Home renovation cost: what price to expect in 2026?

Home renovation cost is one of the first questions owners ask before deciding to go ahead with works. How much does a full renovation cost? How much will a 50, 80 or 100 m² apartment need? Is it better to renovate every room, or just the kitchen and bathroom?

The reality is that there is no single price that applies to every property. The final cost depends on the condition of the home, the extent of the works, the square metres, the technical needs, the materials and the level of the renovation.

IG Constructions, for example, offers different proposals and renovation packages depending on the needs of each property, and its quotes break down the individual works and materials.

What does the cost of a home renovation depend on?

The most important thing an owner should know is that square metres are only one of the factors.

Two apartments of the same size can have significantly different renovation costs.

For example, an 80 m² apartment that mainly needs painting, new floors and a bathroom renovation doesn't have the same needs as an old 80 m² apartment that requires a complete replacement of its electrical and plumbing installations.

The most important factors are:

• the age of the property,
• its existing condition,
• the square metres,
• the extent of the works,
• layout changes,
• electrical works,
• plumbing works,
• the kitchen,
• the bathroom,
• the floors,
• the window frames,
• thermal insulation,
• the quality of the materials,
• bespoke builds,
• any studies or permits required.

So the question "how much does a renovation cost per square metre?" can only give a first indication, not a reliable final price.

Renovation cost per square metre

The price per square metre is often used as a quick way to estimate the budget.

However, care is needed.

A price per m² doesn't necessarily include the same works in every quote. One quote may include removals, new electrical and plumbing work and materials, while another may cover only specific works.

On the IG Constructions website there are indicative packages for different areas. For example, there is a 50 m² package with specific works and a listed price, and an 85 m² package with a different scope of works. This shows why comparisons should be based on exactly what each quote includes, not just the total amount.

Full or partial renovation: which costs less?

A partial home renovation can be significantly cheaper when the existing condition of the property is good.

For example, an owner may decide to renovate only:

• the bathroom,
• the kitchen,
• the floors,
• the painting,
• the window frames.

A full renovation, on the other hand, may include many different categories of work at the same time.

The right choice isn't necessarily the cheapest. The overall condition of the property must be considered.

If an old home needs new electrical and plumbing installations anyway, for example, it may be more practical to plan all the required works from the start rather than piecemeal.

How much does the condition of the property matter?

The condition of the property is one of the most important factors affecting the final budget.

A newer apartment may mainly need cosmetic work.

An older home, however, may require:

• removals,
• new plumbing,
• new electrical work,
• masonry repairs,
• new floors,
• window replacement,
• damp treatment,
• thermal insulation.

That is why a site visit before the quote is particularly important.

An IG Constructions engineer visits the property to determine the renovation needs, and the financial proposal is then prepared.

Kitchen renovation cost

The kitchen is one of the rooms that can significantly affect the total cost.

The final price depends on:

• the cabinets,
• the worktop,
• the tiles,
• the floors,
• the electrical supply points,
• the plumbing,
• the lighting,
• the sink and mixer tap,
• the appliances,
• any layout changes.

An affordable kitchen renovation can be limited to replacing the cabinets, worktop and surfaces.

A full renovation may also require changes to the electrical and plumbing installations, which increases the cost but can deliver a more complete result.

Bathroom renovation cost

The bathroom may seem like a small room, but it involves several different technical tasks.

A complete bathroom renovation may include:

• removing old tiles,
• new plumbing,
• new drainage,
• waterproofing,
• tiles,
• sanitary ware,
• a shower or bathtub,
• a vanity unit,
• a mirror,
• lighting,
• ventilation.

So lower material prices don't always mean a lower total cost. The quality of installation and proper surface preparation also matter.

Electrical and plumbing: a cost you shouldn't ignore

In an old home, the installations can make up a significant part of the budget.

The electrical installation may need upgrading to meet the modern needs of a home.

At the same time, old plumbing may need replacing, especially when a general renovation is carried out.

What matters is not simply covering up problems with new materials.

If, for example, new tiles are laid over an old damp problem without dealing with the cause, the problem may come back.

How do materials affect the cost?

The choice of materials can change the final amount significantly.

Almost every category has different price levels.

For example, there may be different options for:

• tiles,
• floors,
• window frames,
• sanitary ware,
• mixer taps,
• cabinets,
• worktops,
• doors,
• light fittings.

Not all materials need to be in the same price category.

Good planning can allocate the budget where it has the greatest practical value.

How to renovate affordably without sacrificing quality

An affordable home renovation doesn't necessarily mean choosing the cheapest materials.

It mainly means making the most of the available capital.

1. Set priorities

Start with the works that are essential for safety and functionality.

2. Don't replace things that are in good condition

If an element can be kept and suits the new design, there's no reason to replace it just for looks.

3. Compare complete quotes

Don't just compare final prices. Look at what each quote includes.

4. Choose materials before work begins

The more decisions are made early, the better the project can be organised.

5. Avoid constant changes

Changes during a renovation can create additional costs and delays.

How to compare two renovation quotes

Suppose you have two quotes.

The first is €20,000 and the second €17,000.

That doesn't automatically mean the second is cheaper.

You need to check:

• How many works are included?
• Are removals included?
• Is debris disposal included?
• Are materials included?
• What quality are the materials?
• Is electrical work included?
• Is plumbing included?
• Is installation included?
• Are there works charged extra?
• Is there a specific schedule?

IG Constructions' quotes come with a cost breakdown of the individual works and the materials to be used.

This is important when an owner wants to know where their budget is going.

Are there hidden costs in a renovation?

The term "hidden cost" is often used for works that couldn't be foreseen before walls or floors were opened up.

For example, during a renovation an old installation may be uncovered that needs extra work.

This is another reason why a site visit and a detailed technical inspection are needed before the project starts.

At the same time, the owner should ask to know which items are included in the quote and which are not.

What should a good quote include?

A detailed renovation quote should, depending on the project, describe:

• the works,
• the quantities,
• the materials,
• the specifications,
• the cost of each category,
• what is included and what is excluded,
• the payment terms,
• the schedule,
• the person in charge of the project.

The more detailed the quote, the easier it is for the owner to know what they are paying for.

IG Constructions commits, through a private agreement, to the schedule and the cost of the works.

How to estimate your budget before you start

A practical approach is to split the renovation into categories.

For example:

• A. Removals and preparation
• B. Electrical
• C. Plumbing
• D. Kitchen
• E. Bathroom
• F. Floors and tiles
• G. Window frames
• H. Painting
• I. Insulation / energy upgrades
• J. Finishing works

This makes it easier to see where most of the capital is going.

Is it worth renovating an old home?

The answer depends on the specific property.

A renovation can improve the functionality, aesthetics and energy performance of a home.

It can also adapt an old apartment to modern needs without having to move.

IG Constructions undertakes both partial and full renovations of homes and commercial spaces, as well as projects in Attica and other parts of Greece.

Frequently asked questions about renovation cost

How much does a home renovation cost?

There is no single price that applies to every home. The cost depends on the square metres, the condition of the property, the works and the materials.

How much does a renovation cost per square metre?

The price per m² can be used as an initial indication, but on its own it is not a reliable final budget. The works and materials included in the price are decisive.

What costs the most in a renovation?

In a full renovation, the cost can be spread across many categories, such as installations, kitchen, bathroom, window frames, floors and bespoke builds. The breakdown differs from property to property.

How can I reduce the cost?

The best way is proper planning before the project starts, prioritising your needs and comparing detailed quotes.

Is a partial renovation cheaper?

A partial renovation usually requires less initial capital, but the right choice depends on the condition of the property and the works needed.

Conclusion

Home renovation cost shouldn't be treated as a simple number per square metre.

The real price is shaped by the condition of the property, the type and extent of the works, the installations, the quality of the materials and the choices made during design.

Before you start, it's important to know exactly what the property needs, which works you want to carry out and what your available budget is.

A detailed technical study and a clear quote can help you avoid unpleasant surprises and organise your investment better.

IG Constructions undertakes full and partial renovations of houses and apartments, with site visits, design, costing and project supervision.

If you are thinking of starting a renovation, the first step is a proper assessment of the property and a detailed budget based on the real needs of the space.