Renovating a bathroom can be the first step toward creating the home you’ve always dreamed of. However, to do so in Barcelona, it’s essential to comply with certain legal requirements, such as obtaining the appropriate building permit.
This 2025, understanding the updated process will help you avoid problems and carry out the renovation safely and efficiently. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about bathroom renovation permits in Barcelona.
Why do you need a permit to renovate a bathroom in 2025?
In Barcelona, any renovation in a home, no matter how minor, requires authorization from the City Council. This ensures that the work complies with municipal, urban planning, and safety regulations. Additionally, obtaining the correct permit prevents fines and guarantees that the renovation meets legal standards.
Although renovating a bathroom might seem like a minor task, it involves plumbing and electrical installations that must be handled carefully to avoid risks.
Types of Permits for Bathroom Renovations
Depending on the scale of the renovation, two main types of permits will continue to apply in Barcelona in 2025:
1. Minor Works Permit
This is the most common for bathroom renovations. The minor works permit is required for renovations that do not affect the building’s structure or common elements.
It is ideal for small-scale projects that, while not significantly altering the space, require supervision to ensure compliance with municipal regulations.
Includes:
- Replacement of coverings (tiles or paint).
- Replacement of sanitary fixtures.
- Renovation of pipes, faucets, and electrical systems.
- Installation of new furniture or accessories.
2. Major Works Permit
The major works permit is required for renovations involving structural changes or significant modifications to the home’s layout. This includes demolishing or building walls, expanding spaces, interventions on load-bearing walls, or any work that affects the building’s common elements.
This permit is more complex to process, as it requires technical plans prepared by an architect and greater supervision to ensure compliance with urban planning and safety regulations.
It is needed when the renovation involves:
- Structural modifications.
- Bathroom expansion or space redistribution affecting load-bearing walls.
- Changes impacting common elements of the building.
Steps to Apply for a Minor Works Permit in Barcelona
The process to request a minor works permit may vary slightly depending on the municipality, but in Barcelona, it typically includes the following steps:
1. Gather the necessary documentation
- Application form: Download it from the Barcelona City Council’s website.
- Descriptive report: Provide detailed explanations of the tasks to be performed and the materials to be used.
- Detailed budget: Present the estimated cost of the renovation.
- Contractor’s information: Ensure the company or professional in charge is properly registered.
2. Submit the application
You can submit the documents at municipal offices or through the Barcelona City Council’s online platform.
3. Pay the fees
Fees vary depending on the type of work and the estimated budget. For a standard bathroom renovation, they are usually affordable.
4. Wait for the resolution
The time frame to obtain the permit can range from one to three weeks, depending on administrative workload.
Changes in Regulations for 2025
In 2025, Barcelona has introduced certain updates to the management of permits:
- Digitalization of the process: The City Council encourages online applications to streamline the system and reduce paper usage.
- Stricter inspections: Ensures that renovations comply with energy efficiency and accessibility standards.
- Promotion of sustainability: Renovations that include improvements in energy efficiency or the use of recyclable materials may qualify for fee discounts.
Tips for Carrying Out a Bathroom Renovation in 2025
1. Consult with experts
Before starting the renovation, it’s crucial to work with professionals who can advise you on the necessary permits and the project’s technical feasibility.
2. Check the community regulations
In Barcelona, some homeowners’ associations have additional rules. Always notify them of the renovation and seek approval if needed.
3 Invest in sustainability
Take advantage of discounts and benefits by including features like efficient faucets, LED lighting, and low-impact materials.
4. Prioritize safety
Work only with registered contractors and avoid improvised renovations that could lead to legal or technical problems.
Penalties for Not Having a Permit
Carrying out a bathroom renovation without a permit can result in:
- Fines ranging from €600 to €6,000, depending on the severity of the infraction.
- Halting of the work by the City Council.
- Legal issues if you decide to sell or rent the property in the future.
These penalties can be easily avoided by requesting the appropriate permit before starting the work.
Practical Case: What Happens if You Expand Your Bathroom?
Imagine you decide to enlarge your bathroom by incorporating part of the adjacent bedroom. This structural change requires a major works permit and plans signed by a technical architect.
Skipping this step not only risks the building’s stability but could also cause legal issues with your neighbors or the City Council.
In 2025, complying with legal requirements for bathroom renovations in Barcelona is easier thanks to digitalized processes and proper professional guidance.
Requesting the appropriate permit not only protects you from penalties but also ensures that the work is carried out to quality and safety standards.
If you’re considering renovating your bathroom and looking for a trustworthy and experienced company in Barcelona, we recommend Solera Reformas. With years of experience in the field, their team of professionals takes care of all aspects of the renovation, from design to execution, ensuring a quality result.
Additionally, they have the expertise needed to handle the required permits and licenses, guaranteeing that your project complies with all regulations. Trust Solera Reformas to transform your bathroom into the functional and modern space you’ve always wanted.
