How much does renovation cost per square meter?

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.

Is a bathroom or kitchen more expensive to renovate?

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.

What KfW subsidies are available for renovation?

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.

How much can I save with DIY?

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.

What do tradespeople charge per hour?

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.

How long does a bathroom renovation take?

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.

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

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.

What are hidden renovation costs?

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.

When is a full renovation worth it vs. partial?

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.

Which federal state has the highest labor costs?

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.

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

DIY Renovation: Is It Worth It?

DIY work can save considerable costs during renovation. But not every task is suitable for the home handyman. In this guide, we show which jobs you can safely do yourself, where caution is needed, and when you should call in a professional.

Jobs Well-Suited for DIY

Painting and Wallpapering (Savings: 80 to 90 Percent of Labor Costs)

Painting is the classic DIY task. With some practice and good preparation (masking, priming), even amateurs achieve good results. Important: invest in quality tools (premium rollers, masking tape) and use quality paint. The time savings compared to cheap materials are considerable.

Laying Laminate and Vinyl Flooring (Savings: 60 to 80 Percent)

Click-lock laminate and click vinyl are designed for DIY installation. With a jigsaw, a tapping block, and some patience, you can lay a 20 square meter room in a weekend. Pay attention to proper impact sound insulation and leave expansion gaps at the edges.

Demolition and Disposal Work (Savings: 50 to 70 Percent)

Removing old wallpaper, tearing out carpet, or disposing of furniture is physically demanding but technically simple. Rent a skip (200 to 500 euros depending on size) and complete the demolition on the weekend before the tradespeople start.

Garden and Exterior Work (Savings: 40 to 60 Percent)

Patio construction with paving stones, fence building, and garden landscaping are well-suited for DIY. Leave major earthworks to a digger service.

Jobs You Should Leave to Professionals

Electrical Installation

Electrical work may only be carried out and certified by licensed contractors. DIY is not only dangerous here but also legally problematic: if damage occurs due to faulty electrical work, your insurance may refuse to pay. Exception: simple tasks like mounting light fixtures or changing outlet covers are permitted.

Plumbing

Water connections and drainage pipes require expertise and specialist tools. An improperly installed drain pipe or leaky connection can lead to water damage costing thousands of euros. Simple tasks like changing faucets or replacing a toilet seat can be done yourself.

Load-Bearing Walls

Any work on load-bearing walls requires a structural engineer and a building permit. Even removing a seemingly non-load-bearing wall should be checked by an expert beforehand.

Roof Work

Work on the roof is not only dangerous (fall risk) but also requires specialist knowledge in waterproofing. A faulty roof repair can lead to water infiltration and mold growth.

Realistic Cost Calculation

A common mistake with DIY is underestimating the time required. Rule of thumb: multiply your estimated time by a factor of 2 to 3. A professional painter paints a 20 square meter room (ceiling and walls) in 4 to 5 hours. An experienced DIYer needs 8 to 10 hours, and a beginner 12 to 15 hours.

Also factor in tool and material costs: a good drill (100 to 200 euros), jigsaw (50 to 150 euros), masking films, sandpaper, and small items quickly add up to 200 to 500 euros. However, you can reuse these tools for future projects.

Our Tip: The Golden Middle

The most efficient strategy is a combination of DIY and professional work. Handle the preparation (clearing, demolition, masking) and the simpler finishing tasks (painting, laying flooring) yourself. Leave the technically demanding work (electrics, plumbing, tiling) to professionals. This saves 20 to 30 percent of total costs without taking risks.

Our renovation cost calculator shows you the potential savings from DIY directly in the results. Set the DIY slider to your desired percentage and instantly see how the costs change.