Estimate the cost of renovation work

Estimate the cost of renovation work

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Why is estimating renovation costs so important?

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Hello ! We've all seen a gorgeous dream kitchen or bathroom on Pinterest or in a showroom, and thought, "Oh, I wish it was like that in my house". But between inspiration and reality, there's often a world of difference... and a budget! When we look at prices in a showroom, we often see the cost of insulated elements, but is that really what we're going to pay? Often, this price doesn't include all the ancillary costs and services needed to transform this space into a real home project.

To avoid unpleasant surprises that could turn your dream into a nightmare, the first crucial step is to properly estimate the cost of your renovation project. Knowing how much the work will actually cost will enable you to make informed choices and avoid a final estimate that's much higher than expected.

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The pitfalls of showroom pricing

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The prices displayed in showrooms are generally for the purchase of materials or furniture. But what about the services required to install them? For your project to become a reality, it's not enough to simply buy the kitchen or bathroom; you also need to take into account the involvement of several tradesmen for installation and finishing.

Depending on the scope of the work, it may be necessary to call in :

• A plumber to connect pipes and manage sanitary installations
• An electrician to connect appliances or install new circuits if required
• A painter to touch up or redo walls
• A carpenter to fit and assemble furniture
• Sometimes even an interior designer to coordinate all the work.

These are all elements that you might not see at first glance in a showroom, but which can account for a significant proportion of the total budget.

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The trades and stages involved in a renovation project

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Even a simple renovation may require the involvement of several professionals to achieve a quality result. For example, for a turnkey kitchen, you'll need :

• Dismantle and remove the old kitchen
• Assemble and install new furniture
• Have appliances (oven, hob, dishwasher) connected by an electrician
• Touch up paint or tiles if the model is different

This type of work requires a great deal of planning to ensure that each stage runs smoothly and without unforeseen additional costs.

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How to calculate renovation costs by type of work

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The total cost of a renovation will obviously depend on the region where you live and the complexity of the work. In Switzerland, and particularly in Geneva where labor and material costs are often higher, you can use these estimates as a basis:

• Light renovations (paint refreshing, new floor coverings, minor work): between CHF 800 and CHF 1,200/m².
• Intermediate renovations (complete refurbishment of rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms, updating of electrical installations, work on walls and ceilings): between CHF 1,200 and 2,000/m².
• Complete renovations (structural renovation, replacement of technical installations such as boiler rooms, refurbishment of floors, walls and ceilings): between CHF 2,000 and CHF 3,500/m² and more for top-of-the-range services.

Example of a light renovation: repainting a 30 m² living room, laying new parquet and changing the lighting - between CHF 24,000 and CHF 36,000.

Example of an intermediate renovation: re-doing a kitchen, including tiling and electrical work - between CHF 36,000 and CHF 60,000.

Keep in mind that a large project will often have a lower cost per square meter than a smaller one, due to economies of scale.

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Get a personalized estimate

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Are you wondering how to accurately estimate the cost of your project? An on-site consultation with an interior designer will help you better assess the specific needs of your space, the trades required, and any structural constraints.

Practical tip: Before you start, make a list of the elements you want to renovate and the finishes you envisage. This will help you structure your budget and ask the right questions when consulting professionals.

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Conclusion

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A good estimate is the key to making your project a reality, with complete peace of mind. By taking every aspect into account - from the purchase of materials to installation and finishing work - you can avoid financial surprises and turn your vision of the perfect space into reality.

Do you have a project in mind? Contact me for a free initial consultation. Together, we'll assess your needs and design a customized estimate to turn your ideas into reality, with no surprises.

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