Before signing anything, ask these 12 questions. If the company gets uncomfortable, you already have your first answer.
A client from l’Eixample told us that his previous renovator said “about 4,000 euros, give or take.” He ended up paying 6,200. When he asked for an explanation, the response was: “Things came up.” Things. No breakdown, no justification, no paper trail to hold on to.
The difference between a renovation that goes well and one that becomes a nightmare lies in the questions you asked — or didn’t ask — before signing. You don’t need to be a construction expert: you just need to know what to ask.
Here are all 12, one by one. If you want to first understand what a serious quote should include, start with our real breakdown of a bathroom renovation budget.
1. “Is the quote fixed or approximate?”
A fixed quote means the final price is what appears in the document, barring structural surprises. An “approximate” one means they’ll charge you whatever they want.
Why it matters: the General Consumer and User Protection Act protects your right to know how much you’ll pay before contracting a service. An open-ended quote leaves the door to 30% or 50% increases with no recourse.
Good answer: “It’s fixed. If something unexpected comes up, we’ll let you know first and document it separately.”
Bad answer: “It’s a guideline, we’ll see later.” Run. That “we’ll see later” always goes upward.
2. “What happens if there are unforeseen issues?”
Unforeseen issues exist: you open a wall and find lead pipes from 1965, you lift the tiles and discover there’s no waterproofing. The question isn’t whether they can arise, but how the company handles them.
Why it matters: without a clear protocol, “unforeseen issues” become the perfect wild card for inflating the bill. We’ve seen projects where the budget went up 30% for things any professional would have spotted during the preliminary visit.
Good answer: “We stop, show you exactly what it is, give you an additional written quote. We don’t do anything without your approval.”
Bad answer: “Don’t worry, we’ll sort it out as we go.” Bad sign. Read our article on the 10 mistakes that ruin a bathroom renovation for more context.
3. “What specific brands and models are included?”
A quote that says “suspended toilet” without a brand or model is a trap quote. Because a suspended toilet can cost €180 or €900.
Why it matters: without specifying, the company has free rein to install the cheapest option and charge for mid-range quality.
Good answer: “Roca Meridian toilet, Grohe 34558000 thermostatic mixer, Porcelanosa tile 60x120…” With names, references and the possibility for you to look them up yourself.
Bad answer: “We use good quality materials, don’t worry.” Yes, do worry. Use our calculator to get a price reference by finish level.
4. “How much is the deposit and when are the payments due?”
A reasonable advance payment is normal. A 60% payment before a single tile has been lifted is a red flag.
Why it matters: if you pay too much at the start, you lose all your negotiating power. Recovering money through legal channels is slow and expensive.
Good answer: a milestone-based schedule:
| Milestone | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Signing the quote | 15 - 20% |
| Start of demolition | 20 - 25% |
| Completion of plumbing and electrics | 20 - 25% |
| Completion of tiling and installation | 20 - 25% |
| Delivery and sign-off | 10 - 15% |
Bad answer: “I need 50% to buy materials.” A serious professional has a credit line with their suppliers. Read more about this red flag in our article on bathroom renovation scams.
5. “What warranty do you provide, and in writing?”
A warranty isn’t a favour the company does for you. It’s your right. And if it’s not in writing, it doesn’t exist.
Why it matters: Law 7/2021 and the Civil Code establish warranty periods for construction services. A minimum 1-year warranty should be non-negotiable. Good companies offer 2 or 3. Check the details of our warranty as a reference.
Good answer: “3 years in writing on workmanship, plus the manufacturer’s warranty on materials. Everything in the contract.”
Bad answer: “If anything happens we’ll sort it out, we’re right here.” That’s not a warranty. It’s a verbal promise worth nothing if the company changes name or city.
6. “Can I see photos of finished work?”
Pinterest photos and renders don’t count. Real photos, from real projects, completed by their team.
Why it matters: anyone can have a nice website with stock images. What sets a professional apart is showing you bathrooms they’ve renovated with their own hands, in real flats.
Good answer: “Look, this is a flat in Ruzafa from last month, this one in Paterna from two weeks ago.” Real locations, recent dates.
Bad answer: “The website’s under construction, but I’ll show you something via WhatsApp.” If they have to dig through their phone, something’s off.
7. “Who does the work? Your own team or subcontractors?”
This question makes many companies uncomfortable. And that already tells you something.
Why it matters: if they subcontract absolutely everything, that company doesn’t renovate bathrooms: it sells quotes and manages subcontractors. Your bathroom is done by people who haven’t seen your quote and are paid per completed job, not for quality work.
Good answer: “Masonry and plumbing are our own team. For electrics, same collaborator for years.”
Bad answer: “We have very good collaborators.” Too vague. Ask who they are and how long they’ve worked together.
8. “Does it include waste removal and cleaning?”
This seems like a minor detail until you find 800 kg of broken tiles in your entrance hall and a fine from the council.
Why it matters: removal with an authorised skip costs €200-500. Professional post-work cleaning, €100-200. If they’re not in the quote, you’ll be charged for them separately. Or worse: they’ll leave the rubble in bags on your landing.
Good answer: “Includes skip for rubble and final cleaning. We hand over the bathroom ready to use.”
Bad answer: “We’ll leave the rubble in bags by the door.” That’s not a renovation service.
9. “What is the execution timeline?”
If a company gets uncomfortable when you ask, imagine how they’ll behave when they have your keys and your money.
Why it matters: a 5 m² bathroom should be ready in 8-15 working days. If they say “about 3-4 weeks” without being specific, prepare to be without a bathroom much longer. Check what timelines are reasonable in our guide.
Good answer: “10 working days, from Monday X to Friday Y.” With specific dates in the contract.
Bad answer: “It depends, 2-3 weeks, maybe more if another job comes up.” That means your project isn’t their priority. Tip: include a penalty clause of €50-100 per unjustified day of delay in the contract.
10. “Do I need a building permit?”
Not all bathroom renovations need a permit, but some do. And if you get caught without one, the fine is yours.
Why it matters: in Valencia, renovations that modify installations usually require a responsible declaration or minor works licence. The detail is in our guide to licences and permits.
Good answer: “You’ll need a responsible declaration because we’re modifying the plumbing. We’ll help you with the paperwork.”
Bad answer: “Nobody asks for a permit for a bathroom.” False and dangerous. If a neighbour reports it, the fine can be several hundred euros.
11. “What VAT rate applies?”
The difference between 10% and 21% on an €8,000 renovation is €880.
Why it matters: the general rule is that renovations in a primary residence over 2 years old carry 10% reduced VAT, provided materials don’t exceed 40% of the total. VAT Law, Article 91 regulates the exact requirements. We have a full article: VAT on bathroom renovation: 10% vs 21%.
Good answer: “10% applies because it’s a primary residence over 2 years old. We’ll break it down on the invoice.”
Bad answer: “VAT is 21%, there’s no other option.” If they say this without asking you anything about your property, they haven’t even bothered to check.
12. “Can I speak with a previous client?”
The most revealing question of all. Not because of the answer, but because of the reaction.
Why it matters: Google reviews can be bought, photos stolen, years of experience inflated. But a client who picks up the phone and says “I’m happy” is the most reliable proof.
Good answer: “I’ll pass you the contact details of two or three recent clients, always with their permission.”
Bad answer: “We don’t do that.” If the company completely refuses, ask yourself why.
How Reformarte answers the 12 questions
If we’re publishing these questions, it’s fair that we answer them:
- Fixed quote. What you see is what you pay.
- Unforeseen issues documented in writing before any action.
- Brand, model and reference on every line of the quote.
- Milestone-based payments, maximum 20% deposit.
- 3 years’ warranty on workmanship, in writing. Details on our warranty page.
- Updated portfolio of real projects in Valencia.
- Own team for masonry and plumbing.
- Waste removal and cleaning always included.
- Timeline with start and delivery dates in the contract.
- Guidance on licences and help with paperwork.
- Correct VAT for your situation, explained and itemised.
- Contact with previous clients, no problem.
Try our calculator: in 2 minutes you’ll have a personalised estimate. Or see how our process works step by step.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for them to ask for a deposit before starting?
Yes, it’s legitimate. But it shouldn’t exceed 20-30%. If they ask for more than a third upfront without clear justification, find another company.
Can I request changes once I’ve signed?
Generally yes, but they must be documented in an appendix with a detailed additional cost and your signature. Never accept verbal changes.
What should I do if they don’t meet the deadline?
If the deadline is in the contract, you have grounds to claim through the consumer office of your municipality. Prevention is best: include a penalty clause for unjustified delays.
Can they charge me 21% if my property is over 2 years old?
It depends. If it’s a primary residence and materials don’t exceed 40% of the cost, it should be 10%. Check our guide to 10% vs 21% VAT.
What if I’ve already signed without asking these questions?
Talk to the company and request in writing what’s missing: warranty, timelines, handling of unforeseen issues. If they cooperate, perfect. If they resist, consider whether it’s worth continuing.
It’s not distrust. It’s common sense.
Asking these 12 questions isn’t being difficult or demanding. It’s protecting your money, your home and your peace of mind. A serious professional welcomes them, because they know that an informed client is a client they can work better with.
And if the company reacts badly or tells you “that’s not something you ask”… you already have your answer. Without signing anything.
Want a quote that answers all 12 questions before you even ask them? Calculate your renovation in 2 minutes and we’ll prepare one with everything detailed: brands, timelines, warranty and conditions. No obligation. You can also check our guide on bathroom renovations in Valencia.
