It's the first question people ask, and the hardest to answer without seeing the property. A price per square metre found online rarely gives a true picture, since two villas of the same size can need very different work. Here is a better way to think about it.
What weighs most on the budget
- The state of the services: replacing plumbing and electrics means opening up walls and floors.
- Waterproofing: a flat roof that needs redoing comes before everything else.
- Reorganization: moving a kitchen or bathroom costs more than renovating it in place.
- The level of finish: the range of materials and fittings can shift the total considerably.
- Outdoor areas: a pool, garden and boundary walls are sometimes a project in themselves.
Plan a reserve
A renovation always reveals surprises once finishes come off, especially in an older building. Keep a margin for the unexpected, and don't commit your whole budget to finishes before securing services and waterproofing.
Compare like with like
A lower quote is only interesting if it covers the same scope. Check what's included: demolition, removal, materials, protection and finishes. A detailed, itemized quote makes this comparison easier and limits nasty surprises.
Work in phases
If the budget is limited, break the project down. Begin with what protects the building, then what improves comfort, and finish with what beautifies. That's often wiser than a complete renovation done on the cheap.
The most reliable step is still a visit. A few photos are enough to start the conversation, and an on-site assessment then allows a real costing.
