Looking for trusted, English-speaking construction companies in Lisbon? Locallista connects you with vetted local professionals, ranked by reviews, not by who pays the most. Create a free account to see who they are, read real reviews, and get in touch.
Reviewed by Lau, Community Manager · Last reviewed: September 2026
Covering Lisbon and nearby areas
Lisbon
Cascais
Estoril
Oeiras
Sintra
Alcochete
+ 13 more
Latest reviews for construction companies in Lisbon
Real, phone-verified reviews from the expat community.
10
Arseniy
Cascais, Jun 2025
I hired Roy’s company, Renest, for renovation works in four apartments in the same Lisbon building, handling procurement A to Z so I didn’t need to think about it and could focus on my priorities. They were transparent and organized, passing through all costs with their margin, explaining only what needed my choice, and there was someone on site every day - even my property manager was astonished with the pace. When roof leaks popped up, they immediately alerted me, called 10+ companies in the busy summer so I could choose, and they handled the licensing and compliance. One miscommunication on the final tap color happened, but they owned it in our WhatsApp chat, replaced them at their cost without affecting the timeline or budget; not cheap, but the price felt fair for the quality.
8
Liebelt
Lisbon, Aug 2026
I hired Matt for water damage in my hallway, some repainting and redoing, and re-siliconing. In my case there was a lot of miscommunication in the process, but it was also my fault partially, as I did pressure Matt with time. The first written quote felt a lot higher than I expected, and when the work started it was his colleague who came, which I had not understood initially. That first time, I felt some things were missing from the plan we agreed on and the house was left dirty, so I was pretty upset, especially considering the cost. But I did complain right away, and Matt was polite and friendly, and he really did try to get everything sorted within short time and leave it the way we had agreed.
9
Runar
Copenhagen, Mar 2025
I hired Bruno to redecorate my kitchen and it was amazing. There was a miscommunication with the plumber and he stepped in, talked to the plumber for me, and fixed it; the whole thing took about two weeks while I was living there and everything was pretty clean. The final result matched what I had in mind and I was really happy about it, especially my girlfriend, and there have been no problems after; if he said something, he came and stood by it. The price felt fair - we agreed on it and he stuck to it, with a small bump only for a little extra work, and I’ve already recommended him many times.
How much do construction companies cost in Lisbon?
Real price ranges from the jobs our vetted construction companies actually do. Updated July 2026
Wooden and prefab house construction
How much does building a prefab house cost in Lisbon?
Often cheaper and faster per square metre than traditional build, though groundworks and connections are the same.
Construction, per m²
€800 to €1,800 per m²
Typical project
€1,000 to €50,000
House construction
How much does building a house cost in Lisbon?
Priced per square metre of build, so floor area is the number that matters. Allow 8 to 10% contingency, which the trade itself assumes.
Construction, per m²
€800 to €1,800 per m²
Average per m²
around €1,300 per m²
Contingency
allow 8 to 10%
Pool construction
How much does building a pool cost in Lisbon?
Priced per project by size and type, with excavation and plant room the main variables.
Quoted per project
by size and type
Typical project
€1,000 to €50,000
Villa construction
How much does building a villa cost in Lisbon?
Per square metre at the upper end of the range, with finishes driving the spread. Quoted after plans.
Construction, per m²
€800 to €1,800 per m²
Average per m²
around €1,300 per m²
Floor or storey addition
How much does adding a floor cost in Lisbon?
Structural work requiring engineering sign-off and council approval before anything starts. Quoted per project.
Quoted per project
after engineering
Construction, per m²
€800 to €1,800 per m²
Balcony construction
How much does building a balcony cost in Lisbon?
Structural and usually needing approval, especially on a facade. Quoted after survey.
Quoted per project
after survey
Construction, per m²
€800 to €1,800 per m²
Room addition
How much does adding a room cost in Lisbon?
Priced per square metre added, with permits needed. Smaller than a full build but with the same paperwork.
Construction, per m²
€800 to €1,800 per m²
Typical project
€1,000 to €50,000
Foundation and column strengthening
How much does strengthening foundations cost in Lisbon?
Remedial structural work, quoted after an engineer's assessment. Common in older Lisbon buildings.
Quoted per project
after engineering
Typical project
€1,000 to €50,000
Foundations
How much does laying foundations cost in Lisbon?
Priced per project after ground surveys, since what is under the site decides the method.
Quoted per project
after ground survey
Construction, per m²
€800 to €1,800 per m²
Structural frame
How much does building a structural frame cost in Lisbon?
The skeleton of a building, priced per square metre as part of a larger contract.
Construction, per m²
€800 to €1,800 per m²
Average per m²
around €1,300 per m²
Basement construction
How much does building a basement cost in Lisbon?
Excavation and waterproofing make this among the most expensive work per square metre. Quoted after survey.
Quoted per project
after survey
Construction, per m²
€800 to €1,800 per m²
Building rehabilitation
How much does rehabilitating a building cost in Lisbon?
Common in Lisbon, and priced per square metre. Older buildings hide more, so the contingency matters more than on a new build.
Construction, per m²
€800 to €1,800 per m²
Typical project
€1,000 to €50,000
Contingency
allow 8 to 10%
Heritage building restoration
How much does restoring a heritage building cost in Lisbon?
Protected buildings carry council requirements on materials and methods, which is most of the extra cost. Quoted per project.
Quoted per project
after survey and approvals
Construction, per m²
€800 to €1,800 per m²
Dry lining and insulation
How much does dry lining a wall cost in Lisbon?
Insulating and lining internally, priced per square metre. Worth combining with any other wall work.
Per m²
€800 to €1,800 per m²
Typical job
€18 to €2,050
Glazed balcony enclosure
How much does enclosing a balcony cost in Lisbon?
Common in Lisbon flats and usually needs condominium agreement and sometimes council approval. Quoted per project.
Quoted per project
after approvals
Typical job
€1,000 to €50,000
Lightweight panel extension
How much does building a lightweight extension cost in Lisbon?
Faster and cheaper per square metre than masonry, with the same permit requirements.
Construction, per m²
€800 to €1,800 per m²
Typical project
€1,000 to €50,000
Plasterboard partition walls
How much does building a partition wall cost in Lisbon?
Priced per square metre and quick compared with masonry. A common way to split a large old room.
Per m²
€800 to €1,800 per m²
Typical job
€18 to €2,050
Prefab garden room
How much does adding a garden room cost in Lisbon?
A self-contained unit, priced per project. Check whether it needs planning permission on your plot.
Quoted per project
by size and spec
Typical project
€1,000 to €50,000
Suspended ceilings
How much does installing a suspended ceiling cost in Lisbon?
Priced per square metre, often to hide services or improve insulation. Lowers the room, which matters in flats with tall ceilings.
Per m²
€800 to €1,800 per m²
Typical job
€18 to €2,050
Frequently Asked Questions
What expats want to know before hiring construction companies in Lisbon.
Are there English-speaking construction companies in Lisbon?
Yes, and more do as the expat community grows. The hard part is knowing who is reliable before you book, so every one we list is reviewed by other expats who have actually used them.
What should I check before hiring construction companies in Lisbon?
Read recent reviews, be clear about exactly what you need, and agree the scope and an estimate in writing before any work starts. For anything regulated, check they hold the right credentials for the job.
What is the most important thing to know before booking?
Be clear about what you want and get the price and scope agreed up front, so there are no surprises. Reading other expats' reviews is the quickest way to find someone who does the job well and communicates clearly.
What should I avoid when hiring construction companies in Lisbon?
Avoid paying the full amount up front (a deposit can be fair), anyone who will not give a clear quote, and unusually cheap prices that get padded with extras later.
How do I explain what I need if my Portuguese is limited?
A photo, a short video or a written list does most of the talking, and the professionals we list are used to international clients. Booking an English-speaking one takes the stress out of it entirely.
How do you say construction companies in Portuguese?
In Portuguese, construction companies are usually called empresas de construcao. That is the word to search for or to ask a neighbour, though many professionals here are used to the English term too.
How do I find construction companies I can trust in Lisbon?
Check the reviews and any credentials before you book. On Locallista the reviews are phone-verified and the ranking is based on real expat experience, not who paid the most.
Selecting the right construction company is crucial for transforming your vision into reality while ensuring a smooth journey throughout the project. Excellence in communication, a verified track record, transparent pricing, and adept problem-solving skills will serve as your keys to success. As you navigate through your options, keep these dos and don'ts in mind. They will guide you to avoid common missteps, allowing you to forge a partnership that fosters trust, efficiency, and remarkable results. By prioritizing these principles, you'll ensure that your construction experience is both positive and fulfilling.
Dos and Don’ts as an expat
Smart choices: dos and don’ts for hiring a construction company
Do’s
Do Prioritize Clear Communication
Select a construction provider who demonstrates excellent communication skills. Ensure they provide regular updates and are responsive to your inquiries, as this will help you stay informed throughout the project and prevent misunderstandings.
Do Verify Their Track Record
When considering a construction company, look for testimonials or reviews that highlight their reliability and quality of work. A proven track record of punctuality and craftsmanship gives you confidence in their ability to complete your project successfully.
Do Insist on Transparent Pricing
Choose a contractor who provides clear and straightforward pricing with no hidden fees. Understanding the full scope of expenses upfront can help you avoid unexpected cost overruns and maintain budget control throughout your renovation.
Do Assess Their Problem-Solving Skills
Seek construction companies that demonstrate a capacity for creative problem-solving when unexpected issues arise. This adaptability indicates they can manage challenges effectively and keep your project on track without compromising quality.
Dont’s
Don't Ignore Communication Skills
Choosing a construction provider without verifying their communication skills can lead to frustration during the project. Look for reviews that mention timely updates and responsiveness, as poor communication may result in misunderstandings and project delays.
Don't Overlook Time Management
Be wary of hiring construction companies that have a history of poor time management. Delays can significantly impact your project timeline and lead to increased costs. Ensure that the contractor has a reputation for meeting deadlines and managing multiple projects effectively.
Don't Forget to Review Documentation Practices
Avoid contractors who neglect proper documentation and authorization protocols. Ensure that they provide clear documentation for every stage of the project. Lack of diligence in this area can lead to unauthorized work and disputes down the line.
Don't Assume Transparency in Pricing
Do not presume that all contractors provide transparent pricing. Look for feedback that highlights honesty with quoted prices and no hidden costs. This diligence can prevent unexpected expenses that may arise during the construction process.
Don't Rely on Previous Relationships Alone
While long-standing relationships with contractors might seem reliable, do not base your decision solely on recommendations. Evaluate recent reviews and the contractor's current performance to ensure they are consistently delivering quality work.