Apartment Renovation in Montpellier: The Winning Strategy for Success in 2024

Apartment Renovation in Montpellier concerns you if you are a property owner, whether landlord or occupant, looking to maximize your real estate investment in this city. Improvement and maintenance works are indeed mandatory after a few years of owning your property. This is also the case if you have just purchased an old property in the city. Over time, your asset may develop cracks in the interior walls, facade, roof, and floor. Similarly, your electrical system and plumbing deteriorate with continued use. Consequently, your interior may experience thermal, acoustic, and, of course, aesthetic discomforts. Faced with this situation, you will need to undertake a renovation project to bring your real estate up to standard. This not only reduces your energy bills but also enhances the value of your assets and improves your quality of life. Find in the following lines your key information to successfully renovate your apartment in Montpellier.

What are the different types of apartment renovation works in Montpellier?

"Is your residence in poor condition or do you want to give it a fresh look? Here are the various types of renovation work to be carried out within an apartment in Montpellier."

The renovation works of the structural work and masonry.

For an apartment, as for a house, structural work involves the framework of the building. This includes the elements ensuring the solidity, stability, and waterproofing of the structure. Therefore, their renovation is particularly delicate since the activities involve the very structure of the apartment or the house.

In general, the renovation works for the structural framework and masonry in an apartment in Montpellier include:

• •  – Removing a load-bearing wall as part of a lateral extension,

• •  – Creating a load-bearing wall as part of a bathroom or kitchen remodeling project,

• •  – Sealing off doors and windows as part of a project to create another living space within your interior,

• •  – Changing or installing windows,

• •  – Renovating and designing a masonry terrace,

• •  – Facade renovation works,

• •  – Attic and roof renovation (if the accommodation is located on the top floor).

The renovation of the structural work also includes creating partitions to optimize the layout of your interior. This is also the case for setting up a mezzanine, a concrete staircase, and a fireplace.

Regarding the price, the cost of structural renovation varies depending on the scope of the work and the artisans involved, including masons and architects. It generally falls within the range of 600 to 1,500 €/m², including labor costs.

Renovation of an apartment's energy efficiency in Montpellier

If you notice a sensation of cold inside your home, it's time to renovate its energy efficiency!

The thermal insulation works

À Montpellier, comme partout en France, la rénovation énergétique est obligatoire dès lors qu’un bâtiment et une maison sont qualifiés d’énergivores. Les informations indiquant les performances énergétiques de votre appartement se trouvent dans son DPE (Diagnostic de performance énergétique).

Is your accommodation classified in class F or G? Significant renovation work is recommended to improve the energy performance of your property and reduce your energy consumption. To do this, you should start with the thermal insulation project of your property. In this context, the following works are to be planned:

• •  – Roof insulation: Especially recommended during the renovation of a house, but can also apply to an apartment located on the top floor;

• •  – Wall insulation (interior or exterior).

• •  – Floor insulation (insulation above or below if your accommodation is on the ground floor and has a basement).

• •  – l’isolation du plafond en utilisant un faux plafond ou autres méthodes ;

• •  – Window insulation by installing double glazing.

As an estimate, insulating the walls and floor of your apartment in Montpellier can save you up to 35% of your energy consumption.

Regarding the prices of insulation works for an apartment in Montpellier, they range from 45 to 85€/m² for the walls and from 15 to 30€/m² for the floor. For the installation of double-glazed windows, the costs range from 400 to 1,400 euros.

Renovating the Heating System

After insulation work, it is important to properly renovate your heating system to optimize energy performance within your interior. For this, you have various options.

Economical, efficient, and environmentally friendly, the Air/Water Heat Pump (AWHP) is a heating system that operates on renewable energy. This device harnesses its heat from the ambient air outside the building. Here are its key features:

• •  – The heat pump consists of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, which can be installed either on the ground or attached to your facade.

• •  – It provides both heating within your interior and the production of hot water for sanitary purposes.

• •  – The heat pump integrates well with your existing central heating system, without requiring changes to your heat emitters.

• •  – Its performance is linked to outdoor temperatures.

However, the purchase price of a heat pump (4,000 to 10,000 euros) can be more expensive compared to that of a gas boiler. Additionally, it requires regular maintenance and annual servicing, depending on its model and brand.

Furthermore, if you're looking to adopt an eco-friendly, efficient, and cost-effective solution, wood heating is a trendy renovation option. Essentially, wood is an inexpensive and renewable fuel (if sustainable forest management strategies are followed). For this type of heating system, you have the choice between log boilers, pellet boilers, or wood chip boilers.

Gas heating, on the other hand, is a high-performance solution available at relatively lower prices compared to a heat pump. However, it is more expensive than a wood system. In this option, you can choose to install either a low-temperature boiler or a condensing boiler (more economical solutions compared to standard gas boilers).

As for electric heating systems, they offer a 100% efficiency rate since no energy loss occurs during heat production. Moreover, the purchase and installation prices can be less expensive compared to a heat pump or wood heating appliances. However, electric appliances are known to be very energy-intensive. Therefore, it's essential to make the right choice considering your budget and energy needs.

The renovation work inside the wet rooms

Lors de la rénovation de votre appartement à Montpellier, la salle de bain et la cuisine sont à traiter délicatement.

Bathroom renovation

Your bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in your apartment or house. In this room, moisture and electricity coexist, which can lead to serious accidents if not careful. Therefore, before starting the renovation work, make sure to check for any potential water leaks, for example.

To perfect the renovation of your bathroom, the following works are to be planned:

• •  – Renovation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of plumbing and electrical connections.

• •  – Adjustment of lighting, air conditioning, or ventilation systems.

• •  – Repainting of the walls and ceiling.

• •  – Renovation of the bathroom's insulation.

• •  – Installation or removal of a shower and bathtub.

• •  – Renovation of floor and wall coverings (tile installation).

• •  – Furnishing, and final decoration in your bathroom.

If you find your bathroom too narrow and you're looking to widen it, masonry work is necessary. This includes demolishing a wall or partition as part of your extension project.

In Montpellier, the prices for bathroom renovation works vary between 300 to 1,500 €/m², depending on the project's characteristics.

Kitchen Renovation

Like a house, apart from the bathroom, the kitchen and dining area are also focal points in your apartment. Renovating them is a significant project aimed at improving your living environment and enhancing your heritage.

To renovate your kitchen effectively, various tasks are necessary, depending on its current condition and the desired final outcome. Typically, your activities proceed as follows:

• •  – Removal of unwanted elements in your kitchen (cabinetry, tiling...) ;

• •  – Plumbing and electrical installation, replacement, and repair work.

• •  – Installation of new wall and floor coverings;

• •  – Installation of furniture, worktops, and appliances;

• •  – Installation of the backsplash on the kitchen wall;

• •  – Decoration and finishing works, such as painting and space arrangement.

In general, kitchen and bathroom renovation can take one to two weeks in Montpellier, as elsewhere in France.

As for the budget required to carry out kitchen renovation works in Montpellier, you can expect an amount ranging from 600 to 700 €/m², on average.

Plumbing Renovation

To keep your plumbing system fully functional and maintain its quality, it's essential to regularly perform maintenance work. This allows you to check its overall condition and detect any potential water leaks in the pipes, for example. Moreover, you may need to carry out troubleshooting to address any issues. However, if your installation is too outdated, you'll be required to renovate it.

Depending on the condition of the plumbing system, plumbing renovation can involve minor tasks such as replacing faucets, changing the water heater, or installing a mixer tap. However, if the entire network is very old and corroded, you should consider a complete overhaul of your plumbing.

In terms of pricing, plumbing renovation costs can vary depending on the size of the apartment or house. The number and characteristics of the equipment to be replaced also have a major impact on your quote. For example, repairing a water leak in your kitchen or bathroom can cost between 150 to 250 euros.

The renovation works of the electricity

During apartment renovation in Montpellier, the electrical system is a significant aspect that cannot be overlooked. In this context, the works can vary in scale and cost, especially if there has been no maintenance for years. However, in Montpellier, like in all cities in France, electrical installations within a household must comply with the French standard NFC 15-100.During apartment renovation in Montpellier, the electrical system is a significant aspect that cannot be overlooked. In this context, the works can vary in scale and cost, especially if there has been no maintenance for years. However, in Montpellier, like in all cities in France, electrical installations within a household must comply with the French standard NFC 15-100.

To better renovate the electrical system within your home, here are the various tasks that you may encounter:

• •  – Developing the plan for the future electrical installation in each room of your home,

• •  – Dismantling the old installation,

• •  – Locating and marking the placement, and installing electrical outlets and power supplies (according to the pre-established renovation plan),

• •  – Installing flush-mounted boxes and creating chases in the walls and ceilings,

• •  – Inserting conduits and plastering over the chases in the walls and ceilings,

• •  – l’installation du tableau électrique,

• •  – Connecting the electrical installation to the ground.

In general, the price range for electrical renovation works falls between 50 to 200 €/m², depending on the specific tasks involved.

Interior Design and Decoration

To finalize your apartment or house renovation project in Montpellier, interior design and decoration work are essential to properly organize the space. Specifically, the layout is key to creating a comfortable living environment in your home.

When it comes to decoration, selecting the right furniture is essential for a well-organized interior. Begin by taking all necessary measurements before purchasing furniture. Additionally, consider the materials (wood, metal, or steel) from which it's made when choosing your furniture.

The trades required for apartment renovation in Montpellier

Renovating an apartment or house in Montpellier requires various skills, given the different tasks involved. The advice and services of craftsmen are essential. Here are the trades you need.

Interior Designer

As soon as you consider partial, complete, or extensive renovation work in your home, engaging an interior designer becomes essential. The advice and services of this qualified and experienced professional are crucial from the inception of the project until the handover. Specifically, the interior designer handles various key tasks to ensure a customized outcome for your renovation project, such as:

• •  – Conceiving your renovation project: As the project manager, their services cover feasibility studies, preparing the necessary urban planning documents and estimates, selecting craftsmen, choosing materials, and scheduling the work;

• •  – le suivi des travaux : durant toutes les étapes de la rénovation, l’architecte d’intérieur gère et organise les différents corps de métier présents sur le chantier. Il garantit au maître d’ouvrage le respect des délais impartis et l’exécution sur mesure du chantier ;

• •  – Handover of the work to the project owner: During the handover of keys to the owner, the interior architect must verify the work completed by the artisans and ensure that there are no defects.

In exchange for their services, the interior architect must be paid by the project owner. The fees for this professional are estimated at 7% to 10% of the overall budget for renovation work in Montpellier.

Bricklayer

The bricklayer is one of the primary trades required when your renovation involves masonry work. This is especially true if you plan to demolish or create an interior wall during a lateral extension in your home. Precisely, this artisan is the first point of contact when your renovation involves the structural work. In addition to the interior of your home, the bricklayer can also handle the refurbishment of your facade and the waterproofing of your residence. Moreover, their services are important if you plan to install a masonry terrace in your apartment.

The fees of a bricklayer typically vary depending on the work performed. They are not the same for all cities in France. In Montpellier, you can expect an average rate per square meter of €44.5 excluding taxes (HT).

Drywaller

The insulation work in your property must comply with the thermal regulations in force in France. To meet the imposed standards, the advice and services of specialized artisans are essential. In this regard, in addition to the waterproofing specialist, the drywaller is one of the main professions you need to engage to carry out your insulation project.

By definition, a drywaller is a professional specialized in insulation and interior fitting work. They intervene on the renovation site after the completion of the structural work. Indeed, as the name implies, the drywaller installs insulating panels on each wall, partition, and ceiling. This specialist also handles floor insulation, the installation of formwork and moldings, and finishing work in your interior.

In Montpellier, drywall services can cost you between €35 and €55/m², depending on the characteristics of the insulation work required.

Heating Engineer

The heating engineer is also among the list of trades required for the energy renovation of your apartment. This technician has a perfect command of all installation, maintenance, and repair work for heating appliances (installation and maintenance of heat pumps) and hot water production in your home. They also intervene in the installation of air conditioning and ventilation systems, such as installing a Mechanical Controlled Ventilation (MCV), radiators, or fans connected to water or electricity networks.

Currently, the hourly cost of a heating engineer's services varies from €32 to €62 excluding taxes in Montpellier.

Plumber

A plumber and heating engineer are two trades that generally have similar working methods. Concretely, both artisans are capable of installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing, sanitary, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation equipment. There is also the plumber-heating engineer, the versatile professional who handles both plumbing and heating work.

However, the plumber and heating engineer trades differ in the studies and training followed. In addition to plumbing work in your kitchen and bathroom, the plumber can also intervene in the installation or renovation of a swimming pool. Here, their tasks consist of ensuring the compliance and functionality of the piping network connected to your pool. They are also responsible for detecting water leaks and handling all repair work.

In the context of apartment renovation in Montpellier, the hourly rate for a plumber's services ranges from €40 to €70 excluding taxes, depending on the scope of the work.

Electrician

The installation, repair, and maintenance of the electrical system in an apartment are particularly delicate tasks. A small wiring error can lead to serious danger. Thus, hiring the services of a professional electrician is a wise idea.

During the complete renovation of your home, the electrician takes care of the installation, repair, and maintenance of your electrical system. In exchange for their services, this professional charges an hourly rate of €30 to €50, depending on the complexity of the network and the work required.

Painter

When it comes to apartment or house renovation, painting is always a significant task. It can involve all or part of your interior rooms (bedrooms, living room, bathroom, and kitchen) as well as exterior spaces such as the facade and terrace. In this context, hiring the services of a professional painter is an excellent solution if you want to revamp both your interior and exterior.

In terms of apartment renovation in Montpellier, a painter's mission is to prepare the surfaces (walls, facade, partitions, etc.) for painting, choose the suitable paint, and apply it to the walls. Their fees depend on the extent of the wall or facade to be renovated. Currently, the square meter rate for a painter is in the range of €30 to €40 excluding taxes in Montpellier.

Interior Decorator

For a customized interior design of your apartment in Montpellier, engaging an expert interior decorator is now an essential step. Their advice and services are significant supports for revamping each of your rooms, including your living room, kitchen, dining room, bathroom, and even your terrace.

The interior decorator helps you choose your decoration style and furniture (wooden or steel). They also ensure quality control of the craftsmen working on your interior design and decoration project.

In Montpellier, the fees of an interior decorator may vary depending on the room to be redone. For example, for kitchen design and decoration, they are approximately €490 excluding taxes, €420 excluding taxes for the bathroom, and €390 excluding taxes for the bedroom.

Entrusting your apartment renovation in Montpellier to a general building company.

Selecting and managing various artisans to carry out the renovation work on your apartment in Montpellier is a significant challenge. That's why it's more than beneficial to enlist the services of a general building company to realize your project. This competent entity already brings together all the necessary trades, including the architect, bricklayer, drywaller, heating engineer, plumber, electrician, and interior decorator.