Apartment Renovation in Lyon: How to Go About It? (Budget, Plan, and Advice)

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Apartment renovation in Lyon is a key step for real estate investors as well as homeowners who want to increase the value of their property. By following this guide, you ensure the smooth progress of the steps to implement your project!

Renovation can take various forms, ranging from simple refreshments like painting, changing floor coverings, or complete renovation of the accommodation. This process includes upgrading electrical and plumbing installations, improving insulation, and completely transforming the space. For example, for an old apartment in the Saint-Genis-Laval neighborhood, a complete renovation may be necessary to update the facilities and improve insulation.

Furthermore, if you need to renovate your kitchen and bathroom, it is strongly recommended to hire a specialized company. These service providers have the necessary skills to manage the various aspects of renovation, including finishing works such as plumbing, electricity, and carpentry.

There are different grants and subsidies available for renovation works on your property in Lyon, especially for energy performance improvements. It is essential to inquire about these grants before starting any work. For example, if you plan to renovate an apartment in Sainte-Foy-Lyon, you may be eligible for assistance for energy renovation. To ensure the realization of your renovation project, it is important to understand and follow the steps that we will discuss in this article.

How to estimate the budget? 

To carry out your renovation project and ensure its smooth progress, it is essential to carefully plan your work budget and find out about the prices of the services envisaged.

Indeed, from one city to another, the services may not necessarily be the same. The price of renovation for your apartment in Lyon depends on several criteria that we will see.

Criteria on Which the Price Depends

Rénover un logement à Lyon nécessite la prise en compte de différents critères  pouvant influer sur votre budget travaux, à savoir :

  •  – Surface Area to Renovate : The price of real estate renovation is calculated based on the total area to be treated (renovating a large apartment will therefore be more expensive). 
  •  – Initial Condition of the Property : After a property diagnosis, you will see if the work consists only of updating the apartment or renovating the property from top to bottom.
  •  – Materials Used : The choice of flooring, coverings, or equipment can either multiply or not your budget.
  •  – Nature of the Work : Complex and numerous sites involve a significant cost to consider (a simple paint job is cheaper than a complete renovation).
  •  – Nature of the Property : Refurbishing a Haussmannian apartment is more expensive than refurbishing a student studio.
  •  – Choice of Professionals : Obviously, each renovation company in the city of Lyon has its own rates. By comparing quotes, you will be able to find a company offering services tailored to your budget.

Note that from the moment you touch plumbing and electricity, you will engage in a complete renovation.

On average, in major cities in France, the price of renovating an apartment practiced by each company is set per square meter. Prices range from €200 to €1,600, including installation and materials. To better understand, here is a table of different prices depending on the services requested.

Refreshment (€200 - €500/m²) Partial Renovation (€500 - €900/m²) Complete Renovation (€900 - €1,200/m²) Heavy Renovation (€1,200 - €1,600/m²)
Floor covering replacement Complete kitchen renovation Complete kitchen and bathroom renovation Complete overhaul of the dwelling - Deep overhaul of electrical and plumbing systems
Removing wallpaper and applying new wall paint Total transformation of the bathroom Complete window replacement Structural floor modification
Renewal of furniture and decoration Removal of non-structural partitions Construction or modification of drywall partitions - Comprehensive review of plumbing and electrical systems Replacement or removal of load-bearing walls - Other major structural modifications
  Architect consultation recommended Recommendation to hire an architect Architect required

The steps to follow for the smooth progress of the work

Transforming your property into a true gem requires implementing a process that will unfold in multiple phases. It is crucial to organize each phase meticulously, from project development to the execution of the work, including the selection of materials and obtaining necessary permits. For example, if you plan to renovate the kitchen and bathroom, you will likely need to engage a specialized interior renovation company in Lyon.

Retrofitting work can vary depending on the scale of the project, the complexity of the tasks, and the materials used. Therefore, it's essential to plan your renovation project thoroughly, clearly define your objectives, and choose the right architects, craftsmen, and qualified experts to assist you. Naturally, this entire process will require patience and courage, but the result will certainly be worth it, combining price and quality to meet the needs and expectations of your clients.

Execution of a Renovation Project in Lyon

Located in the heart of Lyon, on Rue Ménival, this renovation project showcases the transformation of a classic apartment into a modern and refined space. The goal was to create a living space that combines functionality with contemporary aesthetics while respecting traditional Lyonnaise architecture. Quality materials and attention to detail take center stage in every renovated room.

Zen Kitchen

The kitchen, now a model of functional minimalism, features clean lines with handle-less white cabinets and a quartz countertop. The window provides a green view and natural lighting that enhances the sense of space.

Minimalist living room

The living room, where simplicity blends with elegance, features a gray fabric sofa and a wooden coffee table, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The brushed metal pendant light and the wall artworks bring an artistic and modern touch.

Bright dining room

The dining room reflects a serene ambiance with its transparent acrylic chairs and large white table. The chosen lighting, combining a fixture with natural fibers and another with metal, creates an interesting interplay of textures.

Chic bathroom

The bathroom, transformed into a haven of peace, features a circular mirror with integrated lighting, a rectangular basin on a light wood cabinet, and gray wall tiles that evoke a refined urban touch.
 
 

The project was executed with the vision of maximizing natural light and selecting design elements that offer a clean and modern aesthetic, while still exuding warmth and relaxation. It's a renovation that honors the spirit of old Lyon while providing modern comfort and lifestyle.

Organizing According to the Type of Renovation

There are different categories of renovations ranging from simple maintenance to a major construction site, depending on the estimated work to be done. The choice of renovation type will depend on the initial condition of your apartment, which you can enhance through renovation.

For example, if you live in an old building in the Saint-Genis-Laval neighborhood, you'll need to bring the entire electrical and plumbing systems up to code, as well as undertake comprehensive insulation improvements. Renovation work can vary based on the project, the complexity of the tasks, and the materials used. Consequently, it's essential to organize your renovation project well to clearly plan your objectives and choose the right company to accompany you until the renovations are completed.

Types of Renovations Possible in an Apartment Presented in Table Format :

Renovation Type Description
Kitchen Renovation Replacement of cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring.
Bathroom renovation Replacement of bathtub or shower, sink, toilet, and tiles.
Plumbing renovation Replacement of old or damaged pipes.
Electrical renovation Updating electrical wiring and electrical panel to meet standards.
Insulation renovation Addition or replacement of insulation in walls, ceiling, and floor.
Flooring renovation Replacement of carpet, hardwood, or tile flooring.
Window renovation Replacement of old windows with energy-efficient models.
Wall and ceiling renovation Repair of water damage, mold, or cracks.
Paint renovation Painting of walls, ceilings, and woodwork.
Lighting renovation

Addition or replacement of fixtures to improve apartment lighting.

 

From the outside, an old house or apartment has that unique charm that can catch the attention of tenants. If you're considering investing in one, know that you'll have the advantage of acquiring a beautifully crafted home, either in a brick building or one with antique charm. It's often conveniently located, either in Lyon city center or close to transportation and amenities. 

Inside, these properties often offer spacious layouts, allowing you to convert a 2-room space into a 3-room one, create a house extension, or add a walk-in closet or second bathroom. Most homes in Lyon boast high ceilings (around 4 meters), a great advantage for planning optimal layouts.

For your apartment renovation, you can consider several upgrades, such as :

You have several options to efficiently reorganize your space. If your apartment allows it, consider demolishing a wall or partition and then creating an open kitchen or extending to add another room. For this, it's advisable to use the basic floor plan of your apartment or house to get an overview of the space. 

You can enlist the help of a specialized company, an interior architect, or a project manager to assist you in realizing this project in Lyon. They can provide you with a detailed quote if needed.

Bathroom Renovation

Has your bathroom seen better days? In older homes, this space is often just a functional water room. By renovating your apartment or house, you can modernize it! A fresh coat of paint can completely transform the look of your bathroom. Paint the wall in the color of your choice. Whether it's a duck blue, ochre yellow, or deep green, you can choose the paint that suits you. Also, dress up the floor and change the tiles for a perfect décor. For added comfort, you can install ventilation. It helps eliminate unpleasant odors quickly. Additionally, consider hiring a specialized company for its installation.

Kitchen Renovation

Does the kitchen in your Lyon apartment or house look a bit outdated? Don't worry! By starting renovation work, you'll achieve impeccable results. Building an open kitchen initially falls into the category of a complete renovation, but sometimes you won't need a huge sum to modernize it.  To freshen up your kitchen, start by painting the walls and eliminating the rustic effect. You can then redo the floor and replace faulty furniture. In Lyon, most tenants look for an apartment where the kitchen area is usually integrated into the large living space. They also appreciate having a good workspace and adequate lighting. With the help of an interior architect or project manager, you'll achieve a modern kitchen.

 

Note that if you enlist the services of professionals (mason, plumber, carpenter), don't hesitate to ask for a detailed quote. This will allow you to see if it's possible to renovate your kitchen or bathroom and find the right balance between your desires and your budget.

Renovating your apartment or house can increase its value, especially in terms of real estate resale, but also in terms of rental value. Moreover, this has been proven in the city of Lyon. If your apartment is located in a highly sought-after area by buyers, you'll gain a very interesting added value.

To increase the value of your property, you have 4 renovation options to consider :

Note that complete renovation requires the intervention of an interior architect. For heavy renovation, their assistance remains mandatory. 

Well-insulated walls and roof, properly installed heating and ventilation, thoughtful layout and decoration... what better way to attract tenants and buyers in Lyon?

Available assistance for renovating your property

There are various aids and subsidies available for renovation work in Lyon, especially for projects aimed at improving energy performance. It's crucial to inquire about these aids before starting the work. For example, if you plan to renovate an apartment in Sainte-Foy-Lyon, you may be eligible for energy renovation aids. Several programs can help finance your renovation project, such as MaPrimeRénov’, the eco-PTZ, or even ANAH grants. It's also possible to benefit from certain local aids, depending on your situation and the type of work you're considering. Don't hesitate to inquire with the relevant organizations to find out what aids you can apply for.

One of the main aids available is MaPrimeRénov’, a state aid aimed at encouraging energy renovation work. It's accessible to all homeowners, whether they reside there or rent out their property. It can cover a significant portion of the cost of energy renovation work, depending on your income and the type of work carried out.

The eco-interest-free loan (eco-PTZ) is another program that can help finance your renovation work. It's an interest-free loan that can be used to finance energy renovation work. The eco-PTZ is accessible without income conditions and can be combined with other aids.

Finally, the National Housing Agency (ANAH) also offers aids for renovation work. These aids are distributed to owner-occupiers, landlords, and condominiums. They can cover part of the cost of renovation work, depending on the applicant's situation and the type of work carried out.

It's important to note that these aids are often subject to the completion of work by certified RGE (Recognized Guarantor of the Environment) professionals. Therefore, it's essential to choose qualified professionals to carry out your renovation work.

 

What should you remember for renovating my apartment?

As you've understood, renovating your apartment is beneficial provided that you plan the actions to be taken properly and enlist the expertise of professionals in this field. Whether your property is intended for renting or for personal use, renovation is a key step that requires special attention. With a good understanding of your project and by involving the right promoters, your renovation project will proceed under the most optimal conditions.

Mathieu Amara

Mathieu Amara

Graduated in political science, I have always been passionate about renovation and construction work.

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