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Reviewed by Lau, Community Manager · Last reviewed: September 2026
Covering Lisbon and nearby areas
Lisbon
Cascais
Oeiras
Sintra
Estoril
Almada
+ 12 more
Latest reviews for renovators in Lisbon
Real, phone-verified reviews from the expat community.
9
Anonymous
Mafra, Jul 2026
I hired Richard for exchanging the window sealing and some general renovation work in my living room, and it went very well. It was very hands on, and he was very reliable. It was very difficult to find the correct sealing because the windows are a bit older already, and while other firms only offered to exchange the entire windows, Richard found the correct sealings, ordered them, and installed them. He went the extra mile, communication was very proactive, and even though it was a bit more expensive than other services, you get very good quality work for it.
10
Maureen
Costa da Caparica, Jul 2026
Eva helped me with my studio and my workplace, and she did an amazing job. She started by making a mood board, and she felt exactly what I wanted. I explained the kind of feeling I wanted for the studio, and she really got it. She helped me create the place I have now, and I’m still waiting for some furniture pieces, but that is because of the website they were ordered from.
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.
How much do renovators cost in Lisbon?
Real price ranges from the jobs our vetted renovators actually do. Updated July 2026
Kitchen renovation
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Lisbon?
Cabinetry and appliances are usually quoted separately from the building work. Ask which the number in front of you covers.
Typical project
€2,024 on average
Range
€50 to €7,503
Single-room renovation
How much does renovating one room cost in Lisbon?
The cheapest way in, and a good way to test a builder before a bigger job. Priced per room.
Typical project
€50 to €7,503
Labour, hourly
€15 to €25 an hour
Staircase renovation
How much does staircase renovation cost in Lisbon?
Priced per project, and structural work triggers the same sign-off requirements as any other alteration.
Labour, hourly
€15 to €25 an hour
Quoted per project
after inspection
Strip-out and demolition
How much does a strip-out cost in Lisbon?
Priced by volume and by how hard it is to get waste out of the building, which in central Lisbon usually means by hand and by stairs.
Labour, hourly
€15 to €25 an hour
Quoted per project
by volume and access
Bathroom renovation
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Lisbon?
One of the most common jobs and one of the most expensive per square metre, because plumbing, tiling and waterproofing all stack up.
Typical project
€2,024 on average
Range
€50 to €7,503
Full apartment renovation
How much does renovating a flat cost in Lisbon?
Renovation is priced per square metre, so floor area drives the number more than anything. A light refresh and a full strip-out are different worlds.
Light renovation, per m²
€600 to €800 per m²
Typical project
€50 to €7,503
Labour, hourly
€15 to €25 an hour
Splitting or reconfiguring a home
How much does reconfiguring a flat cost in Lisbon?
A common project in large old Lisbon apartments. Priced per project, with permits needed where the layout or use changes.
Light renovation, per m²
€600 to €800 per m²
Range
€50 to €7,503
Structural changes
How much does removing a wall cost in Lisbon?
Anything structural needs an engineer's sign-off and often council approval, which is a cost before any building happens. Never let a builder do this on a hunch.
Labour, hourly
€15 to €25 an hour
Engineering and permits
quoted separately
Thermal insulation
How much does insulation cost in Lisbon?
Often overlooked here, and worth doing during any renovation. Priced per square metre by method.
Per m²
€600 to €800 per m²
Quoted per project
by method
Whole-house renovation
How much does renovating a house cost in Lisbon?
Per square metre, and older houses hide more. Budget a contingency of around 10%, which the trade itself assumes.
Light renovation, per m²
€600 to €800 per m²
Contingency
allow 8 to 10%
Exterior flooring
How much does exterior flooring cost in Lisbon?
Terraces and balconies need waterproofing under the surface, which is most of the cost. Priced per square metre.
Per m²
€600 to €800 per m²
Quoted per project
after inspection
Microcement and decorative finishes
How much does microcement cost in Lisbon?
A specialist finish priced per square metre, above ordinary plaster because of the layers and curing time.
Per m²
from €600 per m²
Labour, hourly
€15 to €25 an hour
Polished concrete
How much does polished concrete cost in Lisbon?
Priced per square metre and dependent on the existing slab. Popular in conversions and lofts.
Per m²
€600 to €800 per m²
Quoted per project
after inspection
Stone cladding
How much does stone cladding cost in Lisbon?
Above standard cladding because of weight and fixing. Priced per square metre after a look at the substrate.
Per m²
from €800 per m²
Quoted per project
after inspection
Wall cladding
How much does wall cladding cost in Lisbon?
Per square metre and highly dependent on material. Get the material and labour split out.
Per m²
€600 to €800 per m²
Labour, hourly
€15 to €25 an hour
Floor replacement
How much does replacing a floor cost in Lisbon?
Per square metre, and levelling an old floor is often the hidden cost. Ask whether the quote assumes the subfloor is sound.
Per m²
€600 to €800 per m²
Labour, hourly
€15 to €25 an hour
Office renovation
How much does office renovation cost in Lisbon?
Commercial work is quoted per project, with fire and accessibility requirements adding to the residential baseline.
Per m²
€600 to €800 per m²
Quoted per project
after survey
Shop and commercial fit-out
How much does a shop fit-out cost in Lisbon?
Priced per project against the brief, and licensing for the use class is a separate cost. Quoted after a site visit.
Per m²
from €600 per m²
Quoted per project
after survey
Whole-building renovation
How much does renovating a building cost in Lisbon?
The largest job on this list, priced per square metre across the whole building. Construction runs around €800 to €1,400 per m² before finishes.
Construction, per m²
€800 to €1,400 per m²
Standard finish, per m²
from €1,800 per m²
Building facade renovation
How much does facade renovation cost in Lisbon?
Scaffolding and access dominate the cost, and in the historic centre the council has views on materials and colour. Quoted per building.
Quoted per building
after survey
Per m²
from €600 per m²
Frequently Asked Questions
What expats want to know before hiring renovators in Lisbon.
Are there English-speaking renovators 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 renovators 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 renovators 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 renovators in Portuguese?
In Portuguese, renovators are usually called remodelacoes. 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 renovators 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.
Ensuring a successful renovation requires more than just vision; it demands the right partnership with skilled renovators. By adhering to these dos and don’ts, you can navigate the renovation landscape with confidence, setting the stage for a smooth process and exceptional results. Focus on clear communication, verify flexibility and punctuality, and always seek recommendations to make informed choices. Conversely, steer clear of vague estimates and poor communication, as these can lead to frustrating setbacks and unsatisfactory outcomes. With these guidelines in hand, you’ll be empowered to choose a renovator who not only meets your needs but exceeds your expectations.
Dos and Don’ts as an expat
Smart choices: dos and don’ts for hiring the right renovators for your project
Do’s
Do Prioritize Clear Communication
Select renovators who demonstrate strong communication skills, ensuring they are responsive and keep you informed about project progress. Good communication builds trust and helps to quickly address any issues that may arise during renovations.
Do Check for Flexibility and Problem-Solving Skills
Look for service providers who exhibit flexibility and creativity in problem-solving. Renovation projects often encounter unexpected challenges, and having a contractor who can adapt and find solutions is crucial for a successful outcome.
Do Verify Time Management and Punctuality
Opt for renovators known for their punctuality and adherence to timelines. Reviewers consistently commend those who complete projects as scheduled and maintain efficiency, avoiding unnecessary delays that can disrupt your plans.
Do Seek Recommendations and Verify Past Work
Ask for recommendations from previous clients and review their past work to gauge quality and satisfaction levels. Successful projects and satisfied customers are strong indicators of a renovator's reliability and skill.
Dont’s
Don't Ignore Communication Skills
Choose renovators who demonstrate strong communication skills. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings and unforeseen issues during the renovation process, ultimately affecting both the timeline and the quality of the end result.
Don't Underestimate the Importance of Timeliness
Opt for contractors with a proven track record of punctuality. Delays can snowball into larger issues, disrupting schedules and potentially incurring additional costs. Always inquire about their history of meeting deadlines before hiring.
Don't Accept Vague Cost Estimates
Avoid engaging renovators who provide unclear or vague estimates. Ensure that prices are transparent and documented to minimize financial surprises during and after the project. Detailed outlines of costs can safeguard against budget overruns.
Don't Neglect Reviews on Post-Project Cleanliness
Prioritize renovators who consistently leave spaces clean and tidy after work. A messy site can reflect poor professionalism and indicate a lack of attention to detail. Clear expectations regarding site cleanliness should be set upfront.
Don't Overlook Flexibility in Scheduling
Select contractors who exhibit flexibility with their schedules to accommodate changes. Renovation projects often evolve; having a provider who is willing to adjust their availability can save stress and help keep the project on track.