Full Remodel: The Most Important Decision for Your Home
A full remodel is not “paint and change floors.” It means rethinking your entire space: layout, installations, finishes, lighting and functionality. It is the difference between patching problems and solving them at the root.
In Venezuela, full remodels surged between 2024 and 2026. The reason? Thousands of apartments and houses built between 1990 and 2010 reached the end of their useful life in electrical, plumbing and finishes. Owners discovered that remodeling in parts costs 30-40% more than doing everything at once.
At ReformaT Venezuela we have executed more than 200 full remodels in Caracas, Valencia, San Diego, La Guaira and premium zones such as La Lagunita, Altamira, Guataparo and El Viñedo. This guide tells you exactly what is included, how much it costs and how to plan it.
What Does a Full Remodel Include?
A full remodel covers all or most of these works:
1. Demolition and Rough Work
- Removal of floors, coverings, fixtures, existing kitchen
- Demolition of non-structural walls (for new layout)
- Debris removal and cleaning
- Cost: $8-$15/m²
2. Plumbing Installations
- Cold and hot water pipes (PPR or copper)
- Drains and waste stacks
- Water points for kitchen, bathrooms, service area
- Cost: $15-$30/m² (depending on number of bathrooms and points)
3. Electrical Installations
- Complete wiring (copper, Covenin standard)
- New electrical panel with breakers
- Light points, outlets, switches
- Dedicated circuits (air conditioning, kitchen, washer)
- Cost: $12-$25/m²
4. Flooring and Wall Coverings
- Floor leveling
- Installation of porcelain, marble or wood
- Wall coverings in bathrooms and kitchen
- Cost: $25-$80/m² (depending on material)
5. Kitchen
- Design and fabrication of cabinets
- Countertop (granite, quartz, porcelain)
- Appliances (optional)
- Cost: $3,500-$12,000 (depending on size and materials)
6. Bathrooms
- Waterproofing
- Fixtures, faucets, shower
- Bathroom vanities, mirrors
- Cost: $2,500-$8,000 per bathroom
7. Painting and Finishes
- Plastering and sanding of walls
- Interior painting (2-3 coats)
- Moldings, baseboards, cornices
- Cost: $6-$15/m² of wall
8. Carpentry and Closets
- Interior doors
- Closets and walk-in closets
- Built-in furniture
- Cost: $1,500-$6,000 (depending on quantity)
9. Lighting
- Lighting design
- Installation of LED points, spotlights, indirect lighting
- Cost: $800-$3,000
10. Air Conditioning (optional)
- Air conditioning points
- Ducts (if applicable)
- Cost: $500-$2,000 per point
Prices per m² in Venezuela (2026)
| Finish Level | Price/m² | Example 100 m² apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (national materials) | $120 - $180 | $12,000 - $18,000 |
| Mid-range (mix national/imported) | $180 - $300 | $18,000 - $30,000 |
| Premium (imported, design) | $300 - $500 | $30,000 - $50,000 |
| Luxury (European materials, home automation) | $500 - $800+ | $50,000 - $80,000+ |
Location factor:
- Valencia / San Diego: base price
- Caracas: +10-15%
- Premium zones (Lagunita, Country Club, Guataparo): +15-25% (condominium rules, logistics)
Real Timelines for a Full Remodel
| Size | Estimated Time | Phases |
|---|---|---|
| 60-80 m² apartment | 6-10 weeks | 4 phases |
| 100-150 m² apartment | 10-16 weeks | 5 phases |
| 200-300 m² house | 4-6 months | 6 phases |
| Premium house +300 m² | 6-9 months | 6-7 phases |
Typical schedule (100 m² apartment):
Weeks 1-2: Demolition, debris removal, structural inspection.
Weeks 3-5: Installations (plumbing, electrical, air conditioning). Pressure and continuity tests.
Weeks 6-9: Rough work: floors, coverings, waterproofing, plastering.
Weeks 10-12: Finishes: painting, carpentry, kitchen, bathrooms, lighting.
Weeks 13-14: Final details, deep cleaning, handover.
Full Remodel vs. By Parts: Real Numbers
Many owners ask: “Isn’t it better to remodel the kitchen this year and the bathroom next year?”
Comparison for 100 m² apartment:
| Concept | Full (once) | By parts (3 stages) |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition | $1,200 | $2,400 (repeated) |
| Installations | $3,500 | $5,500 (repeated access) |
| Flooring | $4,000 | $6,000 (area protection) |
| Labor | $8,000 | $12,000 (mobilization x3) |
| Total | $25,000 | $35,000+ |
Savings with full remodel: 30-40%. Plus time: 3 months vs. 12+ months with constant interruptions.
Mistakes That Make a Full Remodel More Expensive
1. No plans or previous design
Starting construction without a defined plan generates changes on the fly. Every change costs 2-3x more than if planned from the beginning.
2. Choosing materials during construction
If the floor is not purchased when installation begins, the team stops. Stopped days = money lost. All materials must be purchased before starting.
3. Not budgeting for contingency
Every full remodel has surprises: a corroded pipe, a wall that is not plumb, an uneven slab. Reserve a 15-20% contingency on the budget.
4. Hiring separately (plumber, electrician, mason)
Coordinating 5 independent contractors is a logistical nightmare. Timelines double, warranties dilute and no one is responsible for the other’s work. A full-service company is responsible for everything.
5. Not verifying condominium rules
In buildings in Chacao, Altamira, La Castellana and La Lagunita, condominium boards require:
- Liability insurance ($200-$500)
- Security deposit ($500-$2,000)
- Restricted hours (8 AM - 5 PM)
- Worker access through parking
- Plan approved by building engineer
Not complying can stop the work for weeks.
Premium Zones: Special Considerations
La Lagunita / Country Club / Alto Hatillo
300-600 m² houses with strict urbanization rules. Remodels here usually include:
- Space expansions (requires municipal engineering permit)
- Integration of social areas (kitchen-living-dining)
- Basic home automation (lighting, climate control)
- Budgets starting at $50,000
Altamira / La Castellana / Campo Alegre
120-250 m² apartments in buildings with demanding regulations:
- Time and access limitations
- Prohibition of modifying facade
- Board approval for layout changes
- Budgets starting at $30,000
Guataparo / El Viñedo / Prebo (Carabobo)
Houses and townhouses with more construction freedom:
- Fewer condominium restrictions
- Possibility of expansion
- Costs 10-15% lower than Caracas
- Budgets starting at $25,000
How to Choose the Right Company
| Criterion | What to look for | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | +10 years, verifiable portfolio | No real project photos |
| Contract | Scope, timeline, milestone payments | ”Word of honor”, no document |
| Warranty | Minimum 1 year on work, 5 on installations | No written warranty |
| Team | Own staff or fixed subcontractors | ”I’ll find someone tomorrow” |
| References | Contactable clients | No references |
| Quote | Broken down by item | Global price without detail |
Request Your Free Consultation
At ReformaT Venezuela we do the technical visit, measure, listen to what you need and deliver a detailed quote within 72 hours. No obligation.
WhatsApp: +58 422-7997043
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