

• FSC certified wood for furniture and flooring.

• Eco-friendly paints without volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to improve air quality.

• Low-consumption LED lighting to reduce your electricity bill.

Permits and regulations for renovations in Barcelona

Before starting any renovation of a flat in Barcelona, it is important to find out about the regulations and permits required by the city council. Some renovations require specific licenses, such as:

• Works with Assabentat : For changes without affecting structure or façade.

• Works with immediate or delayed communication : If structural elements and/or internal distribution are modified.

• Listed building regulations: If the apartment is located in a protected building, specific regulations must be followed to preserve its historical value.

Renovating an old flat in Barcelona is an excellent opportunity to combine history and modernity. With proper planning, you can recover original elements, improve energy efficiency and adapt the layout to current needs. If you are looking for a team of professionals to carry out your comprehensive renovation, at Reforma y Ahorra we can help you transform your home without losing its essence.