An empty premises may seem like a clear opportunity until the ceilings are raised, the utility connections are checked and the actual requirements of the business are assessed. For this reason, determining how much it costs to refurbish a premises is not simply a matter of multiplying square metres by a standard rate. The final quote is determined by the interplay between space, intended use, regulations, facilities and the level of design.
In Barcelona, a commercial refurbishment can range from a minor intervention to a complete transformation, with a very wide range in cost. A customer-facing business, a restaurant or a professional studio do not have the same requirements, even if they share the same floor area. The refurbishment should begin with a question more useful than the price: what experience should this space create, and what does it need to function well on a day-to-day basis?
How much does it cost to refurbish premises: indicative ranges
As a guide, a basic refurbishment of commercial premises can cost approximately between €700 and €1,000 per square metre, not necessarily including all technical costs, licences, fees, bespoke furniture or specific equipment. This usually applies to spaces in good condition where finishes, lighting, paintwork, part of the electrical installation and some layout features are updated.
A high-quality, comprehensive refurbishment—involving a layout redesign, renewed installations, air conditioning, joinery, bespoke lighting and meticulous finishes—often costs between €1,200 and €2,000 per square metre. In catering, hospitality, premium retail or sports venues, the cost may exceed this figure when the project includes a professional kitchen, extractor systems, acoustic treatment, special materials, bespoke counters, technology or a very distinct spatial identity.
These ranges are useful for setting expectations, not for finalising a budget. Two premises of 100 m² may have radically different costs. One may require a quick refurbishment to open an office; the other, a complete overhaul to convert an old ground-floor flat into a restaurant with a kitchen, accessible toilets, air conditioning and its own distinctive atmosphere.
The price per square metre has its limits
The figure per square metre serves as an initial estimate, but it does not account for the items that most significantly affect the budget. Installation costs do not increase linearly with floor area: a small premises with a flue, several toilets or a kitchen can be more costly per square metre than a spacious, open-plan shop.
The starting point also matters. A premises handed over as a shell requires the building envelope to be completed, flooring to be laid, services to be installed and every detail to be finalised. A space that has previously been used for a similar purpose may retain usable elements, provided its condition and compliance with regulations allow it. Reusing does not mean retaining without reviewing: an existing installation may constrain the project if it lacks sufficient capacity, safety or efficiency.
The items that make up the actual budget
The visible construction work is only part of the investment. Before choosing a finish or a colour, it is worth identifying which elements underpin the premises’ functionality.
Layout, building works and finishes
Demolition, partition walls, suspended ceilings, flooring, cladding, paintwork and joinery account for a significant part of the building works. Their cost depends on the previous condition of the premises, the geometric complexity and the quality of the materials. A curved wall, a continuous bench, a bespoke bar or precision-laid flooring are not isolated decorative decisions: they affect timeframes, labour and coordination.
In commercial projects, finishes must also withstand heavy use. The right choice is not always the most expensive one, but rather the one that combines character, ease of maintenance and durability. A delicate material in a high-traffic area can increase future costs even if it reduces the initial budget.
Installations and comfort
Electrical systems, lighting, plumbing, sanitation, air conditioning, ventilation, telecommunications and fire protection are often the most crucial yet least visible elements. In a public space, moreover, these systems must meet technical requirements and be suited to the intended use.
Lighting deserves special attention. Lighting product displays, restaurant tables, work areas or an entrance are not the same thing. A well-designed project combines general lighting, accent lighting, ambient lighting and energy efficiency. Installing light fittings without a strategy may seem more economical, but it rarely provides the same spatial perception or the same operational flexibility.
Permits, technical plans and fees
The cost of refurbishing premises includes administrative and technical aspects. Depending on the scope of the works and the intended use, it may be necessary to submit a prior notification, obtain a planning permission, draw up a technical project, engage a project manager, arrange health and safety coordination, or complete procedures related to the opening.
Municipal charges, building tax, administrative costs and professional fees must be included in the financial forecast from the outset. Leaving them out results in an attractive but incomplete estimate of the project costs. In Barcelona, where regulations, the protection of certain properties and community conditions can add layers of complexity, assessing feasibility before committing to a lease or purchase is particularly valuable.
Bespoke fittings and furniture
In retail, catering and hospitality, furniture is not a final addition. It forms part of how people move around, work, display a product or welcome a customer. A reception desk, a bar, a fitting room, a display unit or a storage system can be central elements of the project and its budget.
It is important to distinguish between movable furniture, fixed joinery, operational equipment and décor. A professional kitchen, refrigeration equipment, audiovisual systems or signage can represent a considerable investment and require early coordination with fit-out and construction teams.
The use of the premises changes the rules
An office, a clinic, a fashion boutique and a restaurant each operate according to different principles. The nature of the business determines requirements for emergency evacuation, accessibility, ventilation, electricity consumption, hygiene, acoustics and storage. This is one of the reasons why copying another business’s budget is usually a poor starting point.
In the catering sector, extractor systems, the kitchen, washable finishes and acoustic insulation can determine the overall viability of the project. In a sports facility, technical flooring, changing rooms, the durability of materials and acoustic control carry greater weight. In retail, brand identity, product lighting and the ability to adapt the space to new collections usually take priority.
The most balanced projects do not add requirements at the last minute. They make them part of the concept. An acoustic solution might be a striking ceiling; a partition might incorporate storage; lighting might organise the customer journey. Here, the design does not compete with the budget: it helps to make decisions that avoid subsequent rectifications.
How to draw up a budget with no surprises
The first step is to inspect the premises before signing the contract or finalising the scope of works. Simply taking measurements is not enough. You must check ceiling heights, the structure, available services, access points, the façade, ventilation, the condition of existing elements and their suitability for the intended use. This phase reveals limitations that a quick visit would miss.
Next, the project must establish the layout, materials, lighting, installations and relevant details before requesting comparable quotes. When each builder interprets an incomplete plan, quotes appear to differ because they include different items. A clearly defined document allows for the comparison of actual cost items and helps to control changes.
It is advisable to set aside a contingency of between 10 per cent and 15 per cent for unforeseen circumstances, particularly in older premises or during comprehensive refurbishments. This is not a margin for designing without discretion, but rather a reasonable safeguard against hidden repairs, adjustments to installations or decisions that can only be confirmed during the construction work.
The choice of contractor also plays a part. Simply choosing the lowest quote can shift the risk to quality, deadlines, finishing touches or subsequent extras. A good proposal sets out the scope, measurements, specifications, exclusions and timetable. Transparency is more useful than a round figure without a breakdown.
An investment measured in operation and perception
Refurbishing premises is not just about getting them ready to open. It is about defining how customers enter, how the team works, what is visible from the street and what impression the space leaves. In restaurant and retail projects, a few square metres that are poorly organised affect turnover, service and brand perception on a daily basis.
That is why the budget must take into account both the cost of execution and the value of a well-considered decision. At FFWD Arquitectos, our work is based on this holistic vision: architecture, interior design and functionality developed for a specific purpose, not applied as a one-size-fits-all formula.
The best way to know how much to invest is to first turn the premises into a clearly defined project. When the business activity, regulations, design and construction all move in the same direction, the cost ceases to be an isolated unknown and becomes a meaningful investment.