“How much does a home renovation cost?” has no single answer, because two flats of the same size can differ several times over in price. The difference comes not from the square metres but from the scope. This article explains the factors behind the cost and how to plan a budget properly. It does not give a fixed figure — because a fixed figure can only be written after a site consultation.
The 8 factors behind the cost
- Scope: cosmetic only (paint, flooring), or a full renewal including services?
- Area: the total rises with size, but the cost per square metre usually falls.
- Material grade: there is a marked difference between economy, mid-range and premium; flooring and furniture widen that gap the most.
- Layout changes: moving a kitchen or bathroom increases plumbing, screed and waterproofing costs.
- Building age and condition: old services, failed plaster and damp problems all mean extra work.
- Number of wet rooms: bathrooms and kitchens are the most expensive areas per square metre (services, waterproofing, tiling, sanitaryware).
- Bespoke work: made-to-measure furniture, concealed-lit ceilings, herringbone parquet and other labour-intensive items.
- Logistics: no lift, narrow streets, distance for debris removal.
Renovation levels by scope
| Level | Scope | Cost impact |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | Paint, flooring, doors, lighting | Lowest |
| Partial renewal | Cosmetic plus bathroom or kitchen | Medium |
| Full renewal | Services, plaster, drywall, flooring, wet rooms, furniture | High |
| Layout change | Full renewal plus wall removal and rerouted services | Highest |
The spread between these four levels for the same flat explains why “cost per square metre” is such a misleading question.
How to plan a budget
- Think item by item: instead of one total, split it into strip-out, services, plaster and screed, drywall, tiling, paint, flooring, furniture, sanitaryware and lighting.
- Decide material grade early: the grade you choose for flooring and furniture settles most of the budget.
- Hold a contingency: set aside an allowance for problems invisible at the consultation (old services, damp).
- Prioritise: if the budget is tight, put services and waterproofing first — the “invisible but impossible to add later” work. Cosmetic items can wait.
What to check when comparing quotes
- Is the scope itemised line by line?
- Is the material grade or brand specified, or vague terms like “first class”?
- Are strip-out, debris removal and cleaning included?
- Is payment tied to completed work or demanded up front?
- How will changes requested during the work be priced?
- Are the schedule and handover date in writing?
To compare quotes you must first equalise the scope; otherwise the cheap-looking quote grows with extras. For choosing a contractor, see what to look for in a renovation company.
Sensible ways to reduce cost
- Keep the existing layout where possible (services stay put)
- Choose materials once and on time (avoids waiting and change costs)
- Have several trades done by one team on one schedule (no coordination losses)
- Make every decision before the strip-out begins
Demgirişim provides an itemised written quote after a free consultation within Istanbul; in renovation and repair work, scope and material grade are fixed in the contract, so no surprise items appear mid-project.
Frequently asked questions
Why does renovation cost per square metre vary so much?
Because a rate per square metre says nothing about scope. There can be a several-fold difference between paint-and-flooring only and a full renovation including services. A sound comparison is only possible between quotes covering the same scope.
How much do renovation budgets overrun?
In projects with an itemised written quote and proper change management, overruns are limited. They usually come from decisions made mid-project and from problems invisible at the consultation; setting aside a contingency is sensible.
Is the cheapest quote the right one?
If the scope and material grade are identical, prices can be compared. Low quotes with vague scope and unspecified materials usually grow with extra items during the work.
The initial consultation and written quote for Renovation & Repair are free within Istanbul. Scope, duration and cost are confirmed after the consultation.