Services
Building refurbishment
We work on existing construction based on a diagnosis of its defects, focusing on correcting damp, façades, roofs and infrastructure.
Refurbishment versus renovation
Refurbishment is distinguished from renovation by its starting point: while renovation starts from an already habitable space that the client wishes to change or update, refurbishment focuses on correcting defects in an existing building — structural defects, damp issues, deteriorating materials and indications that may call for assessment by a qualified professional — before any change to the layout or finishes.
Initial assessment of the building
The work begins with an inspection of the building to identify the signs present: water ingress, rising or condensation damp, cracking, deteriorating finishing materials, loss of insulation performance and any indications or anomalies that, by their nature, may call for assessment by a qualified professional. This inspection guides the scope of the intervention and the priorities for execution.
Damp and waterproofing
Damp is one of the most frequent causes of deterioration in existing buildings. Depending on the source of the problem, the intervention may include waterproofing work on roofs, façades or foundations — detailed in waterproofing.
Façades and roofs
Façades and roofs are particularly exposed elements and often responsible for water entering the building. Their refurbishment may involve repairing or replacing coverings, tiles, flashings and drainage systems, depending on the condition identified in the initial assessment.
Insulation and existing materials
Whenever existing materials are in adequate condition, we seek to preserve them, supplementing them with thermal or damp-proofing insulation where the diagnosis justifies it. The choice between preserving and replacing is always discussed with the client and documented within the agreed scope — the price only changes when the scope changes, and always in writing.
Renewal of infrastructure
Beyond the external elements, a refurbishment may include the renewal of the building's internal infrastructure — electrical, plumbing or drainage networks — especially when these no longer meet current needs or show signs of deterioration.
Where we work
We carry out refurbishment projects in Greater Porto and other locations, subject to assessment of the nature and size of the works, with a presence in areas such as Porto, Maia, Matosinhos, Vila Nova de Gaia and Gondomar.
Rigor na prática
With existing construction, diagnosis comes first. Only then is it decided what to preserve and what to replace.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between refurbishment and renovation?
Refurbishment focuses on existing buildings with defects to correct — damp, deteriorating façades or roofs — while renovation involves altering or updating spaces that are already habitable. See also renovations.
How does the assessment of an existing building start?
The process begins with an inspection of the property, the visible signs and the constraints on the intervention. When indications arise that require specialist assessment, that need is identified before defining the solution or the scope of works.
What work is usually included in a refurbishment?
Depending on the diagnosis, it may include waterproofing, insulation, work on façades and roofs, and renewal of infrastructure such as electrical and plumbing networks.
Are existing materials always replaced?
No. Whenever existing materials are in adequate condition, we seek to preserve them, replacing only what the diagnosis justifies.
Do you deal with damp and waterproofing issues?
Yes, this is one of the central aspects of refurbishment. We cover this topic in more detail in waterproofing.
Where do you carry out refurbishment work?
We carry out projects in Greater Porto and other locations, subject to assessment of the nature and size of the works.
Planning a project?
Tell us what you have in mind and send us whatever information you already have.
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