Renovating a flat in Barcelona: when cheap becomes expensive

A newly purchased flat near Sarrià. A bathroom to renovate. Flooring to replace. And a quote that seemed to cover everything.

For one Barcelona homeowner, the renovation began with a tempting offer: paying cash would allow the professional to charge a lower price.

When the professional stopped coming, the owner had already made two payments. The floors were uneven, the bathroom remained unfinished and the supposed saving was becoming a much larger expense.

The experience offers a useful lesson for anyone considering renovating their home: before comparing prices, understand exactly what you are commissioning and how the agreement will be recorded.

A lower price, but very little in writing

After buying the flat, the owner found a professional through a website and explained the changes wanted.

The agreement seemed straightforward: pay approximately half in cash to start, then pay the remainder as work progressed.

According to the account shared with us, the owner understood that the discount was related to avoiding taxes. Wanting to stay within budget, the owner accepted.

However, no receipts were obtained for the amounts paid. Too much remained in conversations and promises.

It may have seemed a minor detail then. Later, it became one of the main problems.

Work began. Then came another request for money.

During the first week or two, work began on the floor and bathroom.

Visible progress built confidence. When the professional requested another payment to cover outstanding work, the owner handed over more money.

Then they stopped coming.

The renovation was left half-finished. The professional did not return, and the owner struggled to contact them.

Instead of preparing to enjoy a new home, the owner had to work out what was wrong, what correction would cost and who could take over.

The next quote had to include the previous mistakes

The flooring was not level. The bathroom needed further work. Finishing the renovation now meant more than completing outstanding tasks: paid-for work also needed correcting.

Without receipts, there was no clear record of the money already handed over.

The owner then sought another professional, this time through BeeReno. A professional contacted on the platform visited the flat to assess damage and unfinished work.

According to the experience shared with us, repairing the problems and completing the renovation brought the total expense to approximately twice what the original work should have cost.

The owner was no longer paying only for the desired home, but also to undo what had been done badly.

What to check before accepting a renovation quote

A good price can be a good opportunity. What matters is knowing what it includes. Before commissioning a bathroom renovation, floor replacement or a larger renovation, review these six points.

1. A specific description of the work

“Renovate the bathroom” leaves too much open. Ask whether it includes removing existing elements, preparing surfaces, modifying plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, fitting new elements and removing waste.

2. Materials and exclusions

Clarify who supplies materials, which qualities or product references are planned and which costs are excluded.

For flooring, for example, ask whether the quote includes checking and preparing the existing surface as well as laying the new floor.

3. The complete amount

Check labour, materials, applicable taxes and any additional fees. A figure is useful for comparison only when you know what it covers.

4. Dates and a realistic schedule

Agree when work starts and is expected to finish. If the schedule changes, record the new dates.

5. Payment conditions

Understand what each payment covers and when it is due. Keep the accepted quote, payment records and invoices together.

6. How changes will be approved

Unexpected work may arise during renovation. Ask what needs doing and what it costs before approving an additional amount.

These questions help both parties: the customer understands the commission, and the professional can explain its scope clearly.

The problem went beyond paying cash

The lesson is not that every inexpensive quote is suspicious or that cash payment alone shows whether someone is trustworthy.

The owner was exposed because substantial payments were poorly documented, agreements were insufficiently clear and another payment was made before outstanding work was completed.

Whatever the payment method, a discount does not replace a clear agreement.

A clearer conversation before starting

When finding another professional, the owner needed more than a new price: who would assess damage, what needed correcting and how work would be organised.

On BeeReno, review the professional’s profile and portfolio, ask questions directly and keep the conversation linked to the proposal.

If preparing a similar renovation, your first message might be:

“I need to renovate the bathroom and replace the flooring in my Barcelona flat. Could you show me similar work and explain whether the quote includes surface preparation, materials and waste removal?”

This is an example enquiry, not a quotation from the customer in this story.

Photographs of your home explain the starting point. Examples of the professional’s previous work help make your questions more specific.

Keep agreements in the BeeReno chat, including changes to materials, price, scope or schedule. It is then easier to consult what you discussed.

Review the proposal before paying

Before confirming a proposal on BeeReno, check the address, agreed dates and times, service description and total amount.

Payment is processed through the platform’s payment provider. Funds are held and released according to the applicable payment and complaints policies.

If you identify a problem after the service, report it promptly with photographs and messages. BeeReno’s terms establish a 24-hour period from execution of the work to submit a formal complaint and provide for payment to be held, where possible, while it is handled.

This process helps document and manage incidents; it does not guarantee the result or an automatic refund. The independent professional remains responsible for their work. Read the payment and complaints terms before booking.

Frequently asked questions before renovating a flat

Should I choose the cheapest quote?

Compare included work first. Quotes may cover different materials, preparation, finishes or waste removal. Ask for the differences to be explained before deciding solely on cost.

What if more money is requested during the work?

Ask what changed, why additional work is needed and how much it will cost. Request a written record before authorising the expense.

What documents should I keep?

Keep the accepted proposal, agreed changes, invoices, payment records and relevant messages. Take photographs before and during the work.

What if the renovation is unfinished or there is a problem?

Document the issue and contact the professional promptly. If booked through BeeReno, also follow its complaints procedure within the applicable deadline. Clear records help explain the agreement and what remains unresolved.

Start your renovation with a clear agreement

The owner of the flat near Sarrià wanted what most people want: work done well at an affordable price.

The mistake was letting an attractive discount replace well-documented agreements and payments.

Before hiring, take time to ask questions, compare the same scope and review the proposal.

Your home deserves more than a promising price. It deserves a clear plan.