What this covers
A renovation is the reworking of an existing space, as opposed to new construction. It can range from a single bathroom or kitchen to a whole apartment, and involves demolition, changes to water and electrical services, surfaces, carpentry and painting. In Madeira, work on older properties often also means dealing with damp, ventilation and the condition of external walls.
What people ask for most
- Renovate a bathroom from scratch
- Replace a kitchen completely
- Redo water and electrical services
- Change the flooring throughout
- Open up or close a partition wall
- Treat damp and mould in walls
- Refit an apartment for holiday letting
- Replace windows and frames
Timing and emergencies
A renovation is not emergency work and deserves a generous run-up. Ask for offers well before the date you have in mind, especially if you plan to let the property in high season or need materials shipped from the mainland. Check the building rules too, for noise hours and for using the lift to carry rubble.
How to choose well
- Ask for a written offer with stages, materials and what is excluded
- Agree payments against completed stages rather than everything up front
- Confirm who removes the rubble and who does the final clean
- Ask who coordinates the electrician, plumber and tiler between themselves
How it works on HomeFix
- Post your taskDescribe what you need, where and when. Takes under a minute.
- Receive offersProfessionals in your area reply with price and availability.
- Choose your professionalCompare profiles, reviews, work photos and ratings.
- Agree directlyTalk in chat or by phone and settle the details between you.
- Job donePay the professional directly and leave your review.
This service across the island
Pick a municipality to see what is most in demand there.
FunchalCâmara de LobosMachicoSanta CruzCaniçoSantanaRibeira BravaPonta do SolCalhetaSão VicentePorto Moniz
Frequently asked questions
How do I find renovation professionals in Madeira?
Describe the job in HomeFix with the rooms, the approximate area and photos of the current state. Professionals working in your municipality reply with offers and talk to you in chat. Compare on the detail of the offer, not only on the final figure.
How are staged payments for building work agreed?
You agree them directly with the professional before anything starts. Splitting the job into completed stages is common, with each payment tied to work you can actually inspect. Put in writing what each stage includes so there is no argument later.
Do I need permission from the building or the council?
It depends on the type of work. Structural changes, facades and extensions usually need authorisation, while simple internal work generally does not. Check with your local câmara municipal and read the building regulations before you set a start date.
In what order should the trades come in?
Demolition first, then water and electrical services, then plastering, surfaces, carpentry, and painting and sanitaryware at the end. Changing that order means redoing work that is already finished. Ask the professional for a simple schedule following this sequence.