The cost components
Work on an existing warehouse almost always breaks down into the same families of operations. Reviewing them in advance allows for the comparison of homogeneous quotes and helps to understand where a low figure simply indicates missing items.
The following values are orders of magnitude for works on existing buildings in good structural condition: they serve to set the budget and do not replace a detailed bill of quantities.
The initial conditions drive up the total cost: presence of materials requiring disposal, non-compliant systems, need for roof integration, and production constraints requiring work in shifts.
- Building works: flooring, concrete pours, openings, repairs, disposals.
- Electrical and lighting system: panels, lines, luminaires, emergency lighting.
- HVAC and air treatment system: heating, cooling, extraction.
- Internal spaces: offices, changing rooms, sanitary facilities, technical rooms, mezzanines.
- Safety and compliance: escape routes, compartmentalisation, signage, testing and commissioning.
- Exteriors: yards, fences, facades, roofing and flashing.
Indicative ranges per square metre
The following values are orders of magnitude for works on existing buildings in good structural condition: they serve to set the budget and do not replace a detailed bill of quantities.
The initial conditions drive up the total cost: presence of materials requiring disposal, non-compliant systems, need for roof integration, and production constraints requiring work in shifts.
| Intervention | Indicative Range |
|---|---|
| LED relamping with sensors | 12–28 €/sqm |
| New electrical distribution and panels | 30–70 €/sqm |
| Turnkey internal offices | 700–1,200 €/sqm |
| Changing rooms and sanitary facilities | 900–1,500 €/sqm |
| Continuous industrial flooring | 35–90 €/sqm |
| Comprehensive integrated refurbishment | 250–600 €/sqm |
Variables that influence the quote
The same work can cost very differently depending on the context. Before evaluating any figure, it is advisable to establish these points.
- Condition of the existing structure: structural surveys, asbestos, outdated systems.
- Production continuity: working at night or during plant shutdowns increases site costs.
- Office finish level: from functional space to representative executive suite.
- Electrical loads required by machinery: determines substation, panels, and lines.
- Urgency: compressed project schedules require more parallel teams.
Grants and tax credits
Investments in capital goods, energy efficiency, and training can access tax credits and incentive mechanisms that change annually. We do not handle these directly, but we prepare the technical documentation — bills of quantities, datasheets, reports — that the client's tax consultant uses for the application.
How to build a realistic budget
The process we recommend: technical survey, scope definition with the client, cost estimation by work family with a 10-15% contingency, and only then the final bill of quantities based on executive designs. Those who start with a per-square-metre price heard over the phone regularly encounter variations once the project is underway.
Frequently asked questions
- Is an architect's design needed before requesting a quote?
- No: we can start from a verbal description of the requirement. For complex interventions, we can develop the executive design ourselves, coordinating with the client's professionals.
- How long does it take to refurbish a 2,000 sqm warehouse?
- For an integrated project involving systems + internal spaces, it generally takes 4-8 months on site, which can be reduced by working in sections and utilising production shutdowns.
- Can work be carried out without stopping operations?
- In most cases, yes: we organise the site by zones, with physical barriers, protected routes, and invasive works concentrated at weekends or during scheduled shutdowns.
Translated from the Italian original. Contact us for the official version.