Renovating apartment interiors is an ambitious project that requires careful planning. In 2025, the average cost of a complete renovation ranges between €1,000 and €1,500 per m², depending on the scope of the work and the materials chosen.
Whether you’re planning to renovate a kitchen or bathroom, improve energy insulation, or rethink the layout of your rooms, each step must be carefully orchestrated. Renovation work, whether it concerns walls, floors, or windows, must comply with current standards and fit within a realistic budget. In Paris, for example, the energy renovation of an apartment costs an average of €742 per m² .
To help you with this project, here are some practical tips and information on available financial aid . It’s also important to emphasize recommendations for choosing the right craftsmen and materials. It will help you avoid common mistakes and prioritize the essential work to transform your apartment into a place that’s aesthetically pleasing, functional, and sustainable.
What should you remember before starting the renovation project?
It’s important to understand the implications of this practice before you begin. To do this, you need to define the project you want to launch. This involves evaluating the improvement you want to begin.
Understanding the challenges of renovating apartment interiors
Renovating an apartment is a major project that involves technical work, a specific budget, and several steps to follow. Interior renovations can include major work or a simple refresh .
In Paris, as elsewhere in France, the cost and duration of renovations vary depending on the condition of the home. Reorganizing the space, improving energy insulation, or renovating a bathroom are all common motivations. Renovating a home increases its real estate value while improving the comfort of its occupants.
A renovation company can assist you every step of the way, from quotes to finishing touches. Hiring an architect or qualified craftsmen ensures a project that complies with current standards. Each renovation project must be designed according to the constraints of the co-ownership, especially in apartments.
Define your interior renovation project
Renovating apartment interiors include freshening up paint, renovating the kitchen, and redoing flooring. They also include modernizing technical installations, such as electrical systems, plumbing , and windows. Some renovations focus on optimizing and improving the home’s energy efficiency. In older homes , renovations become urgent to meet safety and energy performance standards.
It’s essential to estimate the overall cost of the project from the project definition phase. Prioritize strategic areas like the bathroom, kitchen, living room, or bedroom, depending on the condition and budget. Good professional support facilitates each step and reduces unforeseen events. Advice from an architect or project manager is useful for optimizing the work and complying with building codes.
Assess the current condition of your home
Start with a comprehensive assessment of the apartment’s walls, floors, ceilings, technical installations, and insulation. The DPE (Energy Performance Assessment) is mandatory and helps guide priority energy-related work. This is a key aspect of the project, particularly when it comes to obtaining certain financial aid programs such as MaPrimeRénov’. A home in poor condition often requires the electrical, plumbing, or interior woodwork to be redone.
In older apartments , load-bearing walls should be carefully assessed by a specialist company. Obtain a detailed estimate for each room to be renovated, such as the bathroom, kitchen, and bedrooms. Upstream technical expertise can help avoid additional costs or extending the project duration. A precise diagnosis guides the choice of materials and the work to be prioritized according to budget and standards.
Budget and financing for renovating apartment interiors
Renovating an apartment involves a variety of work, with a budget that depends on the areas involved and the materials chosen. Costs are generally higher in Paris or the Île-de-France region, depending on the size and initial condition of the property. Prices in 2025 range between €1,000 and €1,500 per m² for a complete renovation in France. The main expenditure items include floors and walls. There are also electrical installations, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Insulation or upgrading work represents an essential, yet sustainable, investment. Budgets can be reduced thanks to incentives such as reduced VAT, MaPrimeRénov’, eco-loans, or local subsidies. Support from a qualified company facilitates the preparation of a financing application. Clients should always compare multiple quotes to optimize the quality/price ratio of services. Consulting an architect is recommended for major projects or condominiums.
Comparative table of average apartment renovation costs (2025) | ||
Type of renovation | Price per m² (€) | Localisation (Paris vs Province) |
Light refreshment | 420 – 700 € | Paris +10 to 30% vs Province |
Partial renovation | 700 – 1 100 € | Paris +10 to 30% vs Province |
Complete renovation | 820 – 1 350 € | Paris +10 to 30% vs Province |
Energy renovation | Varies depending on solutions | Possible subsidies depending on the region |
Prices include labor and materials. Costs in Paris include additional charges for urban logistics. Energy renovations are eligible for assistance (MaPrimeRénov’). Request at least three comparative quotes. | ||
The key steps to a successful apartment renovation
Take the time to learn about the steps involved in renovating the interior of your home. This will give you the opportunity to check that the work is being carried out properly by the craftsmen.
Planning and preparation of the site
Administrative procedures include obtaining a preliminary declaration of work and a building permit for projects that modify the exterior appearance, and a building permit for structural alterations. In co-ownership, the approval of the property manager and the internal regulations are essential. Here are the steps not to be overlooked before starting work:
- Consult the co-ownership regulations and inform the trustee
- Obtain regulatory authorizations (building permits, prior declaration)
- Prepare a detailed budget and allow for a safety margin
- Choose qualified professionals (RGE, Qualibat) and check their insurance
A work schedule must structure the work. Demolition precedes the structural work (electrical, plumbing), followed by the finishing work (insulation, cladding) and finishing touches. Proper anticipation facilitates coordination between tradespeople and reduces the risk of delays. The specific constraints of co-ownerships require clear communication with neighbors to limit resistance.
The optimal order of renovation work
The order of work follows a precise logic: demolition, structural work, finishing work and then finishing . This sequence avoids unnecessary rework and guarantees a smooth construction site.
The technical phases follow one another methodically. After demolition (removal of partitions, removal of old materials), the structural work includes the electrical networks and technical installations.
The second phase involves insulation, lightweight partitions, and flooring. Finally, the finishing touches (painting, fittings) give the home its final appearance. In an apartment, constraints influence the logistics of materials and the organization of teams.
Major interior renovation work
Some interventions should be prioritized over others. This will make it easier to achieve your desired goals.
Renovation of living spaces
Living spaces can benefit from numerous design solutions. Changing the flooring, repainting the walls, or incorporating custom storage can maximize space and give these central spaces a new lease of life.
To optimize space and brightness , several tips are essential. Light colors visually enlarge renovated areas. Furniture arrangement promotes better circulation. Discover apartment design tips for a functional and spacious interior.
Renovation of water features
Bathroom and kitchen renovations require specific technical skills. Waterproofing, electrical standards , and access to water systems must be perfectly mastered to ensure the safety and longevity of the installations.
Currently, bathroom renovation trends are leaning toward elegance and functionality. Moisture-resistant materials like glazed tiles and tempered glass are making their way into bathrooms. Mineral surfaces and designer faucets modernize the space while facilitating maintenance.
Energy improvement works
Improving a home’s energy performance requires targeted solutions. Thermal insulation, replacing old windows, or installing more efficient equipment can all help reduce energy bills.
Energy-efficient renovations offer a dual benefit: reduced energy costs and increased comfort. Optimal insulation limits temperature fluctuations. Government subsidies support these projects, making the investment more accessible. In the long term, these improvements add value to the property.
Choosing the right professionals for your renovation
Choosing the right craftsmen for your project shouldn’t be a hassle. You just need to take note of the right factors to find the right people.
Craftsmen or general contractor
The choice between independent craftsmen and general contractor depends on the project as is the case in this table:
Trades | Key skills | Areas of intervention |
Electrician | Electrical installation and repair | Complete electrical renovation |
Plumber | Pipes and sanitation | Bathrooms and kitchens |
Tiler | Installation of coverings | Wall and floor coverings |
Parquet layer | Wood coverings | Parquet floors and floorboards |
Specialized craftsmen guarantee precise work, while the general contractor coordinates the entire project. Certifications such as RGE and Qualibat ensure the professionals’ expertise. | ||
To verify a professional’s reliability, ask for RGE or Qualibat certifications. Consult the France Rénov’ directory to find recognized experts. Check their civil liability and ten-year insurance . Compare at least three quotes to assess the average cost of the work in your area. The goal is for each person involved in the project to fully meet your needs.
Monitoring and coordination of the construction site
Organize regular visits to monitor the progress of the work. Get involved in coordinating teams, especially in co-ownerships where there are many constraints.
Request a site log to document each step. Electrical (Consuel) and plumbing compliance certificates are required. A detailed schedule with validated milestones prevents delays. Keep proof of advance payments and invoices.
To manage unforeseen circumstances, allow for a 10 to 15% margin in the initial budget. Formalize each change with a contract amendment. Anticipate delays by organizing flexible time slots. Clear communication with contractors facilitates adjustments.
- Not checking craftsmen’s certifications
- Omit ten-year guarantees
- Signing without consulting the condominium regulations
- Skip intermediate validation steps
Construction site acceptance involves a thorough examination of finishes, equipment, and compliance. Record any reservations in a report signed by both parties. Any defects must be corrected within the contractual deadlines before final payment.
Renovating your home requires careful planning, a realistic budget, and the selection of qualified professionals. Prioritize strategic spaces, anticipate unforeseen events, and follow key steps for a successful project. A well-executed renovation today ensures optimized space, enhanced comfort , and increased value for your apartment .
FAQ
How much does it cost to insulate an apartment?
Internal wall thermal insulation (ITI) generally costs between 40 and 80 euros per square meter. It is often a more economical option than external insulation.
Several factors influence this price, and it’s possible to reduce expenses through financial assistance. Don’t hesitate to inquire about existing programs to optimize your budget.
How much does it cost to repaint an apartment?
The cost of repainting an apartment varies considerably depending on several factors. Among them, the surface area to be painted is crucial, as the larger it is, the greater the amount of paint and the time required. The type of paint used also influences costs, with higher-quality paints generally being more expensive.
The condition of the walls is another determining factor. If repairs are necessary (filling holes, sanding), this will increase the total budget. Finally, the cost of labor varies depending on the painter’s experience and the region. It is advisable to request several quotes to compare prices.
