Renovation Cost Calculator

Costs vary significantly by room type and quality level. Living rooms run €100–400/m², bathrooms €600–1,900/m², and kitchens €350–1,400/m². Regional differences (Bavaria up to +15%) and building age further influence prices. Our calculator factors in all of these for a realistic estimate.

Per square meter, a bathroom is significantly more expensive: €600–1,900/m² versus €350–1,400/m² for a kitchen. However, kitchens are often larger and a new fitted kitchen alone can cost €3,000–20,000. In absolute terms, both frequently land in the €8,000–25,000 range.

The Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG) pays a 30% base subsidy for heating replacement (KfW, as of the 21 July 2026 reform) for heat pumps, biomass and solar thermal, plus for owner-occupiers up to 16% climate speed bonus and a 10–40% income bonus (max. 80%, eligible costs max. €28,000 for the first housing unit). Insulation, windows and ventilation (BEG individual measures via BAFA) receive 15%, or 20% with an individual renovation roadmap (iSFP); eligible costs are up to €30,000 per housing unit per year (€60,000 with iSFP).

DIY can reduce labor costs — realistically 20–40% savings on simple tasks like painting, wallpapering or laying laminate. For electrical work, plumbing and load-bearing walls, always hire professionals. Our calculator shows potential savings based on your chosen DIY percentage.

Hourly rates vary by trade between €40 and €80 net: painters around €40–55, tilers €45–65, electricians €50–70, and plumbers €55–80. In southern Germany and Hamburg, prices are up to 15% higher than in eastern Germany.

A standard bathroom renovation takes 2–4 weeks, depending on scope and size. Simple re-tiling and fixture replacement can be done in 2 weeks, while a complete renovation with layout changes can take up to 6 weeks. Plan an additional 1–2 weeks of lead time for material orders.

Germany’s Building Energy Act (GEG) mandates certain retrofit obligations upon change of ownership: insulation of the top-floor ceiling, replacement of old oil/gas boilers (over 30 years), and minimum standards. The former 65% renewable-energy requirement for new heating systems was abolished by the Building Modernisation Act (in force since 29 July 2026); newly installed gas and oil heating systems must, however, use rising shares of CO2-neutral fuels from 2029 (10% from 2029, 15% from 2030, 30% from 2035, 60% from 2040).

Commonly underestimated costs include: debris disposal (€500–2,000), site setup, unexpected damage behind tiles or under floors, building permits for structural walls, and temporary accommodation during renovation. Always plan a 10–15% buffer.

A full renovation makes sense when more than 50% of the building fabric is affected, the building was constructed before 1970, and all building services need replacing. For newer buildings or when only individual rooms are affected, targeted partial renovation is usually more cost-effective.

Bavaria and Hamburg are the most expensive with a ~15% surcharge, followed by Baden-Württemberg (+12%) and Hesse (+10%). Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia are cheapest at about 15% below the national average. These regional differences are automatically factored into our calculator.