Before starting any renovation in Málaga, find out well about the necessary permits and licenses. Each municipality has its regulations, but in general the works are divided into minor and major. Minor renovations (for example, painting walls, changing tiles, or renovating floors) do not usually require a building license in Málagaingenieromalaga.com. These are improvements that do not affect the structure of the building or alter common elements, and normally it will be enough to present a prior communication to the City Council. However, any comprehensive or structural renovation – such as tearing down important walls, changing the distribution, or intervening on facades – does require a building license (major or minor work, as the case may be)empresareformasmalaga.esempresareformasmalaga.es.

In Málaga, a license is required for comprehensive renovations and those that involve changes in the structure or use of the homeempresareformasmalaga.es. For example, if you are going to redistribute the entire house, join floors, or renovate a commercial space, you must apply for a major building permit. This involves presenting a technical project signed by a qualified architect/engineer, paying municipal fees, and respecting local urban planning regulations. On the other hand, for simple works inside the house (such as renovating a bathroom), a minor building permit is usually sufficient, and some are even covered by the figure of the responsible declaration – a simplified procedure where you declare that you meet the requirements without waiting for formal approvalingenieromalaga.com.

How to know what permit you need? The safest thing is to consult with the City Council or a technical professional before starting. Each City Council on the Costa del Sol may have nuances in its regulations, so find out directly about the requirements in your localityempresareformasmalaga.esempresareformasmalaga.es. In general, remember that starting a work without a license when it is mandatory can lead to fines or the stoppage of workingenieromalaga.com. Better to prevent: gather the documentation (plans, renovation report, budget, etc.), submit the license application in advance, and wait to obtain the permit. Complying with these legal obligations ensures that your renovation is carried out safely and smoothly, respecting construction and coexistence regulations.

Current trends in renovations on the Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol has a very particular lifestyle, and the trends in home renovations also reflect that Mediterranean and modern personality. Currently, there are several trends in renovations that stand out in 2025 and that you could consider for your project:

• Sustainable materials and energy efficiency: More and more renovations incorporate ecological materials and efficiency improvements. For example, ecological bricks and natural insulators (such as cork or sheep’s wool) that reduce environmental impact and improve the thermal insulation of the house are in fashionrecomiend.app. Mineral paints without toxins and certified wood or bamboo floors are also used, creating healthy and sustainable environmentsrecomiend.app. In addition, many homes in Málaga seek to reduce energy consumption by installing windows with thermal break, solar panels, or improving insulation in walls. These sustainable reforms not only take care of the environment but can lower the electricity bill by up to 60% thanks to less use of air conditioningrecomiend.app (important in the warm Costa del Sol climate).

• Open and multifunctional spaces: Current reforms tend to break down visual barriers. A clear example is kitchens open to the living room – a highly requested solution to achieve more spacious and social spaces. Integrating the kitchen and living room with a central island is in fashion, as it allows you to cook and interact with family or guests at the same timerecomiend.app. Similarly, multipurpose rooms are sought: for example, creating a teleworking space at home or unifying the living-dining room. Modular furniture and multifunctional furniture are gaining popularity because they help optimize space, especially in smaller urban apartmentsrecomiend.app.

• Modern and accessible bathrooms: In bathrooms, trends involve making them more practical and safe. Many walk-in showers are installed (eliminating the old bathtub), with transparent screens for greater visual amplituderecomiend.app. Also thermostatic faucets, suspended toilets, and more storage space. These improvements not only provide a contemporary style, but also increase daily comfort and accessibility, which is essential in homes with older people.

• Mediterranean design and warm finishes: Aesthetically, on the Costa del Sol, a combination of modernity and tradition is appreciated. Neutral and luminous color palettes (whites, beiges, sand tones) that enhance natural light remain in force, along with touches of turquoise blue or olive green that evoke the sea and local vegetation. Noble materials such as solid wood and natural stone continue to be highly requested for their timeless beauty and for providing freshness in summer and warmth in winter. Updated Andalusian style details are also seen, such as hydraulic tiles in specific areas, decorative wooden beams, or mosaics that pay homage to traditional aesthetics but in a modern way.

In summary, the trends combine functionality, sustainability, and style. When planning your renovation, be inspired by these ideas to achieve an efficient, comfortable home that suits your taste. Remember that a well-thought-out renovation not only transforms the aesthetics, but can also improve the quality of life (less energy consumption, more comfortable spaces) and the value of your property in the real estate market.

How to choose the best renovation company

Having trusted professionals is crucial for the success of your project. In the province of Málaga there is a wide range of renovation companies, but how to choose the right one? Here are some key tips:

• Experience and specialization: Look for a company with proven experience in the type of renovation you need. It is not the same to renovate a small apartment as a villa, or to do a bathroom renovation as a comprehensive renovation. Review their previous projects and make sure they have done work similar to yours with good results. A company with years of experience in comprehensive renovations in Málaga will better understand the common challenges (old structures, local regulations, coastal climate) and will know how to solve them effectively.

• References and opinions: A reliable way to know how well a company works is by consulting the opinions of previous clients. Ask friends or family if they know the company, look for reviews on the internet and verified testimonials. Positive reviews and word of mouth are indicators of professionalism and satisfaction. For example, platforms like Habitissimo publish customer ratings of different renovation companiesreformas-malaga.com, which can give you an idea of their reputation.

• Licenses and insurance: Make sure that the chosen company is registered and has a license to operate as a renovation company. It must also have civil liability insurance in force, which covers possible damages or accidents during the work. This is essential for your peace of mind; working with clandestine or uninsured companies carries an enormous risk. A serious company will have no qualms about showing you its credentials, being up to date with the Social Security of its workers, and complying with the regulations on the prevention of occupational hazards.

• Transparency in the budget: Ask for detailed budgets in writing. A good professional will give you a detailed budget, indicating items of labor, materials, execution deadlines, and possible additional costs (removal of debris, licenses, etc.). Beware of suspiciously low budgets or delivered informally without detail, as they could hide cost overruns later. Compare several offers to have a reference of prices, but do not choose only the cheapest option; also look at the proposed quality and the confidence that the company transmits to you. Remember the saying: “cheap can be expensive”.

• Contract and guarantees: Once you decide, sign a contract with the company where all the agreements are specified: the scope of the renovation, the agreed price, the method of payment, the estimated duration of the works, and the guarantees. A well-drafted contract protects both parties against any disagreement. Also ask about the guarantee they offer on the work carried out (usually 1 or 2 years of guarantee on the renovations, for example, in installations). The best companies have a after-sales service policy, quickly attending to any detail or retouch that arises after the work is finished, which demonstrates professionalism and commitment to the client.

In short, choosing a good renovation company requires research and not taking the decision lightly. Take your time to evaluate options, talk to the professionals to see if they understand your vision, and trust your instinct. A company that communicates clearly, that answers your questions and provides solutions from the beginning, will probably follow that same behavior throughout the renovation. And that is as important as technical expertise, because a work involves working hand in hand with them for weeks or months. With the right team, your renovation in Málaga will be a positive experience and the results will exceed your expectations.

Conclusion: become the next success story

Undertaking a renovation in Málaga and the Costa del Sol may seem challenging, but with the right planning and the right professionals, the process will be much easier and more rewarding. We have seen how to define a solid project and budget, the importance of managing licenses and permits, the current trends that you can incorporate to modernize your home, and how to select a trusted renovation company. Now, all that remains is to take the step of turning those ideas into reality.

Your home deserves a second life, and you deserve to enjoy a home tailored to your dreams. Whether you are looking for an open-concept kitchen with views of the Mediterranean, a spa-like bathroom adapted to your needs, or a comprehensive renovation that completely transforms your old apartment into a modern space, the possibilities are endless. At Costa del Sol Reformas, we are ready to assist you at every stage of the process, from the initial design to the last detail of the construction.

Ready to start your renovation? Contact us and request a free quote. We will be happy to advise you on the best way to carry out your project in Málaga or any location on the Costa del Sol. Turn your home into the home you’ve always wanted and be part of the transformation that the Costa del Sol is experiencing through renovations. We hope you will soon be enjoying the home of your dreams!