From Palma, CARLO Design plans and manages the renovation of fincas, townhouses and apartments across Mallorca. We survey the building, work out the permit route and the cost framework, and develop the renovation concept. Then we run the site through to handover. Most of our residential projects on the island come to €1,200 to €2,500 per square metre, and a project including planning typically takes six to twelve months.
Hardly any finca was built in one go. Stables became bedrooms, terraces got a roof. The walls are usually thick rubble stone, rarely straight and often sitting on the ground without a damp-proof course. So we examine a house like this closely before deciding with you what stays and what is replaced.
A townhouse brings other issues: walls shared with the neighbours, daylight only from front and back, lanes too narrow for a lorry. The order of work is the same. Building only starts once the concept, budget and permit are settled.
The same people survey the house, design the renovation and later manage the site. What we find in the building at the start, we still know about on site.
We check measurements, structure, roof, damp and services, and for fincas the private water and power supply. We measure and record the house ourselves instead of relying on old drawings.
Finca or townhouse: what each asks of youWe decide which walls go, how lighting and building services are reorganised and which materials suit the house. The cost framework is priced with the firms who would do the work. We also establish whether a notification to the council is enough or a building permit is needed.
What a finca renovation costsStrip-out, new building services, floors, bathrooms, kitchen and joinery. We are on site every week. Whatever turns up when walls and floors are opened, we deal with straight away. If you wish, we furnish the house ready for moving in.
More on renovationThe range is wide because a lot only becomes visible once walls and floors are opened up. The condition of the building affects the price more than the choice of finishes.
Not every extension or covered terrace is registered. What legally exists determines what may be renovated, extended or approved.
In rubble walls of stone and lime, every chase and every new opening is done by hand. That affects almost every trade.
Floor build-up, ventilation and breathable materials have to be planned together. If a damp wall is sealed with the wrong material, the damp shows up later in the new finishes.
Many fincas are not connected to any grid. We size the cistern, pumps, solar power and wastewater treatment for real occupancy, which means August with guests.
With a narrow track or an old-town lane, materials arrive differently and firms price the work accordingly.
This is where most of the budget goes. A mid-range bespoke kitchen on Mallorca comes to €30,000 to €60,000, so we set the quality level early.
Then four short questions. We reply within one working day, with no obligation. We speak English, German and Spanish.
Across our two studios, most of our new work comes through recommendations from past clients. 5.0 stars on Google, 3 reviews for our Palma studio.
"After speaking with them, I knew I didn't need to look elsewhere. Thrilled with the result, highly recommend."
"They gave us excellent advice and ensured smooth implementation with their craftsmen."
"They quickly grasped my taste, found the perfect products, and arranged appointments."
"Tell us about your property, your timeline, what you are hoping for. We will come to you, listen, and present a concept and a realistic cost estimate, before you commit to anything."
We come to you · One project slot remaining for autumn 2026
