Question 1

How much does renovation cost per square meter?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

Is a bathroom or kitchen more expensive to renovate?

Accepted Answer

Per square meter, a bathroom is significantly more expensive: €600–1,900/sqm versus €350–1,400/sqm 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.

Question 3

What KfW subsidies are available for renovation?

Accepted Answer

The KfW subsidizes individual energy measures (BEG EM): heat pumps at 30%, insulation and windows at 15%, solar thermal at 25%, and pellet heating at 20%. An additional 5% bonus is available with an individual renovation roadmap (iSFP). Funding is capped at €60,000 per measure per housing unit.

Question 4

How much can I save with DIY?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What do tradespeople charge per hour?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How long does a bathroom renovation take?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Am I required to do an energy retrofit? (GEG requirement)

Accepted Answer

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. From 2024, new heating systems must use at least 65% renewable energy.

Question 8

What are hidden renovation costs?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

When is a full renovation worth it vs. partial?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Which federal state has the highest labor costs?

Accepted Answer

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.

Guide: Renovation Cost Calculator

Renovation Costs in Germany 2026: Price Per Square Meter Guide

Bathroom Renovation Costs 2026: Complete Price Overview

Kitchen Renovation: What Does It Really Cost?

Energy Retrofit: Costs, Subsidies & Requirements 2026

KfW Subsidies 2026: Available Grants for Renovation

Tradesperson Hourly Rates in Germany 2026

DIY Renovation: What’s Worth Doing Yourself — and What Isn’t?