Anyone planning a renovation this year may find costs harder to predict than ever before. Ongoing pressure on material supplies and a shortage of available tradespeople are contributing to higher project costs across the market.
The Expert’s Advice
Darren Drumm, Founder of Drumm Carpentry, Kitchens & Wardrobes, explains that renovation budgets depend heavily on the type and extent of work being carried out. Light refurbishment projects can cost between €800 and €1,200 per m² (£680-£1,020), while comprehensive renovations and retrofits may range from €2,500 to more than €3,500 per m² (£2,125-£2,975+).
For a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house, homeowners should expect:
* A total spend of roughly €150,000-€250,000 (£127,000-£212,000).
* Additional costs for VAT, waste removal, and professional consultants.
* A contingency fund of approximately 15%.
Labour costs continue to be a major contributor to overall project expenses.
“Demand for electricians, carpenters, plumbers and retrofit specialists remains high, with many trades booked out months in advance. The more complex the work becomes, the faster costs rise. Structural changes such as removing walls or relocating plumbing during a fitted kitchen renovation often require multiple trades and significantly more labour hours.”
While structural projects can quickly increase budgets, Darren says decorative improvements tend to be more predictable. Homeowners renovating bathrooms or bedrooms can often save money by keeping designs straightforward and avoiding unnecessary complexity.
Strategies that can help reduce costs include:
* Maintaining existing plumbing and wiring layouts.
* Opting for quality mid-tier finishes.
* Updating current fixtures and features instead of replacing them.
* Splitting renovation work into stages.
At the same time, Darren cautions against cutting costs in areas that affect safety and long-term performance.
“Electrical work, plumbing, insulation and structural integrity should always remain a priority. There is some good news for homeowners planning energy-efficient upgrades, though, as grants and green loans are continuing to make renovations more achievable in 2026.”
Irish homeowners can benefit from grants covering insulation and energy-efficient window and door upgrades. Green renovation loans remain available, commonly offering rates around 6-7% APR.
Across the UK, support may be available through programmes such as the Warm Homes Plan, alongside proposed low-cost financing options for energy-saving home improvements.
