How Much It Costs: Realistic Ranges
The cost depends on the depth of the intervention. An honest distinction between three levels of work:
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 | Indicative Range Per Sqm |
|---|---|
| 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 Relief Schemes in 2026
The incentive framework changes annually with the Budget Law: rates and maximum limits should be verified at the start of works. However, the three main channels remain stable: renovation bonuses for building works, ecobonus for energy efficiency, and furniture bonuses linked to renovation.
We always provide the necessary documentation for the accountant: detailed invoices, dedicated bank transfers, and, where required, technical certifications. The client's consultant handles the tax practice, but the construction site must produce correct paperwork from day one.
Realistic Construction Timelines
A complete renovation of an apartment generally takes 3-5 months: two weeks for demolition and preparatory work, six to ten weeks for systems and masonry, then finishes, installations, and final testing. Villas and historic apartments with restrictions require more time; construction sites in condominiums are subject to specific hour and access limitations.
The Most Costly Mistakes
Three recurring mistakes in residential projects: starting without an executive design (every decision made during construction costs double), choosing finishes when the site is open instead of beforehand, and not setting aside a 10% contingency fund — in houses older than thirty years, some surprises behind the walls are always to be expected.
Our Method in Residential Projects
A single point of contact, a fixed budget agreed before commencement, a clean and protected construction site, and regular photographic updates for those not on location. We often collaborate with the client's architectural firms: they design, we build and guarantee timelines and compliance.
Frequently asked questions
- Are permits needed to renovate an apartment?
- For internal works without structural modifications, a simple communication is usually sufficient; for moving load-bearing partition walls, altering facades, or changing intended use, more complex procedures are required. We will verify the necessary building permit with the Municipality.
- Can I live in the house during the works?
- Technically possible for partial interventions organised room by room, but for complete renovations, we do not recommend it: timelines, dust, and noise negatively impact both the construction site and your quality of life.
- Are tax relief schemes also valid for a second home?
- In general, building bonuses also apply to properties not used as a main residence, with specific rules for rates and maximum limits: the client's accountant confirms the specific case, we produce the correct technical and administrative documentation.
Translated from the Italian original. Contact us for the official version.