The renovation ends, the team leaves… and the warranty clock starts ticking. But do you know what it actually covers?
That’s the question almost nobody asks before signing. And it’s the one that matters most when something goes wrong.
Because things do go wrong. Not always, but in a bathroom you’ve got plumbing, electrics, waterproofing, tiles, shower screens and taps all working together in a space where water touches everything. It’s a demanding environment. And some components are only truly tested after months of daily use.
A client from Mislata called us 14 months after her renovation because of a small leak in the shower screen. We fixed it the next day, at no cost. But she said something that made us stop and think: “I didn’t know if I could call. I thought the warranty had already expired.” She’d been putting towels on the floor for weeks instead of picking up the phone.
That can’t happen. So this guide is about making sure you know exactly what’s covered, for how long, and what to do if something goes wrong. No tricks, no small print.
If you’re still in the phase of choosing a company, start with our calculator for a real indicative price and read the questions you should ask before signing a quote. But if your renovation is already done or you’re about to receive it, stay here.
What Spanish law says about renovation warranties
Let’s start with what’s non-negotiable: the law. In Spain, construction warranties are regulated by two main legal frameworks.
The Building Regulation Act (LOE)
Law 38/1999, Building Regulation Act (LOE) establishes three warranty periods according to the severity of the defect. Although it was designed for new builds, case law has extended it to renovations of sufficient scope, and courts apply it in claims for full bathroom renovations.
1 year — Finishing defects. A poorly laid tile, a joint that opens up, paint that peels. Cosmetic defects that don’t compromise the bathroom’s use but shouldn’t be there.
3 years — Habitability defects. Now we’re in serious territory. Damp, leaks, waterproofing failures, embedded plumbing leaks. If a damp patch appears on the bedroom wall adjacent to the bathroom two years later, you have three years to claim from the date you discover it.
10 years — Structural defects. These affect the building’s stability. In bathroom renovations it’s uncommon, but if a load-bearing wall or floor slab has been modified, liability extends for a decade.
The Technical Building Code (CTE)
The Technical Building Code defines the minimum technical requirements that any construction work must meet. Its Basic Document HS1 (protection against moisture) is the reference for waterproofing in wet areas. If your renovation doesn’t comply with the CTE and that causes a problem, the executing company is responsible.
It’s that clear: the regulations exist, the periods are defined, and your rights don’t depend on anyone’s goodwill.
What a standard bathroom renovation warranty covers
Beyond the minimum legal framework, this is what a serious company should cover:
Waterproofing failures. If damp or leaks appear in walls, floor or reach the neighbour below, that’s the direct responsibility of whoever carried out the work. Whether it’s 3 months or 30 months later.
Tile detachment. If the adhesive was correct and the surface was properly prepared, tiles don’t fall off. If they do, the company needs to come back and fix it.
Leaks in installed plumbing. Pipe connections, traps, drains and stop valves. If a connection leaks because it was poorly made, that’s repaired under warranty.
Electrical problems in the installation. Sockets that don’t work, poorly connected light points, insufficient cable sections. If the electrical installation was renewed during the renovation, execution faults are covered.
Failures in shower screen and sanitary ware seals. Silicone joints between the shower screen and wall or between the shower tray and floor are critical points. If a seal fails due to poor application, the company redoes it.
What the warranty does NOT cover (and many people think it does)
This section generates more calls than you’d imagine. Not out of bad faith: it’s because nobody explains it beforehand.
Natural wear and tear. Silicone joints have a useful life of 3-5 years. If they darken or lose their seal over time, that’s not a defect: it’s normal wear.
Damage from misuse. Forcing the shower screen, blocking a pipe by pouring cement down the drain. That’s not the renovator’s responsibility.
Limescale on taps and shower screens. In Valencia, the water is hard. Very hard. Limescale builds up on aerators and glass. That’s maintenance, not warranty.
Factory-defective products. If a Roca tap drips because it has a faulty valve from the factory, that’s the manufacturer’s warranty, not the installer’s. The company should help you manage the claim, but the direct responsibility lies with the brand.
Third-party modifications. If another professional comes in and touches the installation after the renovation, the warranty on that area is voided. If it hasn’t been touched, the original installer is responsible. If it has, whoever touched it is responsible.
Summary table: coverage by type and duration
| Type of defect | Legal period (LOE) | Market standard | Reformarte warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finishes (tiles, paint, joints) | 1 year | 1 year | 3 years |
| Waterproofing and damp | 3 years | 2-3 years | 3 years |
| Plumbing (connections, seals) | 3 years | 2 years | 3 years |
| Electrical installation | 3 years | 2 years | 3 years |
| Shower screen and sanitary ware (installation) | 1 year | 1 year | 3 years |
| Structural defects (if applicable) | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years |
| Natural wear (silicone, limescale) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Factory product defect | Manufacturer (2 years min.) | Manufacturer | Manufacturer + assistance |
How to make a warranty claim
If you spot a problem and believe it should be covered, follow these steps:
1. Document the problem. Photos, videos, date of discovery. The more evidence, the better.
2. Contact the company in writing. WhatsApp works, email works better. What matters is that there’s a record of the date and description of the defect. Don’t just make a phone call: if there’s a dispute, you need evidence.
3. Review your contract. Look for the warranty clause: period, conditions and procedure. If that clause doesn’t exist, fall back on the legal periods of the LOE.
4. Give a reasonable timeframe. Case law refers to 15-30 days for the company to act. If they don’t respond, move to the next step.
5. Formal complaint. File a complaint with your local council’s OMIC, go to a consumer association, or as a last resort, take legal action. For amounts under €2,000 you don’t need a lawyer or solicitor.
If you’ve reached that point, you’re probably dealing with one of the warning signs we describe in our guide on scams.
Red flags: companies that avoid giving warranties
A company that won’t give a written warranty doesn’t trust its own work. Are you going to?
No warranty clause in the quote. If the word “warranty” doesn’t appear in the document, ask. If the answer is vague, be suspicious.
“We’re people of our word.” Fantastic. Put it in writing then. If someone has a problem with that, the problem isn’t the paper: it’s what’s behind it.
They refer you to the manufacturer for everything. The installation, waterproofing and finishes are the installer’s responsibility. If they send you to the manufacturer for a leak in a connection they made, they’re ducking responsibility.
They disappear after the last payment. The phone that used to be answered on the first ring now just rings and rings. The WhatsApp messages they used to reply to in minutes now show a single tick. That’s the minimum you should be worried about.
No tax ID or insurance. Who do you claim against? Thin air? Read our guide on the 10 mistakes that ruin a bathroom renovation to understand why hiring without paperwork is the most expensive mistake.
What Reformarte guarantees: 3 years of comprehensive coverage
We provide 3 years of full warranty on all our bathroom renovations. Not 1 year. 3 years. It covers everything we’ve installed: waterproofing, plumbing, electrics, tiling, seals, shower screens, sanitary ware.
Why 3 and not 1? Because not all problems show up in a year. A waterproofing failure can take 12-18 months to become visible. A plumbing joint with a defect can last a year and fail the following winter when pipes contract with the cold.
This is what’s included:
- No-cost repair of any execution defect during 3 years.
- Response within 48 hours. If it’s urgent (active leak), same day.
- Everything in writing. Warranty certificate with start date, expiry, scope and procedure.
- Assistance with manufacturer warranties. We don’t leave you alone with the brand’s 0800 number.
After the 3 years? We’re still here. Preferential pricing and priority scheduling. Our clients aren’t one-renovation clients.
For full details, visit our warranty page. And to understand how we work from start to finish, how our process works.
Frequently asked questions about bathroom renovation warranties
Can I claim if I don’t have a signed contract?
Yes, but it will be harder to prove. The LOE establishes periods regardless of the contract, but without a signed document you’ll need invoices, bank transfers or messages as evidence. Ideally: insist on a signed quote with a warranty clause before starting. We cover everything it should include in questions before signing a quote.
When does the warranty period start?
From the reception of works: the day you sign the handover document or make the last payment. Without a formal document, courts consider the date of the last payment or the last day of work.
What happens if the company has closed down?
You can fall back on the company’s public liability insurance, your home insurance if the defect caused damage, or legal action against the directors. It’s a complicated situation: that’s why we insist on verifying the company is properly established before signing.
Does silicone come under the warranty?
If it fails due to poor application (damp surface, unsuitable product), yes. If it darkens or hardens through normal use after 2-3 years, that’s maintenance. Silicone is a consumable with a useful life of 3-5 years.
Can I lose the warranty by making changes myself?
If they affect the warranted area, yes. Drilling through the waterproofed wall to hang a shelf voids the waterproofing warranty for that area. The rule is logical: if it hasn’t been touched, the installer is responsible. If it has been touched, whoever touched it is responsible.
Your bathroom deserves a warranty that isn’t just paper
A warranty is only worth as much as the company behind it.
At Reformarte we’ve been doing bathrooms in Valencia and surrounding areas for years. We do them well because we know how, and we give 3 years’ warranty because we trust what we do. It’s that simple.
If you want to know how much it would cost with a real warranty behind it, use our calculator for a first figure in 2 minutes. No obligation, and nobody will call you unless you want them to.
And if you have questions about warranties, timeframes or anything else, write to us. We always reply. That’s also a guarantee.
