In short: the cost of renovating an apartment depends mostly on whether it's a refresh (painting, floors, doors) or a full renovation (also wiring, pipes, bathroom and kitchen). A full renovation costs several times more per square metre. The price per square metre is a good first guide, but an exact price can only be given after seeing the apartment.
Why can the price per square metre be misleading?
The bathroom and kitchen are small rooms but have the most work: pipes, wiring, tiling, cabinets. A living room has lots of square metres but simpler work. So a small apartment can cost more per square metre than a large one.
What makes up the price?
- Demolition and waste removal.
- Electrics: older buildings often need new wiring. Read more about replacing old wiring.
- Pipes: water and drainage inside the apartment.
- Walls and ceilings: filling, painting or wallpaper.
- Floors: levelling and parquet, laminate or tiles.
- Doors, skirting, window sills.
- Bathroom and kitchen: usually the largest part of the budget.
What makes it more expensive?
- Removing walls or building new ones.
- Very crooked walls and floors.
- Expensive parquet, tiles or furniture.
- A new bathroom or kitchen layout that needs new pipes.
How to keep to budget?
- Do first what goes inside the walls. Surfaces can be updated later if needed.
- Keep the kitchen and bathroom where they are, if possible.
- Set aside about 10% of the budget for surprises.
- Compare quotes that list the same work.
See also where to start a full apartment renovation.
Frequently asked questions
Is the quote free?
Yes. We'll come and look at the apartment and give you a quote free of charge.
Can I pay for the renovation in instalments?
Yes, you can pay with renovation financing.
Who buys the materials, the client or the company?
Either way works. If the contractor buys the materials, they're also responsible for the right quantities and suitable materials.
Want to know what your apartment renovation would cost? Ask us for a free quote. See also our apartment renovation and full renovation services.
