[A REVISAR] THE REFURBISHMENT OR RENOVATION OF BUILDINGS

WHEN TO START?

During the summer holidays, the number of refurbishments being carried out increases. Professionals point out that the renovation of buildings and homes is necessary to improve the comfort and habitability of the people who use them. In addition, the holiday period is considered one of the best times to start this type of project.

WHY REFURBISH OR RENOVATE BUILDINGS?

The aim of this process is to bring properties up to date in order to make life easier for the people who live in or use them.

Most homes in Spain need to resolve problems related to the age of the buildings. Over the years, technologies in the construction sector evolve and allow buildings to last longer and be more comfortable. New systems and materials affect not only the aesthetics of the building, but also its safety. Examples include asbestos and lead pipes, materials used in buildings in the past that are now considered hazardous to people’s health.

That is why the renovation of buildings is vital for everyone.

CLIMATE CHANGE: REFURBISHING RESPONSIBLY

Awareness of climate change is constantly growing. For this reason, the renovation of buildings is vital in terms of energy, as it helps to achieve lower pollution.

With greater thermal insulation in walls, floors and ceilings, the use of efficient windows, optimal electrical installations and efficient plumbing… pollution is reduced while at the same time saving on water and electricity bills. In other words, it helps the environment while cutting the running costs of a home by around 60% through energy savings. If the renovation is carried out on the whole building, the savings increase exponentially.

The main measures are:

• Wall insulation: whether by insulating the façade, the walls of each room or the dwelling itself, wall insulation brings numerous benefits.
• Floors: this is done by laying insulation in the flooring, which contributes to the comfort of the room.
• Quality ceilings: there are many ceiling options for building refurbishments or renovations, but finding ones that meet requirements such as thermal and acoustic insulation is more complicated. Metal false ceilings are highly recommended for indoor climate control thanks to the good thermal conductivity of metal. In addition, the possibility of adding thermal insulation makes it easier to prevent heat loss. In a room with a traditional heating and cooling system, the better insulated the space is, the less cold or heat we will need to introduce and, therefore, the greater the energy savings will be.
• Use of efficient windows: achieve an immediate result by installing double-glazed windows. You will find it easier to maintain the temperature of the room and keep out noise from outside.
• Electrical installations: try to introduce renewable energy.
• Plumbing: insulating the pipes is highly recommended, as this prevents heat loss.

These are some of the tips for carrying out refurbishments or renovations of buildings or homes. In addition, we must also take into account the social aspect of building renovation or refurbishment, as this is also very broad. This is because local companies are usually chosen when carrying out this type of project, in addition to improving the aesthetics and quality of buildings, which will most likely lead to an improvement in the neighbourhood where the work is carried out.

This article is for information purposes only and is based on the information available at the date of publication. Owing to the constant evolution of technology, regulations and technical specifications, some of its content may become outdated or be modified over time. In the event of any discrepancy, the manufacturer’s or supplier’s current official technical documentation shall always prevail. For any queries, or if you need advice applied to a specific project, please do not hesitate to contact our team.