Essential Spanish Words for Renovating or Building a Home in Spain
Renovating or building a home in Spain is an exciting adventure, but the language barrier can be a challenge—especially when dealing with contractors, architects, and suppliers. Knowing key construction and renovation terms in Spanish can save you time, money, and misunderstandings.
At Clarante Concepts SL, we help clients navigate the building process with ease. Here’s a handy guide to essential Spanish words and phrases you’ll need when working on a renovation or construction project in Spain!
Key People on Your Construction Team
Arquitecto – Architect
Aparejador – Quantity surveyor (supervises construction & ensures compliance)
Constructor – Builder
Albañil – Bricklayer/mason
Electricista – Electrician
Fontanero – Plumber
Carpintero – Carpenter
Pintor – Painter
Yesero – Plasterer
Ingeniero – Engineer
Tip: The aparejador plays a key role in ensuring that your project follows Spanish building regulations—don’t skip this step!
Permits & Legal Terms
Licencia de obra – Building permit
Licencia de primera ocupación – First occupancy license (needed before moving in)
Cédula de habitabilidad – Habitation certificate (confirms a property is livable)
Ayuntamiento – Town hall (where you get permits)
Normativa urbanística – Urban planning regulations
Inspección técnica de edificios (ITE) – Mandatory building inspection for older properties
Certificado energético – Energy efficiency certificate
Warning: Renovating a historic property? You may need special approvals from the Patrimonio Histórico (Cultural Heritage Office)!
Essential Materials & Structures
Hormigón – Concrete
Cemento – Cement
Ladrillo – Brick
Madera – Wood
Piedra – Stone
Tejas – Roof tiles
Azulejos – Ceramic tiles
Pintura ecológica – Eco-friendly paint
Yeso – Plaster
Aislamiento térmico – Thermal insulation
Ventanas de doble acristalamiento – Double-glazed windows
Persianas – Shutters (essential for Spanish homes!)
Tip: Terracotta tiles (baldosas de barro) and lime plaster (enlucido de cal) are traditional Spanish materials that keep homes cool!
Construction & Renovation Processes
Derribo – Demolition
Excavación – Excavation
Cimentación – Foundations
Estructura – Structure/framework
Refuerzo – Reinforcement
Impermeabilización – Waterproofing
Revestimiento – Coating/cladding
Reforma integral – Full renovation
Rehabilitación – Restoration (for historic buildings)
Ampliación – Extension
Redistribución – Layout modification
Mano de obra – Labor costs
Pro Tip: Always ask for a “presupuesto detallado” (detailed estimate) before starting any renovation!
Interior & Exterior Finishes
Suelo radiante – Underfloor heating
Pared de carga – Load-bearing wall
Tabique – Partition wall
Falso techo – False ceiling
Escayola – Decorative plaster molding
Zócalo – Skirting board
Grifería – Faucets/taps
Encimera – Countertop
Armarios empotrados – Built-in wardrobes
Iluminación LED – LED lighting
Tip: If you’re designing an open-plan space, ask your builder about “espacios diáfanos”!
Common Issues & Fixes
Humedad – Damp/moisture
Grietas – Cracks
Filtraciones – Leaks
Desniveles – Uneven surfaces
Ventilación cruzada – Cross ventilation (for natural cooling)
Refuerzo estructural – Structural reinforcement
Reparación de tejado – Roof repair
Warning: Many old Spanish homes suffer from capillary humidity (humedad por capilaridad)—fix it before you renovate!
Talking with Your Builder – Key Phrases
Need to communicate with your contractor? Here are some useful phrases:
¿Cuánto costará esta reforma? – How much will this renovation cost?
¿Cuánto tiempo llevará completar la obra? – How long will the work take?
Quiero materiales sostenibles y ecológicos. – I want sustainable and eco-friendly materials.
Necesito un presupuesto detallado por escrito. – I need a detailed written estimate.
¿Podemos reutilizar los materiales originales? – Can we reuse the original materials?
Quiero mantener el estilo tradicional de la casa. – I want to maintain the home’s traditional style.
Necesitamos reforzar los cimientos antes de construir. – We need to reinforce the foundations before building.
Pro Tip: If you don’t speak fluent Spanish, hiring a project manager who is bilingual can make the process much smoother!
Final Thoughts: Build with Confidence!
Renovating or building a home in Spain is an exciting journey, but understanding the right terminology makes all the difference. Whether you’re discussing materials, requesting permits, or hiring the right people, knowing these key Spanish words will help you avoid misunderstandings and costly mistakes.
At Clarante Concepts SL, we specialize in helping international buyers navigate the Spanish construction process—from permits to final finishes. Need expert guidance? Contact us today, and let’s bring your dream home to life!
