Renovation scams are a real concern in Barcelona, particularly for international property owners managing projects remotely. While many construction companies operate professionally, there are also unlicensed operators and poorly structured businesses that expose clients to financial losses, delays, and unfinished or defective work.
This article explains the most common renovation scams, the additional risks faced by foreign property owners, and how to protect yourself before starting a renovation project in Barcelona.
Common Warning Signs of Renovation Scams
1. Unrealistically Low Quotes
A quote that is significantly below market average is often the first red flag.
Typically, this means:
- Incomplete or vague scope of works
- Low-quality materials not clearly specified
- Costs that will be added later as “extras”
Renovation costs in Barcelona are relatively standardized. Prices that look too good to be true usually are.
2. Pressure to Pay Large Amounts Upfront
Requesting substantial payments before work begins is a common risk indicator.
Warning signs include:
- High deposits without a formal contract
- Requests for cash payments
- No clear payment milestones linked to progress
Payments should always be tied to verified construction milestones, not promises.
3. Missing or Unclear Contracts
A renovation without a detailed contract leaves the property owner exposed.
A professional contract should clearly define:
- Exact scope of works
- Timeline and key milestones
- Payment structure
- Responsibilities and liabilities
Without these elements, resolving disputes becomes extremely difficult.
4. Working Without Proper Permits
Some operators attempt to start construction without the required licenses.
This can result in:
- Municipal fines
- Forced work stoppages
- Legal issues when selling the property
Permits and approvals must be clearly addressed before construction begins.
5. Fake or Borrowed References
Some companies:
- Show photos of projects they did not complete
- Use testimonials that cannot be verified
- Avoid sharing contact details of past clients
Always ask:
- Where the project is located
- What type of renovation was done
- Whether you can speak to the property owner
Reputable companies are transparent about their track record.
6. Disappearing After Completion
A classic scenario:
- Work is declared “finished”
- Final payments are made
- Defects appear
- The contractor becomes unreachable
This is why it is essential to work with:
- A legally registered company
- A verifiable business address
- A clear post-completion warranty framework
How to Protect Yourself Before You Start
1. Verify the Company’s Legal Status
Before signing anything:
- Confirm the company is legally registered in Spain
- Verify its tax ID (CIF) and business activity
- Ensure it can issue VAT invoices
Informal operators offer no legal protection.
2. Demand a Detailed, Itemised Budget
A proper renovation budget should include:
- Clearly defined scope of works
- Materials and finishes
- Labour costs
- Project management
- VAT explicitly stated
Ambiguity always benefits the contractor, not the owner.
3. Insist on Permit Clarity
Ask explicitly:
- Which permits are required
- Who is responsible for obtaining them
- Whether permit costs are included
If answers are vague, stop the process.
4. Use Milestone-Based Payments
Payments should be released only when:
- A defined phase is completed
- Physical progress can be verified
- Documentation or inspections are provided
Never pay for work that has not been completed.
5. Appoint a Single Responsible Party
Avoid situations where:
- The designer blames the builder
- The builder blames subcontractors
- No one takes responsibility
You should have one accountable renovation partner, not a fragmented team.
Extra Risks When Renovating Remotely
If you live abroad, risks increase due to:
- Limited on-site supervision
- Difficulty verifying daily progress
- Pressure to approve changes remotely
Remote renovations require:
- Strong project management
- Frequent progress reporting
- Clear approval processes
Without structure, small issues escalate quickly.
Why Professional Renovation Management Matters
Most renovation problems happen not because of bad luck, but because of:
- Poor structure
- Weak documentation
- Lack of accountability
Professional renovation management provides:
- Clear contracts
- Defined responsibilities
- Permit compliance
- Transparent pricing
- Full project traceability
How Lirian Protects International Property Owners
At Lirian, renovations are structured to eliminate the conditions that allow scams to happen.
Our approach includes:
- Full legal and permit compliance
- Transparent, itemised budgets
- Milestone-based payments
- Dedicated project management
- Long-term accountability
We believe predictability is the real luxury in renovation projects.
Planning a Renovation in Barcelona?
If you are considering a renovation, start with:
- A clear assessment of the property
- An honest risk evaluation
- A structured project approach
Contact Lirian for an initial consultation.