Building rehabilitation in Madrid has become an urgent task due to the age of the city’s real estate. With a growing demand for improvements in energy efficiency and accessibility, homeowners’ associations are facing the challenge of renovating their buildings through various interventions. Among the most notable are facade and roof rehabilitations, essential for preventing leakage problems and improving thermal insulation.
César Martín, technical director of Arquality Architecture and Comprehensive Refurbishment Studio, emphasizes the importance of communities having a clear plan before starting renovations. A detailed plan not only facilitates navigation through the complex processes of financing and execution but also helps to mitigate surprises during construction. Although public grants are available to facilitate these projects, the lengthy administrative processes pose a significant obstacle. For this reason, many communities are looking for private financing alternatives, such as collective loans or agreements with construction companies, which allow for faster execution of the works.
The focus on energy efficiency is crucial: it is estimated that improving thermal insulation in facades and roofs can reduce energy consumption by up to 54%. Similarly, adaptations to improve accessibility, such as installing elevators and ramps, are fundamental to ensure that all residents can access their homes without barriers.
Before undertaking a rehabilitation, César Martín advises conducting technical inspections, such as the Technical Inspection of Buildings (ITE) or the Building Evaluation Report (IEE), to understand the real state of the property and plan the appropriate interventions. This step is vital to avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure that the works comply with current regulations.
The combination of public subsidies and private financing allows many communities to carry out comprehensive renovations that not only extend the buildings’ lifespan but also improve the quality of life for neighbors and increase the properties’ value in the market. As European urban policies promote greater awareness of energy efficiency and accessibility, homeowners’ communities in Madrid must focus their efforts on proper planning and collaboration with industry experts.
Thus, building rehabilitation in Madrid represents not only a challenge but also an opportunity to improve the habitability and sustainability of properties, ensuring their value and efficiency in the long term.
