How much does it cost to renovate a 100 m2 apartment?
The cost of renovating a 100 m2 apartment varies depending on the scope of work and the quality of finishes. As a guideline, a standard full renovation typically ranges between €35,000 and €80,000 (approx. €350–800/m2), while high-end finishes can exceed €90,000–120,000 (>€900/m2). If it is a basic intervention (painting, budget flooring, and minor adjustments without work on installations), the range can drop to €20,000–30,000 (€200–300/m2).
The factors that most affect the cost are the upgrade of electrical and plumbing installations (approx. €8,000–15,000 for 100 m2), the kitchen (€6,000–15,000 depending on size and quality), the bathrooms (€3,000–7,000 per unit), replacing joinery and windows (€3,000–10,000 if all are replaced), and flooring and wall finishes (€2,500–8,000). Reconfiguring the layout with demolitions and new partitions, reinforcements, or openings also increases the budget due to rubble management and technical work.
In addition to the construction budget, it is advisable to factor in municipal permits and fees (€300–1,500 depending on the local council), the technical project and site supervision when required (3–8% of the budget), the applicable VAT (typically 10% for home renovations), and a contingency allowance of 10–15%. Location also matters: in large cities, labour costs can increase amounts by 10–20% compared to other areas.
What renovation can I do with €40,000?
Full renovation of a mid-sized apartment (60–80 m²)
With €40,000, you can undertake a full renovation with mid-range finishes in a mid-sized apartment: upgrading electrical and plumbing installations, a complete renovation of the kitchen and 1–2 bathrooms, installing porcelain flooring or AC4–AC5 laminate, lacquered doors, painting, and improving interior joinery. A minor layout reconfiguration is also feasible (removing non-structural partitions, opening the kitchen to the living room, creating a walk-in wardrobe), and you should set aside a budget for permits, waste management, and technical supervision, adjusting finishes depending on the city and m².
Partial renovation in larger homes
In larger houses or apartments, that budget allows for a targeted renovation: a complete kitchen (custom cabinetry, quartz worktop, energy-efficient appliances) and a full renovation of the main bathroom, plus overall painting and floor replacement. A second bathroom with more modest finishes can be included, along with custom wardrobes and a partial upgrade of electrics (new consumer unit, lighting points) and plumbing in wet areas to maximise the budget’s impact.
Energy efficiency and comfort
If you prioritise savings and comfort, with €40,000 you can invest in PVC or thermal-break aluminium windows with double glazing, internal insulation on façades and ceilings, LED lighting and basic home automation (thermostats, blinds, sensors). You can also replace heating/DHW systems with aerothermal heat pumps or more efficient equipment, as well as non-slip shower trays and accessibility improvements.
Finishes and key budget items
To maintain the right balance between quality and price, choose rectified porcelain tiles in bathrooms and the kitchen, AC4–AC5 laminate flooring in dry areas, mid-range single-lever taps, compact sanitaryware, and washable plastic paint. Allocate 10–15% for contingencies (repairing floor slabs, levelling, reinforcing installations) and allow for typical timeframes of 8–12 weeks to coordinate trades and minimise delays.
What is the order for renovating an apartment?
The order for renovating an apartment starts with planning and permits: defining the project, taking measurements, setting a budget and schedule, obtaining municipal permits, and coordinating trades. Before any work begins, common areas and the home are protected (floors, doors, lift), and materials are procured and rubble-removal logistics are organised to avoid delays.
The first phase of the work is demolition and strip-out: removing fixed furniture and damaged joinery, hacking off wall finishes, lifting floors, and removing non-structural partitions, with authorised waste management. If there are changes affecting the structure, reinforcements are carried out under technical supervision before continuing; then chases and openings are made for installations.
Continue with installations and the building envelope: renewing plumbing and drainage (pipes, falls, leak tests), electrics and telecommunications (consumer unit, circuits, points, data), HVAC/DHW and ventilation. Then the partitioning is closed up, insulation and windows are installed if applicable, and rendering/plastering is carried out, leaving pre-installations tested and certified.
The final phase covers the finishes: installing flooring and wall tiling, suspended ceilings and levelling, painting, fitting interior joinery (doors, wardrobe fronts), sanitaryware and kitchen units, switches and lighting. It is completed with sealing, final functional tests, commissioning, cleaning and handover, ensuring everything matches the project and the planned work sequence.
How much does it cost to renovate a 50 m2 house?
The cost of renovating a 50 m² house is usually calculated per square metre. As a reference, a full renovation can range between €700 and €1,200/m² depending on quality and complexity, which puts the total budget at around €35,000–60,000. For basic or partial renovations that do not change installations or the layout, the range can drop to €400–700/m² (approx. €20,000–35,000 for 50 m²).
If you are looking for higher-end finishes, a new layout and a complete renewal of installations (electrics, plumbing and HVAC), costs can rise to €1,200–1,800/m², i.e., €60,000–90,000 for 50 m². These prices are indicative and depend on the city, the property’s initial condition, the scope of the work (partial vs. full), and the quality of the materials and fittings selected.
In addition to the price per m², items such as kitchens and bathrooms (furniture and sanitaryware), joinery (doors, wardrobes, windows), wall finishes and flooring, installations and HVAC also have an impact. Also bear in mind permits, waste management and VAT, which can add a significant extra cost on top of the base budget; request itemised quotes and confirm what each offer includes.
