Building renovation: when is it considered comprehensive and what aid is available

Recently, we have been hearing a lot about building renovation. Why? Mainly, the entry into force of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR). This initiative, which has been funded by the Next Generation funds from the European Union, provides interested parties with really substantial and interesting subsidies to improve the energy efficiency of properties.

What is a comprehensive renovation of a building?

It is estimated that, approximately, buildings have a useful life of around 80 years. Obviously, during all that time, small repairs need to be made to keep them in good condition.

The problem is that once this time has passed, structural problems may arise that affect its habitability. At this point, the only solution is to carry out rehabilitations or comprehensive renovations.

The building renovation with an integral character aims to adapt the structure and functionality. Specifically, it consists of the following phases:

• Diagnosis of the state of the building. The purpose is to determine its current condition and establish all the anomalies it presents. It must be carried out by qualified technicians.
• Project. Based on the information obtained previously, an action project is developed aimed at resolving the structural and functional problems. It is also accompanied by a budget with construction costs, licenses, and technical direction.
• Execution of the project. It is the actual development of the works. In some cases, owners may have to vacate their properties for a time, although it depends on the magnitude of the works. It is not mandatory in all cases.

Among the most common tasks of the comprehensive building renovation projects are the replacement of supply installations (plumbing, drainage, electrical network, etc.), waterproofing of the roof, and rehabilitation of the façade. It is also common to install cladding that favors the energy efficiency of the property and improve its access.

What is the difference between rehabilitation and restoration?

Many people use the concepts of rehabilitation and restoration of buildings as synonyms. However, they are not.

When we talk about rehabilitation, we are referring to a process through which an attempt is made to make a building suitable for use again when it has ceased to be so. In contrast, restoration is a set of actions aimed at recovering its original image. This generally occurs in properties that have a certain artistic or historical value.

Programs and aids

Currently, the Government of Spain is promoting the PRTR mentioned in the introduction of this article. It is a plan funded with Next Generation funds from the European Union and is endowed with 3.42 billion euros. One of its main objectives is to rehabilitate buildings with the aim of reducing the consumption of non-renewable energies by 30%.

These aids and grants can reach up to 21,400 euros per affected home, as long as that figure is between 40% and 80% of the cost of the renovation. In cases of social and economic vulnerability, it can be up to 100%. The initiative must come from the homeowners associations.

It is worth highlighting that these aids for building renovation are managed by the autonomous communities through calls or direct grants. Undoubtedly, they are excellent vehicles through which to enjoy the great advantages of passive housing and controlled mechanical ventilation without the need to resort to the purchase of new work. Something that, at this moment, is not within everyone's reach.