What It Costs: Realistic Ranges
The cost depends on the depth of the intervention. Here's an honest distinction between three levels of renovation:
For a complete renovation of a 100 sqm apartment, the typical range is 80,000-140,000 €, including good quality standard finishes. Bathrooms and kitchen alone can easily account for 35-45% of the total.
| Type of Intervention | Approximate Range per Sqm |
|---|---|
| Light Refresh (painting, minor repairs, furnishings) | 80–200 €/sqm |
| Partial Renovation (bathrooms, kitchen, flooring) | 400–800 €/sqm |
| Complete Renovation with New Systems | 800–1.400 €/sqm |
| Luxury Renovation / Villas | 1.400–2.500 €/sqm |
Active Tax Credits in 2026
The incentive framework changes every year with the Budget Law: rates and maximum limits must be verified at the start of work. However, the three main channels remain stable: renovation bonuses for building works, eco-bonuses for energy efficiency, and furniture bonuses linked to renovation.
We always provide the necessary documentation for your accountant: itemized invoices, dedicated bank transfers, and, where required, technical certifications. The client's consultant handles the tax filing, but the construction site must generate correct paperwork from day one.
Realistic Construction Timelines
A complete apartment renovation generally requires 3-5 months: two weeks for demolitions and preparations, six to ten weeks for systems and masonry work, followed by finishes, installations, and final testing. Villas and historic apartments with conservation constraints require more time; condominium projects are subject to strict timing and access restrictions.
The Most Costly Mistakes
Three recurring errors in residential construction sites: starting without an executive project (every decision made during construction costs double), choosing finishes when the site is already active instead of beforehand, and failing to budget for a 10% contingency fund — in homes over thirty years old, there are always surprises behind the walls.
Our Method in Residential Projects
A single point of contact, fixed cost estimate before project commencement, clean and protected construction site, regular photographic updates for remote clients. We often collaborate with the client's architecture firms: they design, we execute, ensuring timelines and compliance.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need permits to renovate an apartment?
- For interior works without structural modifications, a simple notification is usually sufficient; for moving load-bearing partitions, modifying facades, or changing use, more complex procedures are required. We verify the necessary building permit with the Municipality.
- Can I live in the house during the renovation?
- Technically possible for partial interventions organized room by room, but for complete renovations, we advise against it: timelines, dust, and noise can negatively impact both the construction process and your quality of life.
- Do tax credits also apply to secondary homes?
- Generally, building bonuses also apply to properties not used as a primary residence, with specific rules for rates and maximum limits: the client's accountant confirms the specific case, and we produce the correct technical and administrative documentation.
Translated from the Italian original. Contact us for the official version.