Budget the full specification, not just floor area
- A full renovation should not be reduced to one €/m² figure.
- In the BricoDato example for 80 m², a full standard renovation with one bathroom and a full kitchen, the reference is about €57,960 and the range about €45,790–€75,930.
- Layout changes, complete service replacement, extra bathrooms or new windows can move the budget substantially.
What “full renovation” actually means
It can include demolition, building work, electrics, plumbing, climate systems, floors, walls, paint, joinery, bathroom, kitchen and windows. The label “full” does not guarantee every item is included; read the actual scope.
Indicative example for an 80 m² apartment
In the BricoDato estimator, an 80 m² home, full renovation with services, standard quality, one full bathroom and kitchen included gives a reference close to €57,960. The example range is approximately €45,790–€75,930.
Why a price per m² can mislead
Two 80 m² apartments can have one or two bathrooms, very different kitchens, five or twelve windows and services that are reusable or completely obsolete. €/m² is useful for scale, not for a final comparison.
Where unforeseen work appears
- Old hidden services.
- Uneven or damaged substrates.
- Damp or water ingress.
- Structural elements limiting layout changes.
- Joinery and cabinetry lead times.
- Building rules, permits and waste requirements.
How to keep the budget under control
Define a specification, freeze major decisions before work starts, agree how changes are priced and use payment milestones linked to progress. Keep contingency for genuine unknowns, not for choices that could have been decided earlier.
What documents to ask for before choosing
For a large project, look for measurements, line items, material specification, programme, payment terms, exclusions and responsibilities. Layout changes, complex services or structural work may require specific technical input.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a full renovation take?
It can take several weeks or months depending on area, layout changes, services, procurement and trade coordination.
Should I keep a contingency budget?
Yes. Renovation work can reveal hidden conditions. The estimator lets you add a contingency to the high end of the range.
Is €/m² enough to compare quotes?
No. It is useful for initial scale, but kitchens, bathrooms, windows, services and finish level should be compared as line items.
Continue with these tools
Build a renovation budget around scope, not only m²
A full renovation can mean cosmetic finishes or replacement of major services. Compare floor plans, wet areas, installations and finish quality first; only then do floor-area benchmarks become meaningful.
Example to adapt
For a hypothetical 80 m² apartment, list each room separately and identify electrical points, plumbing alterations, window changes, wall repairs and demolition. Prepare three columns — essential, optional and deferred — so that scope changes can be tracked without mistaking them for cost inflation.
| Budget section | Clarify before costing | Typical missed item |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition and disposal | What is removed and carried out | Permits, containers or access |
| Services | Electrical, water and ventilation scope | Outdated or inaccessible runs |
| Finishes | Surfaces, brands, labour scope | Preparation or transitions |
Checks before acting
- Set a documented priority list before soliciting real external professional quotes.
- Keep a contingency based on project risk rather than assuming every building is identical.
- Request a written schedule and staged payments tied to deliverables.
- Identify work affecting structure, shared services or regulated installations early.
Keep a useful record: Keep room-by-room scope, quantities, specifications, contingency assumptions and approved changes.